We would most likely be in
agreement that we short change
our keepers by limiting their
technical and physical training
to kicking a few balls at them
followed by a shooting practice
where field players blaze the
ball wide or over the goal.
There are very few clubs or
teams that are fortunate enough
to have specific keeper training
personnel, yet that the goal
keeper is the only true
specialist on the team that
requires special training to
properly do their job.
Therefore, the head coach needs
to still take the time to help
the players wishing to play this
position by setting up practice
sessions that allow them to be
the main focal point, as well as
setting up some extra training
sessions that you can work with
them individually or assign them
some work that they can do
during their own time. In my
position I do have the luxury of
turning to coaching colleagues
who have plenty of expertise in
the position, and I have asked
them to share their thoughts and
opinions on how we can keep
developing our youth
goalkeepers.
Continuously educating yourself
about the game is important so
even if you are one of those
lucky coaches who can rely on a
specialized coach to help your
keepers you still need to take
the time to learn about the ways
you can help your #1 player.
Enjoy, see you
at the Far Post!
Adrian Parrish
Kentucky Youth Soccer Director of
Coach and Player Development
Below are four
sample lesson plans that focus on improving the technical
skills as well as the physical attributes of youth
goalkeepers. The plans were written and designed by several
staff members of the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association
Olympic Development Goalkeeping Coaching Staff.
We continuously encourage
“giving the game back to the children” and making them the
main focal point so to encourage your players solve the
problems and think for themselves with in each Key Coaching
Point Section you will now find a Guided Discovery question
which you can ask of your players when conducting these
sessions
Kentucky Youth Soccer Association recommends that you build
a library which you can use for
the season, you can do this by writing your own or using the
resources such as the
Lesson Plan Form or by visiting the Coach's Corner website
collection by clicking
here.
This
article was the first of many provided by the U.S. National Team
Goalkeeper Network addressing some of the areas of concern in youth
goalkeeping. The concept of the network was and still is to share
and not dictate information regarding goalkeeping issues in soccer.
We all have our own way of training keepers and as long as technique
is first and foremost in our training for youth goalkeepers, we will
all be on the same page and working towards a common goal.
One of the areas of concern that was raised by our
National Staff and Regional Goalkeeper Coaches is that it is
paramount as a basis for the future of our goalkeepers is: technique
– and the need for functional technical training.
Have a soccer question that
you would like to ask the State Director of Coach & Player
Development?
Q:
What is good age for a child to start specializing on playing
goalkeeper? Julio, Lexington, KY
A:Although
the US Youth Soccer does not recommend that we introduce that actual
position of goalkeeper to the game until the U10 level I do feel
that we need to introduce our youth soccer players to some of the
technical elements of what is required to be a goalkeeper as early
as U6. Children this young need to experience skills such as
rolling, throwing and catching the ball to help them improve with
their hand eye coordination as well as tumbling activities all which
will be required not just for goalkeeping but for general play and
physical development.
..more..
To read the rest of the answer and
more Q&As, please click here.
Over 70 drills
and exercises to develop speed, coordination and strength training
in are shown. Each exercise has been specifically designed for the
physical requirements of goalkeepers. Exercises for improving leg,
back and upper body strength, and mobility exercises for sideways,
backwards and forward movement are clearly demonstrated by Walter
Zenga and other professional keepers, as well as drills for
developing coordination and reaction time so critical in
goalkeeping.
Kentucky Youth
Soccer Association in conjunction with US Youth Soccer & United
States Soccer Federation to host a National Youth License Madison
Indoor Soccer Complex, Richmond, KY June 12th till June 17th 2009.
The National
Youth License, a U.S. Soccer course, focuses upon the nature of
children and the adjustments adults must make to coach them. The
course curriculum covers the ages of 6-12 years old. Each day of the
course, the focus is upon one of the traditional soccer age groups
of U6, U8, U10 or U12. The course combines both classroom (theory)
and field (practical) sessions. The course concludes with written,
oral and practical examinations. It is ideal for anyone hoping to
become a better and more effective coach to take this course. We
hope to see you in June.
To read more information or for an application,
click
here.
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our FREE Coaching Newsletter,
click here.
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