Here at Total Soccer, we offer soccer lessons near Montgomery County that work towards helping you become a premier goalkeeper. Through our Total Keeper goalie training program, players looking to advance their goalkeeping skills can do so through specialized training with supportive trainers.
While every role on the soccer field requires its own form of skill and ability, the goalkeeper position is arguably one of the most demanding and crucial spots on the field. Depending on how you look at it, the goalie position can make or break a game. Being a soccer goalie requires dedication and concentration for 90 minutes or more. It also requires tons of practice.
Take a look at some of the essential do’s and don’ts of becoming a premier goalkeeper.
DO’s
-Be Alert and Remain Focused
As the goalie, it’s essential that you remain alert and focused throughout the game. Even in those games where you receive little action in between the net, you still never want to lose concentration of the game’s action. That means when the ball is on the opposite side of the field, too!
-Keep Track of the Ball
You should always keep your eye on the track of the ball as goalie, not on the player. Goalies who concentrate on following players instead of the path of the ball run the risk of letting in an easy goal.
-Be Cognizant of Body Language
In order to master the art of goalkeeping, you must be aware of your body language during the game. As a goaltender, your body language is a key tool to your success. Don’t be afraid to stay big in goal, and throw your arms out to distract attackers on breakaways.
DON’TS
-Assuming Opponents Intentions
Goalies will tend to assume they know the shot the opponent is going to take. This causes a goalie to commit early, leaving an entire portion of the goal wide open.
-Stay Flat Footed on the Line
Through proper training, you’ll be able to find a balance between coming out and attacking the ball and protecting the net. Goalies should not stay back, flat footed, on the goal line. Be ready to come out.
-Be Hurried
There is nothing worse than rolling the ball right into the feet of the opponent. Don’t act quickly as a goalie, instead, take your time and make the right judgement!
You can register for private soccer lessons near Montgomery County, as well as enroll in our Total Keeper goalie training program. To learn more about how you can improve your soccer game, contact us today!
I'm an avid soccer enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the art of goalkeeping. My expertise stems from years of playing and studying the game, coupled with a keen interest in refining goalkeeping skills. Having actively participated in goalkeeper training programs and immersed myself in the world of soccer, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and knowledge to the discussion.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article "3 Do’s and Don’ts of Being a Great Goalie" from Total Soccer. The article emphasizes crucial aspects of goalkeeping that can make a significant impact on a player's performance. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:
Do’s:
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Be Alert and Remain Focused:
- Importance: Goalkeeping demands constant vigilance and focus. Even during periods of low activity, a goalie must stay mentally engaged in the game.
- Expert Insight: Maintaining awareness ensures readiness for sudden actions, contributing to overall defensive effectiveness.
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Keep Track of the Ball:
- Importance: Tracking the ball's trajectory is fundamental to effective goalkeeping. Focusing on the ball rather than the player minimizes the risk of conceding easy goals.
- Expert Insight: Goalies need to anticipate and react based on the ball's movement, ensuring better positioning and timely saves.
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Be Cognizant of Body Language:
- Importance: Body language serves as a valuable tool for goalkeepers. Projecting confidence and using body gestures strategically can impact the opponent's decision-making.
- Expert Insight: Being "big" in goal, extending arms to distract attackers, showcases the goalie's control over the penalty area.
Don’ts:
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Assuming Opponents' Intentions:
- Consequence: Anticipating the opponent's shot prematurely can lead to committing early and leaving the goal vulnerable.
- Expert Insight: Goalies should react based on the ball's movement rather than assuming the shooter's intentions, ensuring better decision-making.
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Stay Flat Footed on the Line:
- Consequence: Remaining static on the goal line limits a goalie's ability to close down space and challenge attackers effectively.
- Expert Insight: Proper training enables goalkeepers to find a balance between protecting the net and engaging proactively, contributing to a more dynamic defensive approach.
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Be Hurried:
- Consequence: Acting hastily can result in poor decision-making, including inaccurate ball distribution to opponents.
- Expert Insight: Goalies should prioritize making well-judged decisions over quick actions, promoting a controlled and measured playing style.
In conclusion, the Total Soccer article provides valuable insights into the nuanced responsibilities of goalkeepers. These do’s and don’ts serve as a guideline for aspiring goalkeepers, emphasizing the importance of focus, ball tracking, body language, and strategic decision-making in honing their skills.
