Goalkeepers: Prepare for Success

           Goalkeepers need to get themselves ready to play before games and practices and a proper warm-up is essential to every keeper’s success. Coaches and keepers should plan a routine that takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare the keeper for most game situations. There will be times before games, especially at tournaments, where both field space and time is limited. In this case, you should have an alternate routine that can be performed in limited space and time but still prepares the keeper for most ball handling situations. There is no magical pre-game warm-up routine and every keeper will need to develop a routine that works best for him or her and prepares them both physically and mentally for the game. Remember the goalkeeper warm-up should be designed for the benefit of the keeper. Throwing the keeper in the goal without a proper warm-up, so your field players can work on their finishing doesn’t have any physical or mental benefit for the keeper, as a matter-of-fact it may create a tired and frustrated keeper who is not prepared to lead his or her team to victory. For successful goalkeeping, plan a pre-game warm-up that includes the seven key elements listed below. Have fun!

           Your friend in soccer,
           Coach Bauer

 Goalkeeper
7 Key Elements of the Pre-game Warm-up¹:

       1.               Increase body temperature and stretch BEFORE any diving or kicking. 

          2.             Basic handling BEFORE diving.

        3.               Progression of diving saves.

        4.               Shot handling.

        5.               Breakaways with NO contact.

        6.               Crosses from both sides.

        7.                    Distribution (hand and foot).

 ¹ Soccer Training Manual Goalkeeper, SoccerPlus Camps, Published by Redswain Inc., June 2000.

Coach Bauer is a member of the LIJSL ODP Goalkeeping Staff. He is also a USSF Certified Coach who also holds an NSCAA State & Regional Goalkeeping Certification.