David Beckham Goal Vs. Sydney FC: What’s a Goalkeeper To Do?

Hollywood rained down on Sydney last night, as David Beckham brought along his L.A. Galaxy entourage for a toe-to-toe with Sydney FC. It was great to see 80,000 + fans at a packed Telstra Stadium, and although it was more like an all in brawl at times, the game showed the ‘bend’ that Becks is so famous for, much to the delight of the rumbling crowd.

Sydney FC dominated but it wasn’t about the A-League (and it’s kind of sad), but more about the travelling one man multi million dollar extravaganza that is David Beckham (I even got to see Ruud Gullit). Following is that “bend” that so many women in the crowd last night were seemingly craving for:

Beckham’s goal shows some extremely important aspects of goalkeeping, and although Clint Bolton did well to read the shot, there was nothing much a goalkeeper could do with it (the following points aren’t pointed toward Bolton at all, just a way to assess some of the finer points of a free kick situation):

• Build Your Wall Right The First Time: The wall is your fortress and being able to strategically place your defensive players at the right place in the right time, is half your job done…unless your playing against Beckham or Carlos in his hey day! Regardless, being able to communicate effectively, use strong and clear hand signals (handy in a crowd of 80,000 people) and positioning yourself in the right place (we cover this extensively in our free 10 week course), is a sure bet for any goalkeeper to fend off a tricky free kick attempt.

• In The 18 Yard Box…No One Can Hear You Scream! Being able to talk over noise, and carry your message effectively to your outfield players is vital to the free kick situation. This is were the afore mentioned use of hand signals come into play. If your defense can’t hear you, they can certainly see your hands directing them toward the best position to stand and defend.

• Get a Better View: Navigating your defensive players effectively with a wall, allows you to have a clear view of attack. Making sure that you have a focal view of where the point of attack is coming from. This is important so that you can attack the ball more economically and effectively.

It was a goal with all the glitz and glam associated with Beckham (have I mentioned Sydney FC anywhere in this post?), but it was also great to see my old goalkeeping companion Ivan Necevski get a second half run. Ivan and I played and trained side by side with each other at Marconi in the old Australian National Soccer League back in 1998-1999. It was good to see him lean and mean, and great to see that he gets more of a chance to ply his trade and hopefully we’ll see more of him over the coming few seasons.

Robert Green Proves There Is Enough Time To Redeem Yourself.

Much has been said about the state of English goalkeeping over the past few days, so I won’t be going into any long winded diatribe, suffice to say that sometimes when you think that the Gods are playing a cosmic joke on you, you have more time than you think on your hands to redeem yourself. West Ham’s Robert Green showed that a goalkeeper can push themselves out of a bad decision and redeem themselves with a brilliant goalkeeping display. Following is a video highlight of the game between West Ham and Tottenham (1-1).

Now I lost $20 because of that save by Green…but I’m fine, really! But, this is a great display of just how important it is to stay focused as a goalkeeper and brush off mistakes during the course of 90 minutes. Staying alert in high pressure situations entails that you remain calm, do not lose your lines of communication with your team mates, and always stay focused on the end result.

Although Green’s first attempt to attack the ball was misjudged pretty badly, he showed enough courage under fire to save a point for West Ham, under a newly invigorated Spurs outfit headed by Ramos that has not let it’s guard down for 4 weeks on the trot. So, don’t let a bad decision get the better of you, take your time during highly competitive matches to stay focused and alert throughout every minute of the game. Btw…I’m expecting my money back Robert Green!

What Goes On In The Elite Goalkeepers Head?

Sigmund Freud said “A man should not strive to eliminate his complexes but to get into accord with them: they are legitimately what directs his conduct in the world.” It kind of sums up the mind set of a competitive goalkeeper and it’s interesting to see the mental hoola hoop that many goalkeepers go through when they have been beaten to a pulp between the sticks.

Scott Carson has recently felt the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, and it was great to hear that Carson had some very strong support from team mates and goalkeepers that have gone before him. Some goalkeeper’s wipe off their misfortune quickly, whilst other goalkeepers use emotion to drive their ability, still others (think Lehmann) use their basest human emotions to get under the skin of their opposition.

Goalkeepers are undoubtedly the most complex on field players in any sporting code, needing exceptional physical and mental dexterity. In my own goalkeeping development, there was both a feeling of great freedom in my “unique” skill and at times the feeling of great detachment and loneliness at having these great abilities…because I felt different from my team mates.

