Keeper Training Plan

[saabrian]

I am the middle school coach in our program but I sometimes work with the JV and varsity keepers because I've played the position. Normally, I just work with them intermittently, here and there. I've typically just thrown something together or tried to focus on weaknesses in the technique of the kids. This year, I've been asked to work with them every day for a week for about 40 minutes. Rather than just do random things however useful, I want to a well-planned out progression since I know I'm going to have the consistent time with them. Would anyone have any suggestions for a 5-day plan of this nature?

[GKbenji]

Check out my training sessions at JB Goalkeeping (http://www.jbgoalkeeping.com/training.html). Lots of ideas, divided up by topic... plenty for a week's worth of sessions.

I'd start with basic footwork, positioning and catching. You can easily get three days out of that, more if the kids need the work. Day 3 & 4 start adding in some diving and breakaways, and the reaction drills are fun for the final day, along with some keeper wars.

[saabrian]

Great stuff... thanks!

[IvanIV]

Check out my training sessions at JB Goalkeeping (http://www.jbgoalkeeping.com/training.html). Lots of ideas, divided up by topic... plenty for a week's worth of sessions.

I'd start with basic footwork, positioning and catching. You can easily get three days out of that, more if the kids need the work. Day 3 & 4 start adding in some diving and breakaways, and the reaction drills are fun for the final day, along with some keeper wars.

Good stuff. I am working with both U18 and U10 kids this season and was wondering what would be the 5 most important things to teach my U10 keepers.

Could you possibly suggest a top 5?

[Twenty26Six]

Good stuff. I am working with both U18 and U10 kids this season and was wondering what would be the 5 most important things to teach my U10 keepers.

Could you possibly suggest a top 5?

I'm not Benji, but perhaps....

* Footwork, footwork, footwork, footwork, footwork! :p


Seriously, there probably isn't 5 things. Footwork, catching technique, passing and receiving technique.

[GKbenji]

Twenty26Six is spot on... footwork is #1!
After that:
Catching Technique
Positioning
Collapsed dive
Basic breakaway technique (emphasis on safety)

That's why I arrange the sections on JB Goalkeeping (http://www.jbgoalkeeping.com) in the order I did... more or less in order of importance.

I don't really focus on distibution much for keepers until U12 or so; until then all they need is a halfway decent punt to handle most of it, and a quick roll to deal with the rest.

[IvanIV]

Thanks. I'll start teaching them tonight.

[IvanIV]

I was able to go over footwork and positioning. Very pleased with the results.

[IvanIV]

U18's and U10's tonight. I'll hit the same stuff from Friday but spend more time on with them. I should be able to set up my keepers and a row of fullbacks and have some situational activities.