When is the right age to specialize as a goalkeeper?

Discussion in 'Youth & HS Soccer' started by Roman Spur, Mar 11, 2011.

  1. Agoos'd

    Agoos'd Red Card

    Jun 10, 2015

    You have to figure out what his goals are, which is tough at that age. If he's not sure what he wants to do then its best to leave all options for him.

    However, if he is someone who sees himself as a keeper then by all means it's time to specialize.

    I hear a lot of people talk about playing the field and keeper at the same time, but really there is not enough of a need for that experience to justify the wasted time spent on the field. A keeper's role is much different and it's never too early to get started. Part of the reason that the US has produced so many quality keepers is because those players get additional training outside of the soccer field using hand-eye coordination and developing physical toughness and spatial awareness (football, basketball, baseball, etc.)

    If you see the child as a potential scholarship or professional player, then you are behind if you have not already begun to specialize as a keeper.

    Formative years are important. A season of not playing keeper can be difficult to recover from. The game progresses quickly from 12-18 years old. It moves faster, players develop quickly, etc, and the game can pass you by if you are not careful.

    Keeper is not a position you play when it is convenient. To be good at it, you have to see yourself as a keeper and commit to developing along those lines.

    I was fortunate enough to have an excellent professional coach identify the skills and abilities in me and he helped me to develop them, partly to convince me that I had a future as a keeper. Make sure that he has the same. You'll be surprised at how quickly your son can progress and develop if he has the aptitudes and physical abilities coupled with a coach who believes in him and is willing to commit to his development.
     
    drobinson repped this.
  2. Agoos'd

    Agoos'd Red Card

    Jun 10, 2015

    It also takes a coach who understands that keeper is not a position that you can fill with the least athletic player on your team. It's actually the most athletic player who needs to play keeper.

    I had a youth coach who was a former international keeper. He trained me in front of the parents while he made the other kids run fitness drills. He made the keeper the emphasis of the team. In the process, he taught me to be able to perform under the pressure of having everyone's parents watch everything I did.
     
    CaptainD repped this.
  3. Agoos'd

    Agoos'd Red Card

    Jun 10, 2015
    I think this may be true in some cases, but that they are the exception and not the rule. There are many variables that would account for why she was able to switch over, the main one being that she is a great athlete comparative to her peers.

    Great athletes make great keepers.
     
  4. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015
    My son is only 7. He was asked as a 5 year old to join a club team because they needed a goalie. He never played soccer before, so it was a great way to get proper training in a sport he desired to play. He trained with the team and got a basic understanding of the game.

    Then the following year, we recognized he has a true talent for the position. I am 6'3 and my son is 5 inches taller than the next tallest kid on his team. He is very fast and has great reflexes. He is currently on a very competitive team, playing up a year to u8. Since he was only playing 1 year at the time of tryouts, his only option of making the "A" team was to be their main goalie. I did make arrangements within the club to play him on the field for at least 10 minutes per game, unless it was a tournament.

    Now that we are going into the last game in an undefeated season, I observed a few things. By training with very talented kids, he has really increased all aspects of his game, field player and keeper alike. He could easily excel at playing even another year up, at u9, but that's not in his best interest.

    There are many tradeoffs with the decision to allow him to play on the A team. Some games, while in goal, he may see the ball only 3 times for the 40 minutes he is in goal, which is obviously boring to a 7 year old. But during practice and pre-game warm up, he there is no way he could gain the experience he is getting by going up against some of the best kids in our league, which he really enjoys. On the B team, he would get way more touches during game time, but the practices wouldn't challenge him as much, which is where most of his time is spent. Also, being on the team he is on, next year, if we decide to play him at his appropriate age level, he would easily make the team as a starting field player if he decides that is where he wants to play.

    I struggle with what I think is best for him at this young age. Keep him where he is constantly being challenged, and excelling in his position (which is what motives him to do better and love the game)? Or place him on an easier team, just so he can get an extra 10 minutes on the field? Is the 3 hours a week practice and 1 hour of warmup, more important to his development and enjoyment, than the 1 hour game?

    His ideal situation would be half field time, half keeper, but the reality is, that at the top level team he is on, that isn't possible. As I touched on before he couldn't be happier at practice, and all his skills are improving drastically.
     
  5. elessar78

    elessar78 Moderator
    Staff Member

    May 12, 2010
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    I talk with a professional coach in Spain from time to time and that's been part of our discussion. In their academies, GKs, no matter how young, are allowed to specialize. It's a different culture though, I bet most of the kids there are proficient with their feet.

    I think it's okay to let him specialize—just find a way for him to learn to develop his feet as well.

