Well Trained Goalkeepers Excel Because of Quality Training

Top goalkeepers excel not just in their actions but most of all in their cognitive abilities. Where an average keeper might see one or two options, a top goalie sees seven or eight. Due to extensive repetitions and varied quality training, these GK’s frequently encounter different real-game-set scenarios. They practice stimulus-response patterns so often that these responses on game-day becomes automated and stored in their long-term memory. This allows the goalkeepers conscious mind to remain observant during the, picking up on what to do and why basically instantly. As a result, elite goalkeepers can react later but more effectively than the average keeper, staying focused on the present moment and making way better decisions.

Designing training sessions that provide context for multiple game-set-solutions is very important stimulating this cognitive ability. Training should align with the intended way of playing between the posts, helping helping your defensive line recognize situations more quickly, allowing them to stay present, and make better decisions along with the goalkeeper.

Motor neurons in top goalie not only enable action but also instant planning. The keeper will plan based on certain stimuli or a hierarchy of triggers, which makes it also very important not to change training drills too frequently. Consistency in training allows goalkeepers to efficiently choose the best responses and plan what action to take accordingly. Therefore, having game principles that goalkeepers can relate to and use as a reference is basically vital. This approach helps them release their attention from everything happening around them and focus on the ‘here and now’.

This is where 90% of head coaches will stall, they don’t execute the above, same goes for half of the goalkeeper coaches (mostly at a competitive club travel level). Many licensed coaches think that if the keeper can keep the ball out of the net it works for them and the team. They forget about the guidance the Goalkeeper needs to feed to the defensive line, they ignore the distribution factor and everything that comes with it.