Hobbies And Interests
Setting Goals
Individual goalkeepers have different strengths and weaknesses. Identifying these when a goalkeeper is beginning will help the coach and goalkeeper ensure that the most relevant drills are being used. To help with this process, goalkeepers should make a list of personal athletic long-term and short-term goals. Then they should participate in a few practice games of soccer with their teammates. After these games, the goalkeeper and coach should make a list of strengths and weaknesses of the goalkeeper. Then you can choose and schedule drills to address specific weaknesses that are directly related to the goalkeeper's personal athletic goals. Additionally, the goals can serve as a way of motivating goalkeepers if they become tired or discouraged by the drills. In keeping with the SMART system, goals should be specific, measurable, agreed, realistic and time-framed. Coaches can help goalkeepers make sure all these characteristics are met.
Basic Skills
In addition to completing drills focused on overcoming individual weaknesses and achieving personal goals, there are some basic skills which benefit all goalkeepers. Incorporating drills to focus on these basic skills is a good practice and can help goalkeepers build upon existing strengths. Basic skills in which all goalkeepers need regular practice include leaping to stop a ball after being on the ground, punting the ball without kicking it out-of-bounds, catching the ball, punching the ball and diving to stop a ball.
Frequency
The frequency and duration of training varies for each individual and team. Generally a minimum of three days per week is recommended with a minimum of one hour practice each day. However, practicing daily is welcome. The most important thing is regularity. Your body will adjust to your schedule and work with it to maximize the effects of your work. On days when you are not completing training specific to goalkeeping, being engaged in physical activity will still be helpful to you. Likewise, there is a general drill that you and your teammates may complete prior to each practice and game. This drill involves dribbling and then throwing and catching a medicine ball for 15 minutes.
Practice
Incorporating practice matches with your drills is important for making sure the drills have been effective. Remember that drills focus on isolated skills, not necessarily on a goalkeeper's ability to put those skills to use. Additionally, other skills like surveying the field and communicating your findings to teammates are important to cultivate and are best practiced within the context of a game.