Integrating Your Goalkeeper: A Guide for Coaches

This article was written by our Co-Founder and Content Director, Mauricio Vargas. Mauricio also serves as the Director of Goalkeeping at FC Wichita and as an Assistant and Goalkeeper Coach at Friends University. Additionally, he was a former college player and played professionally for 8 years, including with the Costa Rica National Team.

Read time: 4 minutes.

Coaches! Do you ever feel that your goalkeeper's training lacks integration with the rest of the team's sessions? You're not alone. But listen up, because there's a better way! This article dives into three goalkeeper coaching methodologies. While one method focuses on specialized goalkeeper training, the other two are specifically designed to integrate goalkeepers seamlessly into team training sessions. We'll explore these two methods in detail, empowering you to effectively coach your goalkeepers even when they're not working directly with a dedicated goalkeeper coach. By implementing these strategies, you'll transform your goalkeeper from a lone defender into a stronger, more integrated part of the entire unit.

Of course, there's the traditional Coach-Goalkeeper method, where a specialized coach leads dedicated goalkeeper training sessions. This targeted approach offers undeniable benefits, allowing for in-depth technical work. However, the reality is that for many teams, especially at youth and amateur levels, access to a dedicated goalkeeper coach might be limited.

That's why we'll be focusing on two alternative methods that keep your goalkeeper engaged and feeling like part of the team:

• Coach-Players-Goalkeeper Method: This method utilizes teammates as servers during the warm-up phase, focusing on both goalkeeper development and fostering a sense of shared responsibility within the team.

• Coach-Team-Goalkeeper Method: This approach fully integrates goalkeeper training within team drills and scrimmages, allowing for tactical situation-specific training and real-time feedback.

By understanding these approaches and strategically positioning yourself during training, you can effectively develop your goalkeeper's skills and create a more cohesive team on the field.

Forget the Solo Act: Coach-Players-Goalkeeper Method

Let's ditch the isolated warm-up drills. The Coach-Players-Goalkeeper Method transforms your warm-up into a valuable training tool for both your goalkeeper and the entire team. Here's how it works:

• Early Focus on Goalkeeping: Start practice by putting the spotlight on your goalkeeper. This sets the tone for their importance and gets them warmed up and focused.

• Developing Team Awareness: Outfield players become servers, honing their passing skills – crucial for both attacking and defensive success. This emphasizes how their actions directly impact the goalkeeper, fostering a sense of shared responsibility on the field.

• Building Skills & Confidence: Your goalkeeper gets high-quality service while you, the coach, have the space to focus on the finer points of their technique.

• Smooth Transition to Game Play: The warm-up seamlessly progresses into game-like scenarios, ensuring a smooth transfer between drills and match situations.

Goalkeeper as Part of the Machine: Coach-Team-Goalkeeper Method

Now, let's take it a step further. The Coach-Team-Goalkeeper Method fully integrates goalkeeper training within team exercises. Here's the power of this approach:

• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Goalkeeper training becomes an organic part of team practice, not a separate entity. This builds a more cohesive unit on the field.

• Training in Context: Goalkeeper training is woven into the fabric of regular drills and scrimmages, making it relevant and practical.

• Specific Goal Setting: Communicate clear training objectives to your goalkeeper for each session, keeping them focused and maximizing their learning.

• Real-Time Feedback: While the team practices, you can provide specific feedback and guidance to the goalkeeper,ensuring they're constantly improving.

• Tactical Advantage: This method allows you to train your goalkeeper in various tactical situations relevant to your team's strategy, preparing them for the specific challenges they'll face in games.

Your Prime Location: By the Goal

No matter which method you choose, your positioning is key. Being near the goal offers several benefits:

• Clear Communication: Direct communication between you and your goalkeeper allows for clear instructions and instant feedback, leading to faster improvement.

• On-the-Spot Adjustments: Issues can be identified and corrected in real time, maximizing learning opportunities.

• Building Trust: Proximity fosters a strong coach-goalkeeper relationship built on trust and mutual understanding.

Next up, let's take a look at the ideal position on the field for a coach to effectively implement these methods during training sessions.

The next image illustrates an ineffective coaching position. Being positioned this far from the action makes it difficult to see the finer details and provide clear instructions to your goalkeepers.

By implementing these coaching methodologies and positioning yourself strategically, you can effectively integrate your goalkeeper into team sessions. This leads to a more cohesive and successful unit on the field, where everyone, including your crucial last line of defense, is working together as a team.