Goalkeeping Tips, Tidbits and Random Thoughts

Safety first

As well as being a keeper coach, I am a referee. Now, as a player and coach I see plenty of poor referees as well, so even if the referee doesn't see something or doesn't make a call, you need to know how to keep yourself safe. BTW, that does not mean threatening or taking cheap shots at opponents. That's just playing down to their level. Here are a couple things you can do so the referee is never an issue:

1. Catch the ball cleanly! I know it's not always possible, but goalkeepers who always fumble and bobble the ball are opening themselves for challenges in a dangerous situation. Often (ref hat on here), I have keepers bobble the ball and then complain loudly when it gets knocked "out of their hands". Well, if the ball is being bobbled around on the ground it's not under control and subject to being challenged. As a ref, I am the first one to protect the keeper once they've secured the ball, but it it's loose I can't help you. Make a clean catch and you won't have to worry about it.

2. Learn proper technique for dives and especially breakaways. Lead with your hands, protect your face and midsection, stay square to the field, go forward through the ball and past the pressure. Doing these things will not only help you keep the ball out of the net better, but help keep you from being injured in situations where the ref either makes no call, or it is a 50/50 challenge and there's no call to be made.

Labels: Miscellaneous

Coachable

Are you coachable?

It certainly is one of the things that coaches look for in players. Do they act on the advice and instruction from the coach? However, it applies to all walks of life... including coaches themselves. Coaches, are you coachable?

Labels: Psychology