Many players think that the keepers are a little bit crazy. Which are properly true (well, which other players would throw their bodies face first in front of someone else who is running at them). Goalkeepers are very different to the outfield players and need special training.
The position of the keeper is a specialist technician and is one of the most important players on the pitch where they need the passing of a midfielder and the composer of a forward. So a lot of hard work goes into each technique to reach a competent standard.
Distribution skills : The keeper can either kick or throw the ball. This all depends on the keepers awareness of their own team mates, as the keeper is the first point of attack.
Positional awareness : The keepers position must be in relation from the ball to the middle of the goal on the pitch and it will also help the position of the defence in front of them.
Communication : As well as saving the shots that are on target the keeper has to tell their players (defenders) what to do as they are the eyes of the team. Communication has to be clear, loud and concise to their players.
Good footwork : The keeper's hands do the saving but you can’t save the ball if you haven’t got quick feet to get across the goal.
Safe hands : It is important to make the right save with the right technique, so the keeper must have safe, soft hands and be capable of deciding whether to catch or to deflect the ball away into the safe area of the pitch.
Calm Personality : It is no good for the keeper to be hot headed and very excitable personality as a player. If the keeper is calm and in control it should go through the team.
Organisation : The keeper will need to place the defenders in the right position in open play, as well as in set pieces.
Technical side : Keepers must be able to demonstrate the basics techniques of goalkeeping, when to catch, deflect and punch. If it’s a low, medium , high dive, or not to dive at all.
Bravery and commitment : or are they just nuts ? Anyway, keepers must put theirselves on the line to save a shot or to close down an attacking player. It takes a lot of courage to dive at an oncoming attacker's feet or going through a crowded area to deal with a cross.
Fitness and power : Keepers need a certain type of fitness training, these would consist of power, flexibility, agility, athleticism, and to recover quickly.
Concentration : For keepers they spend long periods of the time alone and not touch the ball, but when they do they might make an error and concede a goal
REMEMBER : There is a right and wrong way to catch the ball and movement of your keepers feet. Repeating the technique so the keeper can do it second nature, so they don’t have to think about it (diving, goal kicks, etc). Don’t give the keeper a lazy session (i.e. don't give them easy shots to save) , make them as match realistic as possible.
If the keeper makes a mistake then correct it don’t let it go, it will come back to haunt you in a game!
