The position of goalkeeper is that of a 'specialist technician' and is arguably the most important position on the pitch; therefore, a great deal of work on individual technique is required to reach a competent standard.

Many people think that goalkeepers are a special breed and a little bit crazy, which is probably true. They are very different than outfield players and do need specialised training. Areas that are covered in the goalkeeping section include:

• Using their feet - they should be as comfortable as outfield players on the ball, to be able to deal with back passes.
• Distribution skills - they can be the first point of attack and therefore need very good awareness and distribution skills, both kicking and throwing the ball.
• Positional awareness - the goalkeeper must always adopt a position in relation to where the ball is on the pitch. The position the goalkeeper takes will greatly influence the position the defenders take in front of them.
• Communication - this is a vital skill. Not only do they need to be the "eyes" of the players in front of them, to be able to dictate and provide key information to the defenders in front of them, but the communication needs to consistent, loud, clear and concise.
• Good footwork - where the feet go, the hands will follow. Goalkeepers need to develop quick feet as it is vital to shot stopping and handling.
• Safe hands - whilst it is important to make saves, the goalkeeper must also have "safe" hands and be able to make a split second decision on whether they are capable of saving the ball and making it safe, or deflecting to a safe area on the pitch.
• Calm personality - it is no good a goalkeeper having a hair trigger or a very excitable personality as a player. If a goalkeeper acts in a calm, composed manner, this will transmit itself throughout the rest of the team.
• Organisational ability - to be able to structure the defensive shape in front of them and to be able to organise their players at defensive set pieces.
• Technical ability - they must understand and be able to demonstrate the basic goalkeeping techniques, such as: saving low, medium, high shots. Diving saves, catching, punching ands when to catch and when to deflect to safe areas.
• Bravery and commitment - goalkeepers must be prepared to put their body on the line. It takes a lot of courage to dive at an onrushing forwards feet or come for a cross through a crowd of players.
• Fitness and power - goalkeepers require a specific type of fitness. The skills required include: power, flexibility, suppleness, athleticism and the ability to recover quickly.
• Strength of character and concentration - it is a lonely job being a goalkeeper. They can go ages without even touching the ball and when they do they make a mistake and concede a goal.

To coach a goalkeeper it is important that the coach has some knowledge of the technical requirements needed to develop goalkeepers.

• Developing specific techniques; there is a right and wrong way of catching the ball, diving, taking crosses, positional play and feet movement
• Repeating technical exercises. Repetition is important in developing the motor memory patterns to enable the goalkeeper to execute each technique automatically, without thinking, so this becomes an automatic habit. Top golfers have a set routine, so that they can hit the ball properly every time. It is the same with goalkeepers; low shots should be dealt with the same correct techniques.
• Avoid bad and lazy practices which allow the goalkeeper to make saves, but to use the wrong techniques. Every person who has ever played golf hits a good shot now and then, but without practising the correct techniques, it will only be every now and then. It is the same with goalkeepers. Repetition can be a dangerous thing if the skill is being rehearsed incorrectly. The mechanics involved in each execution of the technique must be accurate and consistent. The coach must ensure that poor technique is detected early and the correct technical information is given to the goalkeeper to correct the problem. The coach must know the mechanical movements involved in each goalkeeping technique to be able to correct those techniques.
• Make training sessions a high tempo with plenty of explosive and powerful movements. It is important that the goalkeeper practices the technique at a speed that simulates match play. Slow practices will develop slow goalkeepers and up-tempo practices will develop fast and explosive goalkeepers. Never sacrifice quality for speed when practicing technique.

This section has been designed to help soccer coaches coach their goalkeepers. It outlines and demonstrates basic soccer goalkeeping techniques, tactics and understanding positional play