Thinking on your feet

Many of the scenarios you experience as a goalkeeper change exceptionally quickly. One minute you may be distributing the ball for distance, the next you may be catching the ball from a corner situation and having to play the ball out quickly with your arms or feet to your outfield players. Most certainly each scenario will entail that you have to think on your feet…and think quickly to boot.In my training sessions I try not to make the emphasis of the drill just about technique. Sure, execution is critical and the basics need to be down pat, though I always look at “rapidity” of thought. What I mean by rapidity is how quickly the goalkeepers mind adapts to changing scenarios in the drill. There are two ways I go about making the goalkeeper think on their feet.

1. 2 actions are better than one.

This weekend I conducted the folowing drill where my goalkeepers had to use both their feet for distribution, followed by a quick change to a diving scenario.

What the above drill allowed the goalkeeper to do is not only emphasize 2 aspects of their technique in one drill, though they had to quickly react and adapt to a new scenario. What I try to do is trigger their minds to switch on exceptionally quickly so their reactions are maximized during a high pressure situation.

2. Spark the mind into action

Goalkeepers need to have their minds switched on pretty quickly. During a 90 minute match your mind has to be constantly ahead of the game. I call this “shaping a scenario”, where the goalkeeper has already seen in their minds eye how a particular action will be played out on the field. It takes constant practice, but is a highly powerful way of thinking on your feet.

With the above drill now you can focus on two technical aspects on one drill and also allow for the golkeeper to switch on their mind and think quickly in a high pressure situation.

The above drills are examples of the forthcoming goalkeeper training guide from Keeper Skool, to be released by the end of 2009. For exclusive interviews, goalkeeper fitness articles with leading experts, videos and written training drill programs sign up to Keeper Skool Certified by clicking here.