The goalkeeper is a specialist position and requires specialist coaching. Unfortunately, this isn't always possible. Therefore, the objective of this section is to provide a coaching resource that helps coaches with some basic goalkeeping coaching.

Goalkeepers are the eleventh outfield player and should look to be involved as a player. This means supporting the defence when they are in possession of the ball and acting as a sweeper behind the defence when required. Because the goalkeeper can always see what is happening in front of them, they are in a unique position to be able to see things that other players can't and communicate good information to assist their team mates.

They should always look to adopt a good starting position in relation to where the ball is on the pitch. There is a section on goalkeeping section on the website and a number of animated goalkeeping drills in the Members Menu to assist you with understanding a number of key goalkeeping coaching factors.

For the purposes of this section, we deal with coaching basic handling techniques and techniques for dealing with shots at the body.

Basic Goalkeeping

(Please turn your speakers on for the video tutorials)

The following are considered the key technical coaching factors for basic handling skills for a goalkeeper:

The basic shot stopping position

• Starting position, weight should be on the balls of the feet
• Feet should be shoulder-width apart
• Hands should be at waist height, outside the line of the body
• Palms of the hands open
• Head should be slightly forward and steady at all times

K shot stopping position

• Get in the line with the ball
• Collapse leg to form K shape
• Knee doesn't touch the floor
• No big gaps for ball to go through
• Hands behind the ball
• Scoop into chest
• Make safe clutch to chest

Scoop shot stopping position

• Get in the line of the ball
• Legs slightly apart, no big gaps
• Bend back and get both hands behind the ball
• Scoop the ball up
• Make safe clutch to chest

Collapse save for low shot

• Get in line of the ball
• Legs slightly apart, no big gaps
• Bend back and get both hands behind the ball
• Collapse legs behind to absorb pace of shot
• Make safe, clutch to chest

Technique of catching the ball at head height using the W catching method

• Hands in front of the body
• Fingers spread into the 'W' shape
• Take the ball early
• Catch behind the ball
• Make safe by clutching into the body

Technique of making save into the body M catching shape

• Get body into line with the shot
• Wrap the hands round behind the ball, using an M shape and grasp it into the stomach
• Relax the body so that the pace of the shot is absorbed
• Straighten the body up again and make the ball safe by hugging into the chest

The practices you will see in this section are suggested practices, they aren't definitive. Why not use these as a basis for ideas and design, save and share your own dribbling sessions and games with Coaches Chalkboard?