Goalkeeping Elite Sheds Some Light On Fitness

Jens Lehmann, goalkeeper for Arsenal, a little too hot headed at times but that is the stuff that us goalkeepers are made of. Arsenal.com have recently interviewed Lehmann and it was a very interesting insight into what professional goalkeeping is about at the highest level in the English Premier League. I’ll let your read up about it, but here are some great tips that I feel you can take away from it and utilize in your own goalkeeper development:

• Game practice is extremely important. Lehmann was placed on the bench for 11 games in the previous season. When this occurs you lose a certain edge to your goalkeeping ability on the field. Stay focused and don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, you must always work hard to keep your position at a higher level, don’t ever assume that everything is a given. If you are playing first team football and benched, discuss it with the coach and ask him to at least place you in the reserves to be match fit. If he does not allow you then there are certain issues that need to be addressed between you, management and the rest of the team.

• Lehmann is the first in at training every morning. What this shows is a resolute determination to be the super fit for game time. This is the mark of a professional. If you want to be the best, get in early to practice and workout with dedication.

• Having a goalkeeping coach is pivotal to development. In Lehmann’s words “It’s part of the routine. If you practice catching the ball 1,000 times, you will be better than a guy who practices 500 times”. Again, a goalkeeper coach can keep you focused and determined on the very specific demands of goalkeeping.

• Nobody believed that Lehmann, whom started goalkeeping at 14 years of age would ever make it professionally. Testament to having a never say die attitude, Lehmann persisted and is now number one goalkeeper for Arsenal.

Straight from the horses mouth. If you are looking at being the best goalkeeper you can be, there is nothing like advice from professionals that have gone before you. If that means seeking the right advice then do just that. When searching for a good goalkeeper coach (they are few and far between), look at their track record. If they are not well known, try to find out their qualifications..actually demand it from them. If you don’t have a goalkeeper coach at your club, talk to the governing soccer body in your district or state to recommend you a good goalkeeper coach.