REMOTE GOALKEEPER’S TRAINING. NEEDS AND PERSPECTIVES

The current scenario of social-preventive isolation forces us to use new tools to interact so that our Goalkeepers can remain active, in good shape and be able to quickly readjust to the activity when they can return to the field.

Training remotely via the Internet and through electronic devices such as computers and smartphones, offers two options that can be combined: virtual and (on-line). In virtual training the exercises provided can be executed  when the Goalkeepers can. In on-line training, coaches and Goalkeepers interact through digital platforms in prearranged meetings.

Initially, we provided reduced virtual training sessions through videos with exercises adapted to be done either outdoors or indoors. Then, with the extension of the quarantine, we launched on-line sessions.

We plan the sessions organizing objectives and contents in three main fields: technical, physical and mental. Technically, we seek to stimulate the acquired technical capacities, especially postures, short displacements, catches and reincorporations. Physically we focus on maintaining coordination, strength, and reaction. Mentally we aim at motivation, visualization, and perceptive and cognitive abilities.

After a period of adaptation of Trainers and Goalkeepers to interact electronically and to the physical conditions of the spaces used, the sessions began to flow naturally and the quality and intensity of execution of the exercises improved noticeably, which motivated us to be more creative when planning new sessions.

During this time, Goalkeepers from various parts of Argentina and abroad started to train with us remotely. This enriching experience demonstrated that we can not only maintain acquired skills, but also continue to exercise our role as trainers following the guidelines of CEFARQ. Almost 60 goalkeepers from the age of six to adults participate in our on-line training sessions.

With an optimistic spirit, at CEFARQ we see remote training as a way of continuing progressing in Goalkeepers training, even when we can return to the field. Among the favorable possibilities that we evaluated include training in unfavorable weather conditions, providing training for Goalkeepers from remote sites, training travelling Goalkeepers , and promoting “invisible training” through activities such as video analysis and videoconferences.

Keep training!