    Consider putting him on a rec team or some other team where he can train and play as a field player. The key would be to not increase his work load or pressure load.

    I had this battle at our skills training, it's at the opposite end of the spectrum... had a kid moping around because he didn't want to work on his foot skills because he saw himself as a GK. His parents forced him to be there—part of me agrees with the parents—that we have to develop the whole player. But also, this was rec, and being a GK was this kid's entry point and what he enjoyed about soccer—why not let him just be that way?
     
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  6. mwulf67

    mwulf67 Member+

    Sep 24, 2014
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    Is your club/team/league instituting the new best practice small-side standards and calendar year age brackets next year? Because if they do, and your son is U8 under the new system, there will be no GKs in U8 and under…

    https://usys-assets.ae-admin.com/assets/1/15/Standards Chart SSG.pdf

    In general, I am not a fan of so early specialization, whether its a single sport or a single position in a particular sport…the way I look at it is, it’s a lot easier to turn a 13 year old field player into a GK then it is to turn a 13 year old GK back into a field player… specializing so early at GK can be a big roll of the dice imho….
     
  7. Agoos'd

    Agoos'd Red Card

    Jun 10, 2015
    This is probably the best idea, IMO.

    Most kids develop their foot skills in local parks and playgrounds where they have the freedom to try things out on other neighborhood kids. The recreational team is probably the closest thing to that without getting too informal.

    If he is dead-set on playing keeper, then he'll get all of the spatial awareness and simple touch and passing-related stuff that he needs in that environment.

    It can also be the testing ground for whether or not he ever wants to be a field player without making him miss scratching his competitive itch as a goalkeeper in his select league.
     
  8. scoachd1

    scoachd1 Member+

    Jun 2, 2004
    Southern California
    Its really, really easy at that age. Just play a year up with older kids. If you kid is truly talented, plenty of coaches will let him train with their team in hopes that he will switch teams and help them win. Its good that you have taken into account your physical traits (its really funny when you see that the keeper on many U18 teams is one of the smallest players but started as a keeper because he was taller and/or older at a very young), but I didn't and wouldn't put my kid full time in such a specialized position that soon. One day at 13 or 14 he could very well wake up and decide keeper is not for him. I know a lot of kids that suddenly changed their interests at that age.
     
  9. freisland

    freisland Member+

    Jan 31, 2001
  10. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015

    Yes, they are taking part in that. However he is playing up an age group now, and will continue to u9 next season
     
  11. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015

    What's funny is that most people think switching to goalkeeper at age 13 and being successful at it on a high caliber team, is an easy thing to do. My opinion is, that it would be a lot easier to make it as a field player starting late, and putting in the extra effort. He spends a lot of time watching what is successful on the field, plus he gets regular team training. In addition, he will be a more well rounded athlete considering all the different exercises he does to shape his entire body.
     
  12. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015
    You are not allowed to have a child on a club team and rec team in our area. I like your idea though. Thank you
     
  13. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015
    Thank you for your comments. I do agree that having a kid stand in goal is a very easy thing to do. But having a child be a truly successful goalkeeper that can change the outcome of games, and truly understand the position takes real dedication...
    Also, yes, he is currently playing one year up... In the final 8 of league cup. This weekend decides it!
     
  14. mwulf67

    mwulf67 Member+

    Sep 24, 2014
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    That’s cool, think what you want…seems clear you don’t want advise or opinion, just affirmation…winning games, being in cup finals, and being a specialized superstar at 7 is great and all, but in the end, it’s all rather meaningless…and in all too many cases, symptomatic of placing short-team winning over long term player development…7 is a long way from 13; lot of things can and will change from there to here…and if by ~age 13 (post-puberty), he isn’t one of the tallest, most athletic kid on your “high caliber” team, odds are good he will be replaced by someone who is…and all those Keeper drills and games played at 7 or 8 won’t mean diddly…and thinking a 13 year old who has played virtually nothing but Keeper his whole life can easily transition into being a field player (watching is not playing), especially on that same high caliber team or competition level...well, good luck with that…

    On my son’s high caliber U13 team, we have two good Keepers who have been playing keeper all their young lives… they have loads of game experience and great technique, but unfortunately, they are short and not all that athletic, which is making them more and more a liability…and if puberty doesn’t bless them soon, their days in goal are numbered, and quite frankly, they don't have the skill or pace to play for this team in the field (at least in any meaningful capacity)…

    For the last few months, the coach has quietly approached me with the possibility turning my tall, athletic field player into a Keeper and in the last tournament of this season, not so quietly, had my son play Keeper for Penalty shoot-out in the championship game…4 saves over 9 rounds, and made the winning shot…and no, I am not saying my son is destined to be the next Tim Howard (far from it), just that he has the athletic potential that a lot of coaches would gladly use/develop going into his teens…and I am in no hurry for that to happen; imho, the longer he stays on the field, the better…

    But I do hope for the best for you and your son...I never said the path you are determined to take can't work out, just that its a gamble...a big one imo...
     
