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| Goalkeeping |
When to be a Goalkeeper: Decisions, Decisions
by: Rob Walker
robbosays
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The laws of the game are quite clear: every team shall play with one player,
designated as the “goalkeeper.” Anyone around the game knows that the
demands, psychology and role of the goalkeeper in the team are different
than of an outfield player. In the short term, everyone involved in
youth soccer (player, coach, parent) wants to see good goalkeeping performance.
Experience clearly shows that goalkeeping development is a long-term investment
that a youth will make in deciding to play in goal. The chart below
begins to paint a picture of how a player “grows” into the position.
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U-12 / 14
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U-15 / 16
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U-17 / 19
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- All players learning rudiments of 11-a-side
- Body and psyche in state of flux (puberty / adolescence).
- Beginning to develop GK skills
- Should not yet be full time GK (play on the field and in
goal on part time basis) GK training once a week.
- Seeking advice, “should I be a goalkeeper?”
- Aided greatly by older "local," GK's...some pro's inspiring
too.
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- More experienced in 11-a-side; habit of patterns
(gained from initial training and competitive experience) is
the basis of performance, which can often be
inconsistent.
- GK skill accentuated by growth (strength, power,
size).
- Full-time GK begins... seeking competition or deciding
on whether to be competitive or "down-scaling" involvement in
the game.
- Regular training outside the team environment.
- The Gk begins to Emulate and model the goalkeeping
of top goalkeepers in area and professionals.
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- 100 + games as a GK...seen a lot of the game, but performance
still shaky from time-to-time.
- GK training based on small, maintenance-oriented
objectives.
- Physical / psychological development accentuated
by training (specific work 1-2 times per week).
- GK's split between those looking for playing opportunities
(college, National Team, pros) or ending career when eligibility
expires.
- Observes & evaluates top-flight GK’s
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Age specific observations change with each player. One goalkeeper at
13 often performs like a 15 year-old and vice-versa. Time in training,
competitive opportunities and good coaching are always the keystones to growth
in the game. Many of our best outfield players in this country are
judged to have top-class potential while still in their teens. These
players will reach their peak potential at some point in their 20’s.
The goalkeeper though can be viewed to have potential at any age. But,
because of specific demands on technical development and tactical understanding,
their peak performance often comes in their late 20’s and early 30’s.
All in all, goalkeepers at all levels will experience peaks and valleys in
their performances. All of the effort is worth it though as good goalkeeping
performance, on any level, is seen by everyone watching a game. Being
in the spotlight and showing the “right stuff” is a great experience at any
age.
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down-the-line.com v 4_3
Rob Walker holds a US Soccer "A" license and is a national team's program staff coach. Rob has 20 years of goalkeeping expertise. He has written numerous articles and curricula on the position. He resides in Birmingham, Alabama and is the Director of Coaching for the Mountain Brook Soccer Club.
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