A soccer goalie has no choice but to come through during a match and the only way to ensure this is through specialized practice sessions for them. If someone on the team makes a move that does not work, the goalkeeper has to compensate for it.
- Things That a Goalie Needs To Work On
Some of the things that a goalie needs to practice are complete familiarity with the ball. Using the hands, wrists and forearms, he should learn to juggle the ball. Juggling builds strength and alertness to ball handling.
When the rest of the team practices ball possession, ensure that the goalkeeper joins them so that he can also practice on touches, using his left and right foot equally.
You can have them practice doing the shape of an ‘8’, moving the ball between their legs. A goalie must also work on his touches, just like the others, building ball control and handle it easily.
- Being Alert Is A Goalie’s Hallmark
One of the reasons, why a soccer goalkeeper has to be alert is that however well a team may play; there is always the possibility of allowing the opponents the opportunity to score. It is this specific situation that the goalkeeper must watch out for.
Footwork soccer drills are a must for goalkeepers and they must develop their first touch with the ball. Because of the goalkeeper’s position on the field, he has to practice kicking the ball powerfully, as it is his job to take goal kicks, after which he redirects the ball to the midfielder or forward on the team.
Precision in aim is very important here. So, the best way is to keep on practicing with the team and individually.
Your goalkeeper must develop the ability to throw the ball with force. As a youth soccer coach, you must inspire the confidence that the goalkeeper needs to support the team, and practically lead it at times. They need to show plenty of energy.
They must develop what is called field vision, so that they know at a glance, what the situation is like on the field, and also decide what needs to be done.
There must be many soccer training sessions, where communication between the goalie and the rest of the players is discussed and perfected, so that the team is nicely in sync. A soccer goalie has the ability to help the team win a match, with the right moves.