It’s these same complex emotions that drive goalkeepers through the peaks and troughs inherent in their position. Scott Carson’s performance against Croatia is not his last and at best, could be looked at as possibly his own greatest revelation. It’s all how Carson will take it in the end, that dictates whether you can overcome the constant challenges faced at a highly competitive level while in goals. In other words, it’s a big slap in the face for Carson, but also his ultimate learning curve at such a young age.

So what kind of things go on in a goalkeepers head at any level of competition?

• Stage Fright: Certainly looking out at a swarming sea of your own supporters, mixed with the boo’s and jeers of opposing fans can crush the ego of any young goalkeeper making their international or national debut.

• Atlas Syndrome: You feel that you have to take the whole teams success on your shoulders. It is a heavy pressing on your chest, that anxiety that dries you up and it can be a heavy burden for any young goalkeeper to take hold of when taking the big step up in your international or national career.

• Over and Under Preparing: Mental overload can sometimes occur as a result of too much physical preparation before large events. It makes sense to train sharp and to the point, and to not overburden the body with too much training before a large event, within a relaxed team environment that allows for an acute reduction in stress or mental anguish. On the other hand, not preparing can be just as harmful.

It would be interesting to see what Scott Carson had done to prepare himself for the uneventful clash against Croatia. In September he stated “Ray Clemence is more likely to play than me”. If there were a lack of self confidence in himself it showed profoundly in that very short statement. It is this same telling complexity within the goalkeepers mind that shows just how emotive us goalkeepers really are, how mentally fragile at times we can be.

Overall, the result against England can make or break a young goalkeepers career, fortunately for Carson, there has been exceptional support from players and managers throughout the Premiership, all of whom have shown a strong understanding of the mental complexity of the competitive goalkeeper. The greatest challenge that Scott Carson now faces is the journey of self improvement, and a very quick route to mental recovery with the support from his team mates and management.

Scott Carson, Get Your Goalkeeping Text Book Out!

Goalkeeping, the school of hard knocks. Scott Carson got bloodied up, and England, well…no more Euro’s for you! So the Croatian in me is rejoicing, but the goalkeeper in me is aching. In the big leagues, when the chips are down, ultimately there are no excuses, you’re either ready or not. Scott Carson, obviously wasn’t. With a couple of text book goalkeeping blunders, you could clearly see that the pressure had skewed his focus. The following video is a highlight reel of some of the goals from Croatia’s 3-2 defeat of England. Enjoy, or cry…totally up to you.

Now let’s go over three of the major mistakes (at least that I saw, you can mention any other that I may have missed) that Scott Carson had made during this vital match in England’s Euro qualifying campaign:

• Body Behind The Ball: Raining, sleet or snow, it does not matter what match analysts may point out that lead to Krancjar’s first goal for Croatia, it was simply that Carson had not gotten his body behind the ball…in fact, I don’t think he even tried? One of the most fundamental aspects of goalkeeping is getting your body behind the ball. Being able to utilize proper footwork, and allowing for your body to cover the shot on goal, rather than simply diving around like a flying monkey is fundamental and powerful.

• Put Some Effort Into Your One To One: Olic’s goal (Croatia’s second), which was clinically provided by Eduardo, was a masterpiece, but what happened to attacking the ball at Olic’s feet, or at least giving it your best? It seemed that Carson had not expected the set play, though he certainly did not put any gusto in trying to challenge Olic, he kind of just waddled out to cut the angle and then flayed his hands in the air briefly (in frustration) while Olic went off to celebrate? Remember this mantra, always be aggressive in your one to one.

• Keep Your Eyes On The Prize: Lampard’s penalty was clinical, Peter Crouch’s goal was exceptional, whilst Petric’s shot was brilliant, and still from that distance, it seemed that Carson, had let slip his vision (or timing) in getting to the ball. Whilst it was an extremely powerful shot, Carson did cover the angle well, but seemed to me to have taken his eye off the ball, or had lost focus during the motion? In all instances, being alert and committing to the dive is paramount to a successful save. In this instance, there seemed to be a slight hesitation by Carson?

