Injury Prevention For Goalkeepers?

[NorCalKeeperDad]

Anyone know of any resources on injury prevention, specifically for goalkeepers?

Thanks in advance!

[DazzRef]

Anyone know of any resources on injury prevention, specifically for goalkeepers?

Thanks in advance!

Having been a goalkeeper and a goalkeeper coach, I would say that injury prevention is a combination of proper training and awareness. If a GK is trained with the proper technique (using their hands, proper glove use and care, positioning, communication techniques with defenders), this should cover about 95% of potential problems. The other 5%, awareness, is about following the game and recognizing how the play is developing and what their stance should be (aggressive or passive). I have gone over these techniques with my players in the past, and haven't had a major injury to any of them (mostly female players) while they were on my watch. For younger ages, GK injuries are likely due to lack of proper training (as mentioned above). In upper age games and adult play, in many cases, its due to careless / reckless play on behalf of both GK's and players.

Referees can also play a part in protecting the GK. When I go through my pre-game with players at the youth level, I tell them to stay off the goalies when they have possession. For Adults, I don't even bother - at that age, GK's typically have years of experience and can read the plays intelligently.

Aaron

[ranova]

Great advice. Have you checked out the keeper link at the beginning of the "Helpful Posts" sticky above?