  15. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015
    Interesting view that winning games, isn't a result of player development... This may apply at the rec level, but in competitive levels, skill wins.

    My main point is of staying on the topic that was originally suggested, is having a kid play mainly in goal, with only 10 minutes or so per game on the field, will not make it impossible to become a great field player down the road. Athletic, in-shape children are able to excel in most sports and most positions, if they have the desire to once they reach the teenage years. I also, would argue against putting a child in games and training only as goalkeeper at age 7, unless that's the childs desire to do so.

    Not looking for affirmation, just enjoy conversation...
     
  16. mwulf67

    mwulf67 Member+

    Sep 24, 2014
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    Many coaches/clubs sell that winning is synonymous with development; and even more parents eagerly buy that shit up…unfortunately, it’s not that simple…at U-littles, regardless of level, wins and losses are a poor indicator of development…

    Yes, well-developed teams can and do win games, but so do teams that employ crap tactics and coaching….and on the flip side, really strong developmentally focused teams can and often do lose lots of games…a U8’s teams win/lost record really says nothing of the quality of the development occurring or not occurring…

    For a club/coach to encourage/allow a 7-8 year old to play up just so he can spend all/most his time in goal is a huge red flag to me…I see little to no developmental advantage in doing so…however, I certainly see how it might help win a few games…
    Well, first of all, I don’t say impossible…

    And I would agree that for some sports and positions, pure teenage athleticism is enough to excel, without prior development…Football would be a prime example of such a sport; a gifted, athletic freshman who’s never played football in his life can readily be turned into an All-State player by senior year, if not sooner…

    However, I would be place field soccer player well at the other end of that spectrum. While getting token touches and playtime is better than none at all…it’s only marginally better…being a great field player in your teens requires putting in the time and getting your touches in while younger…a teenager who specialized at keeper at an early age who then tries to transition back to a field player (by choice or necessity) would be lightyears behind developmentally from his peers who spend that same time in the field…I don’t believe that same disparity or difficulty exists going the other direction (field player to Keeper)…nor I am alone in that…
    A 7 years olds desire should be taken into account….however, it should never override an adult’s responsibility…whether coach or parent….
     
  17. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015
    I really didn't expect an argument out of posting here. I guess you and I are on completely different pages as far as what the goalkeeper position is. Your comments about the goalkeepers on your team made me realize that you believe it is a punishment or inferior position to be played. A true keeper doesn't "just spend time in goal". At successful clubs, the goalkeeper position is a highly regarded spot, that needs to be earned each year. Without gaining the in-game experience combined with additional keeper training, a child will not learn how to properly play this position. Successful goalkeepers are very good with their passing and all other aspects of the game.

    My son wasn't "allowed" to play up. He earned his spot against plenty of good competition. At 7 years old, he is 4'8". Size did help him earn the spot, but his skills, confidence, and qualified, liscensed coaches made him successful. There will be a time down the road where he will need to make a decision if he wants to give up the keeper position and concentrate on the field while still playing at the club level, but even if it is 5 years down the road, he will not be "lightyears" behind. Real clubs make sure of it. It will take a lot of hard work for him to make the transition, but most good goalkeepers are generally the hardest workers.

    BTW... because I am so proud of him, and his teams accomplishments, they just earned a spot in the finals tomorrow, out of the 64 club teams that started. 21 straight wins this season could be luck or bad coaching tactics, but probably not.

    Please don't reply with some disparaging comment about my son, or his club. I'm just putting out my belief that if a kid wants to only play keeper, let him do it. If he wants to play mainly keeper, let him do it. If you are a part of a good club, they will prepare him for everything he needs for future athletic success.
     