We all learn from mistakes, but in clinical games such as the above, mistakes are amplified. Scott Carson was not ready for the challenge, it was heart breaking to see him falter in such a vital match (nice of the manager to throw you to the dogs). Croatia get full kudo’s for the performance, and showed a flair I have not seen from a Croatian side since 1998…Well In!

How Gianluigi Buffon Warms Up?

If you thought that warming up was over-rated, think again. Getting yourself prepped up for battle is a sure way to enhance your game. You’d be surprised as to how many goalkeepers forget to warm up “properly”, there is a few rules to a proper goalkeeper warm up, and the following video of goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon gives you a snap shot view (however short) as to what good goalkeeper warm ups should be like.

• Keep It Short But Sweet: Don’t drag out your warm up to the point where you have sapped your energy. It is a common mistake to think that you need to warm up for longer than need be, which can cause pre game fatigue. Keep your warm up sessions nice and short, not too overly intense and 10-15 minutes max. Increase intensity gradually, but there is no need for stupendous acrobatics.

• Focus On The Basics: Try to focus on basic technique, get a feel for the ball, rather than going all out trying to do do a full cardio or strength session. Iron out minor bumps in your game, and think about the positives of every action you go through in your warm up session, as ultimately this will reflect on the field.

• Be Specific & Get Results: Going for a light run with your team is good, but doing too many warm up exercises that are not goalkeeping specific can be fool hardy. Goalkeeping technique is a different kettle of fish compared to what outfield players train for, so keep a focus on the specific goalkeeping actions that you will utilize during the game.

I hope you learn something from the above video, as it gives a great little window view into how goalkeeping royalty gets going before a critical game. Another point is to stay calm and relaxed throughout your warm up session. Getting too worked up will only deter your focus. Remember, short and sweet, focus on basic technique and stick to goalkeeper specific movements, and see the difference in your on field goalkeeping performance.

Results Are In: The Best Goalkeeper In The A-League?

So the votes are now in, and a few good Aussie readers decided to throw their opinion at whom they thought is the best goalkeeper in the current Australian A-League…here are the winners, drum roll please:

Not many of us Aussies voting, but the award goes to Danny Vukovic of the Central Coast Mariners. Without doubt Danny is one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the Hyundai A-League. I can think back to the great penalty save Vukovic pulled off against Archie Thompson and the Melbourne Storm in his debut during September 2005.

Funnily enough, I never knew that Vukovic was taught and coached by John Crawley at Westfield Sports High in Sydney, this is what he thought of Vukovic in their first encounter:

“I wasn’t that impressed with him to begin with. He was so tiny and had big puppy dog hands and feet. Ability wise, he was ok, but he didn’t have anything that would really jump out at you. A teacher at the high school, Trevor Morgan, had more faith in Danny than I did. It probably wasn’t until the end of Year 11 that he showed me he had something. He did do these things sometimes where, for instance, someone would drive a ball at him and he’d just save it with one hand.” (Wikipedia)

Funny what an experienced coach and a little bit of faith can do for a young goalkeeper’s ability, testament to Vukovic’s talent and he will be certainly a number one choice for Australia in the near future. Michael Theoklitos and Clint Bolton, where also stand outs in the vote. Theoklitos has been in fine form, and has showed great ability lately, even with the loss of a much loved family member, which shows great resilience in adversity, the trait of a goalkeeping professional.

Goalkeeper Uses The G-Code To Take His Game To New Heights!

Thinking back on when I wrote The G-Code, I felt that if one goalkeeper (just one), took away a small dose of what we deliver in the book and transforms their outlook on their game and life in general, I have won. Today, we have many great success stories from goalkeepers (young & old) from all over the globe utilizing what we have written in our e-book.

One goalkeeper, Sam, recently sent me a great overview of his periodized plan in which he utilized all components of the The G-Code to help him create a very solid plan…my jaw dropped (it was that good). Here is a sample plan Sam has written up and decided to share with Keeper Skool blog readers.

The above sample plan Sam has written, comprises all of the best components of The G-Code rolled into one very detailed plan (and this is the first of 5 extremely well thought out plans Sam had written up using The G-Code). Sam’s plan would have cost him over $80 (per plan) at least, with a certified personal trainer. He wrote it up utilizing The G-Code with $39.95 cash down, and a lifetime of value all in one e-book.

When I see efforts such as the above, it is all well worth it, this is what Sam had to say:

Hello again John,

I finished my plans for a year round training program taking into account some of the advice from The G-Code, and some from myself.

