U-High Titan Soccer

Goal Keeper Program

Overview: The emphasis behind the program is to increase confidence, technical and tactical skills when handling the ball. The goalkeeper is the backbone of our defense and must be able athletic, aggressive, and smart. The following are basic skills that must be mastered.

Things to think about:

1. Be a self-evaluator. Adjust the training if necessary.

2. Train with high intensity. To be a champion, you must train like one.

3. Be aware of your technique. Don’t develop bad habits.

4. Be competitive in your training. Keep score.

5. Train at the highest level possible. You don’t improve if you only train with weaker opponents.

Types of training:

1. Mental Toughness

a. Believe in yourself: self confidence is a must at the varsity level. Analyze mistakes, but never beat yourself up over them.

b. Be focused: anger is the quickest way to take yourself out of a game. Stay in control at all times.

c. Be encouraging: cheering the team when winning is easy. It takes a true leader to encourage them when the team is not playing well.

2. Communication

a. Simple and direct instructions to your teammates (“keeper”, “away”, “push-up”, “contain”, “man on”, ect.).

b. Tone and strength of voice

i. Don’t ever show panic in your voice

ii. You must be loud and clear

iii. Verbal leadership in the defense third is a must.

c. Don’t ask question (“who is marking #10?”).

d. Use names when giving directions.

3. Conditioning (see training schedule)

a. Footwork

b. Agility

c. Abdominal

d. Plyometric

4. Skills Development (work 3-4 drills 3 times per week; see training schedule)

a. Catching Technique

b. Related Catching Technique

c. Basic Body Positioning

d. Crossed Balls

5. Advance Skills Development (work on 2-3 drills 3 times per week; see training schedule)

a. Diving

b. Breakaway Saves

c. Point Blank Shots