  18. mwulf67

    mwulf67 Member+

    Sep 24, 2014
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    Nor did I …I merely voiced an opinion that you found “funny”…which admittedly, I took as condescending and dismissive on your part…disagree with me all you like, as you and others clearly do, but don’t write my opinion off as without merit or having the backing of many experts in the field…
    I think you are hearing what you want to hear…nothing I’ve said would suggest there is anything punitive or ill-regarded in playing keeper in my opinion, at my club or hopefully at any club…keeper is an important position, just one best left to later development; certainly not specialized right out of the gate at such an young age…US Soccer’s move to no keepers until U8 is a good move imo…and after that players should be heavy rotated at keeper (3 man minimum) for the next few years, mostly in order to keep everyone in the field and actually developing as field players, first and foremost…
    I as I have said, and honesty mean, good luck with all that…we clearly see things differently and it’d probably be best if we just left it at that…
    As you should be…
    I am not disparaging your son nor his club…I don’t know your kid; I don’t know your club…all of my comments and opinions were intended at generalizations on the subject of specializing at keeper at an earlier age and how clubs can use kids and do them a disservice developmentally all in the name of winning…if you have never heard of such concerns or they have never crossed your mind, well then, I don’t know what to tell ya…when talking about specializing at such a young age, I don’t need to know that kid or the club to raise such concerns…
     
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  19. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015

    <----This guy is the proud dad of a league champion goalkeeper. I did ask him again today how he felt about not playing on the field the entire tournament, he replied "I loved it" That's really all I need.
     
  20. fluevog1

    fluevog1 New Member

    Dec 6, 2015
    Club:
    FC Barcelona
    [QUOTE="mwulf ...and how clubs can use kids and do them a disservice developmentally all in the name of winning...[/QUOTE]

    I've read, enjoyed and lurked here for months but today, I had to join and post.

    My son is an incredible goalie with an "incredible" coach at the best club in our area. Honestly, he's one of the best goalies in our region. He has that "thing" goalies must have to survive. With that said, his career may just be over at the tender age of 12. We are entering U13 next fall and he hasn't hit puberty thus he's too short to defend a large goal properly if he doesn't grow, and pronto! Fortunately he plays on the side as a field player with the Latin groups in our area so his transition to the pitch will go smoothly IF he loses his beloved spot.

    His coach does NOT play him on the field, even if we are winning 20-0. He has definitely done my goalie a disservice and will use him up until he has nothing left to give if we let him. Goalies are the red headed step children of club soccer so please please please if your child desires to be a goalie, find a coach that will help him hone his field skills as well as his keeper silks. If not, your child may possibly suffer in the long run.

    And a hearty congrats on your win Doc!
     
    mwulf67 repped this.
  21. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015


    Thanks for the story. I do appreciate someone going through similar experiences. My sons first goalkeeper coach was 5'9 and played division1 in college. I wouldn't give up on his dreams yet.
    Even after all that I said in above quotes, I will still be negotiating with his coach for next season to ensure he will get field time. I did that this year, and he got enough to make him happy. I'm confident that his club will continue to do the right thing for him. I also understand though, there is a time where he will need to decide which way he wants to go. Hopefully we are still a few years away.
     
  22. Agoos'd

    Agoos'd Red Card

    Jun 10, 2015
    I've read, enjoyed and lurked here for months but today, I had to join and post.

    My son is an incredible goalie with an "incredible" coach at the best club in our area. Honestly, he's one of the best goalies in our region. He has that "thing" goalies must have to survive. With that said, his career may just be over at the tender age of 12. We are entering U13 next fall and he hasn't hit puberty thus he's too short to defend a large goal properly if he doesn't grow, and pronto! Fortunately he plays on the side as a field player with the Latin groups in our area so his transition to the pitch will go smoothly IF he loses his beloved spot.

    His coach does NOT play him on the field, even if we are winning 20-0. He has definitely done my goalie a disservice and will use him up until he has nothing left to give if we let him. Goalies are the red headed step children of club soccer so please please please if your child desires to be a goalie, find a coach that will help him hone his field skills as well as his keeper silks. If not, your child may possibly suffer in the long run.

    And a hearty congrats on your win Doc![/QUOTE]

    The best thing is to find a coach who is a keeper himself.
     
    fluevog1 repped this.
  23. fluevog1

    fluevog1 New Member

    Dec 6, 2015
    Club:
    FC Barcelona
    The best thing is to find a coach who is a keeper himself.[/QUOTE]

    You're right about that! I don't think many coaches know what to do with their goalies so an experienced keeper would be ideal.
     
  24. drobinson

    drobinson New Member

    Nov 12, 2015
    His coach played centerback. So maybe the next best thing?
     
  25. mwulf67

    mwulf67 Member+

    Sep 24, 2014
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    The best thing is to find a coach who doesn’t place meaningless trophies, winning percentages, and clean sheets over the sound development of all his players…coaches, especially u-little coaches, don’t nor shouldn’t have the time to do a whole lot of actual keeper training/development…that’s best left to separate keeper training sessions, if you must…that’s where having a former keeper is ideal, if not expected…
     

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