If you could have a glance over this, or provide me another training program created by yourself to compare it to, it would be much appreciated.

Sam…

Followed by:

Cheers,

Your words came at a great time, I have had a bit of grief with past trainers, and was feeling a little de-motivated.

Your praise has got me back on track and focused on the year ahead.

I’d love to share it with other readers. I don’t believe in keeping secrets that may help others.

Sam

It was great to see Sam is utilizing the information he had gained from The G-Code, and giving back to our community so that other goalkeepers can learn from his efforts as well. Great work Sam! The G-Code covers diet, fitness, periodized plans and a lot more, and it is great to see goalkeepers from around the globe utilizing it to their benefit.

Who’s The Best Goalkeeper In The Hyundai A-League?

For over two years I’ve been hyping up the best goalkeepers in the world, without ever looking right at my own door step. So I was very interested to find out whom my Australian (and international readers) thought was the best goalkeeper in the current Australian A-League.

Now, some of the following goalkeepers, may not be playing right now (like Daniel Beltrame), and some goalkeepers I may have just plain over looked, so It is up to you to not only vote, but also add your comments below (I’m expecting many) on whom you think are the best goalkeepers in Australia from the following list:

• Daniel Beltrame (Adelaide United)
• Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners)
• Michael Theoklitos (Melbourne Victory)
• Ante Covic (Newcastle United Jets)
• Jason Petkovic (Perth Glory)
• Liam Reddy (Queensland Roar)
• Clint Bolton (Sydney FC)
• Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix)

It’s going to be interesting to see whom you think deserves the best shot stopper in the Hyundai A-League, following is the link to the survey:

Australia’s Best Goalkeeper

Goalkeeping Grandpa: Marco Ballotta Proves Age Is Just a Number.

It’s funny when you hear goalkeepers like Lehmann put up a stink because they are not getting any game time, but then you kind of get their point when you see goalkeepers like Marco Ballotta. At the tender age of 43, Ballotta is the oldest player to appear in the Serie A. Currently playing for Lazio, Ballotta has clocked up 512 appearances over a career that has spanned both the Serie A & B.

Funny thing about it is, you’d think the guy would be carting himself around in a walking frame, but he still has some phenomenal ability, proving that with goalkeeping (and some good luck) you can play well into the twilight of your career at the highest levels. Here is a video of Nonno Ballotta in action.

Tim Howard Gives Insights Into Goalkeeping Professionalism

Recently, there was a great article in Sports Illustrated about Everton’s Tim Howard that showed the evolution of a goalkeeper’s rapid rise to fame, the virtue of patience in goalkeeping and how coming of age can seriously effect the way in which you play for the positive. Here are some of the points I took away from the article:

• Howard realized that football at an elite level is “all business”, and that if you put your heart on your sleeve too much you are likely to get burned. He felt that Edwin van De Saar’s arrival at Manchester United was justified given that he had been performing so well for club and country. I get too many readers talking about how hard done they are by their goalkeeping counterparts. Learning how to be mature and roll with the punches is vital to goalkeeping success.

• There are a few things that really stood out and that impress me about Howard’s professionalism, and show a coming of age. He stayed hungry to get real first team playing time, and thus the switch from Manchetser United to Everton. When he decided on Everton, he decided to sign for the long haul and when he plays, he does not hesitate to make a decision. Too many young goalkeepers give up when they are not given the chance that they feel they deserve. From experience, I can only imagine where I would have been today, if I had not moved on so early (after only 2 years) at Sydney United? Patience is everything in goalkeeping, and you have to be in it for the long haul.

• Howard talks about passion and love for goalkeeping, about staying hungry, but most importantly about being a leader. With age, and time, goalkeepers can become brilliant leaders, look at Buffon or Casillas, and then also think of Zoff. Taking time to learn from coaches who are driven by winning (Howard recalls Moyes) also instills great leadership and drive in goalkeepers, especially when they come of age. Another great point is that Howard’s family keeps him humble and focused, this, when we see the excess of many players in The Premiership, is a great window into a goalkeeper who is coming of age.

Tim Howard really impressed me with some of his comments, and the article is a great little window view into the evolution of a goalkeeper, and his ability to adapt to the big bad world of goalkeeping in the Premiership.

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