FUTURO Goalkeepers

Specific Attributes

 

A goalkeeper’s performance depends on 4 fundamental factors, the sum of which represents the
goalkeeper’s sporting performance:
 

1. Psychological

2. Technical

3. Tactical

4. Physical

A goalkeeper’s sporting performance is his/her ability to deal with situations, which arise during a match or
training, using all the skills learnt.

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Technical

• Excellent handling skills

• Makes good decisions, knowing when to catch, deflect or parry

• Has the composure to pass and receive with both feet

• Can pass the ball over varied distances using may passing techniques

• Confident in dealing with crosses, especially in congested areas (set plays)

 

Physical

• Has the flexibility, agility, and athleticism to move around the pitch / goal with speed, balance and coordination

• Quick reactions, both in thought and movement

• Has the power and strength needed to deal with physical contact situations

 

 Psychological

• Has the courage to dive at the feet of opponents and smother the ball

• Demonstrates good powers of concentration and is alert when called into action

• Able to cope with errors and criticism

• Makes positive decisions and plays with presence

 

Tactical

• Understands the principles of a good start position, both in and out of possession

• Effective communicator, using commonly understood terms

• Has an appreciation of the state of the game

• Initiates counter-attack opportunities for the team

• Good game understanding and decision making

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5-10 years old

Preparation in technique, tactics and theory

• first contact with the ball, first steps “in goal”

• progressive learning of goalkeeping technique

• initiation in playing with the ball at feet

• learning the rules of the game
   

Physical preparation

• agility, balance, coordination, reaction, physical qualities (endurance, speed and coordination) are developed
  through a variety of games.
   

Psychological preparation

• children at this age always aim to win and finish first

• learning to accept defeat

• respecting the coach, other team members, the opponents and the referee

• introduction to the specific nature of the goalkeeper’s position and responsibilities (it must not be forgotten that,
  at that age, the result is not the most important thing).

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11-14 years old

Preparation in technique, tactics and theory

• ongoing improvement of the goalkeeping techniques learnt during the introductory stages of development

• comfortable on the ball to receive the ball in pressure situations

• playing as a sweeper / keeper and creating overloads in possession to build out of the back

• passing proficiency to play wide and through the centre mids

• the move onto the bigger field size (9v9 and 11v11) sees the start of regular work on aerial balls (orientation in the penalty area with the help of the lines)

•  learning the goalkeeper’s role in different formations at 9v9 (11/12 years of age) and 11v11 (13+)
   

Physical preparation

• development of  agility, balance, endurance, speed, suppleness and reaction skills

• coordination with and without the ball
   

Psychological preparation

• listening to the coach and making own decisions,

• earning the respect of peers,

• understanding, recognizing and getting to grips with emotions

• accepting feedback and applying it (start of puberty)

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15-18 years old

Preparation in technique, tactics and theory

• continuing to improve goalkeeping technique

• distribution skills on the ground and in the air

• comfortable on the ball to receive the ball in pressure situations

• playing as a sweeper / keeper and creating overloads in possession to build out of the back

• passing proficiency to play wide, high and through the centre mids

• aerial understanding in the box

• understanding the goalkeeper’s role in different formations
   

Physical preparation 

• beginning to develop strength

• development of speed, power and aerobic and anaerobic energy systems

 

Psychological preparation

• being able to take decisions and be responsible

• learning to assess oneself (self-criticism)

• becoming aware of a healthy lifestyle

• being ambitious, “being hungry for the game”

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