As the last line of defense for any soccer team, it is essential for a goalkeeper to possess certain qualities that make them an indispensable part of any team. From agility and a strong sense of positioning to quick reflexes and mental fortitude, the best goalkeepers use a combination of physical and mental qualities to make themselves irreplaceable on the pitch. In this blog article, we will discuss essential attributes for a goalkeeper and how they can be used to make them a more effective player.
Mental Strengths of a Goalkeeper
Goalkeeping is one of the most challenging positions on the field regarding mental strength. Though they are not involved in all the plays happening on the field, they have to be watching in case there is a quick counterattack. Not only do they have to stay focused on the game throughout the 90 minutes, but they also have to maintain their confidence and composure even when things are going wrong, which happens often.
When you are the last line of defense, maintaining focus is super important. Focusing doesn’t mean just watching the game and standing in one place. To remain focused, keepers must move with the ball and constantly readjust to allow their team to switch the point of attack. This will also enable goalkeepers to anticipate the attack, which is required no matter the opponent and the score. Even if you are up 14-0, you must stay engaged because nothing is worse than getting a goal conceded against an easy opponent.
Another critical strength that is extremely important when it comes to goalkeeping is confidence. Confidence can make or break a keeper. If you aren’t confident in your decisions, it makes you second-guess everything. Soccer is a game of seconds. If you question your decision for even a second, it could cause a goal. To be confident, you need to trust your knowledge of the game and know you can make the required saves. The more games you play and watch, your knowledge and understanding of the game will increase.
Finally, you must be composed no matter what happens in a game. Even if you constantly make mistakes throughout the game, you still have the chance to make a difference. Even if the crowd is doubting your ability, you must control yourself and “flush” all the mistakes out of your memory. As one of the leaders on the field, your team is looking to you for direction. If you are letting things get to your head, your team will let things get to their heads. If you feel flustered, practice techniques that will help you calm down. I visualize flushing my mistake down the toilet and even making the motion with my hand. But in the end, it is up to you to decide what will help you the most!
Physical Attributes of a Goalkeeper
When researching what attributes are desirable when it comes to playing keeper, they will say you must be tall to succeed on all the websites. Even though being tall with long arms and long legs is super helpful, it is unnecessary. When you are a short keeper, it just means you have to focus on things taller keepers don’t have to, such as footwork and how high you can jump (your vertical). As a 5’6” keeper, I am considered short, which means I have to work harder to make the saves taller keepers are making, but I’m still able to do my job successfully. Another aspect that will help you make saves is being agile and flexible, which enables you to react to shots.
In addition to these physical attributes, keepers need to be brave. Playing keeper can place you in some scary situations. There will be times when forwards are running at you at full speed, and you’ll have to come out and strip them of the ball. To be successful in this situation, you have to be brave. If you are hesitant to come out and go to the ground, it increases your chances of getting hurt. The bolder you are, the more interesting the game will be, and the more fun you will have!
Communication As A Goalkeeper
One of the essential qualities of a goalkeeper is the ability to communicate effectively with their teammates. A good goalkeeper must be an excellent communicator for their team to succeed. The goalkeeper must communicate direct instructions to the other players on the field, using their names to get their attention and giving short bits of instruction as well as giving their teammates the confidence they need to execute the plays required to make the keeper’s job easier.
Good communication is also necessary when it comes to making saves. The goalkeeper should be able to give accurate instructions to their defense to help them make stops and prevent goals. By telling your defender what direction to force the attacker, you can position yourself to block more of the goal. A good goalkeeper should also be able to read the play and anticipate what the opponents will do; that way, you aren’t just guessing when the ball is being kicked. This requires substantial knowledge of soccer and using your communication and forward thinking to determine what you need to do to make the save.
Good communication is also crucial for handling the pressure of being a goalkeeper. It’s not enough to just be good with your feet; you also have to be able to make the right choices in tight situations. You are the only person who can see the whole field, so the rest of your team is relying on you to give them a good ball and direct them to put the ball in the least dangerous position possible. A goalkeeper who can keep their cool under pressure and make the right decisions is a valuable asset to any team.
Finally, communication is vital for ensuring that everyone on the field works together towards the same goal. A good goalkeeper should be able to motivate their teammates and get the most out of them during training and games. They should also be willing to take on a leadership role during matches and provide their teammates with the support and guidance they need.
Training And Development Of Goalkeeping Skills
Training and development are key to helping a goalkeeper reach their full potential. Every goalkeeper must consistently work and refine their technique throughout their entire career to ensure they maintain the highest level of performance. There are a few key elements of goalkeeping that a keeper should aim to develop.
The first important skill to develop is agility and quickness. Goalkeepers must be able to think quickly and react quickly to make the necessary save. It is essential to anticipate the ball’s trajectory and move quickly to stop it. Working on plyometrics such as jumping and skipping and working on your flexibility will enhance your game.
The second important skill to develop is anticipation. Goalkeepers must be able to read the game and anticipate what will happen next. They must predict where the ball will go and get their body into the best position to stop it. Goalkeepers can develop these skills through drills and exercises that involve predicting and reacting to different scenarios and getting game time under their belt. Without this skill set, it makes your job as a keeper so much more complex.
The third vital skill to develop is communication. Good communication and organization are essential for any goalkeeper. A goalkeeper must be able to direct their teammates, providing them with the necessary information, in short, distinct sentences, about the game and potential threats. They must be able to communicate with their defenders and goalkeeper coach, and other coaching staff when problems arise to ensure all parts of the game are working together accordingly.
The fourth important skill to develop is shot-stopping. Stopping shots and saving goals is an obvious requirement for any goalkeeper. A goalkeeper must improve their positioning, reflexes, reaction time, and overall technique to save the shots they need to save. The best goalkeepers are able to adjust their technique to each situation and use their bodies to save shots in whatever way necessary.
As you can see, the mental aspect of goalkeeping is equally as important as the physical one. It will help you apply what you are learning in practice and training, making you incredibly successful. You will also be able to be focused and composed and be a significant asset to your team. Doing this throughout the whole game gives you the biggest chance of success at your job! Goalkeepers should have a good physical frame, agility, reflexes, strong mental resilience, and focus. These attributes will help goalkeepers perform at their best and have the best chance of making saves and keeping the team’s goal secure.