TRAINING OF FOOT GAME SKILLS IN THE GOALKEEPER’s EARLY AGES

In recent years demands on the goalkeeper to control and distribute the ball with their feet have increased. This has implied a greater load of specific training sessions and the incorporation of the goalkeeper in exercises with the rest of the team.

In many children’s soccer leagues in Argentina (7vs7), starting at 10 years of age, goalkeepers cannot receive a pass from a teammate with the hands. For this reason, even from before that age foot skills must be incorporated progressively in the training session to adapt them to this new difficulty.

Here we consider some basic aspects of teaching and training the GK’s foot skills, especially in the initial formative ages. We focus on the technique for controlling the ball in relation to a game situation. A good control of the ball, whatever the moment of the game in which it occurs, greatly facilitates the task of fulfilling the objective sought out by the team that owns it.

In early ages, goalkeepers tend to stop the ball with the sole of the foot. Although it is not totally negative, this habit is not entirely recommended because the ball may slip under the foot, and  if controlled, it would take longer to set yourself up to make the appropriate play, be that a clearance or a pass.. Therefore, the intention is to make him/her incorporate the habit of controlling the ball with the inside part of the foot, placing the foot between the ball and the goal, which reduces the risk of loss and facilitates forward control to make a faster decision.

It is essential to train from a young age bilateral (both sides) skills to control the ball, and performing passes and clearances. When playing on larger pitches (9vs9 or 11vs11), with more space, it will be easier for them to control, make a pass, or a clear the ball with their non- dominant foot, especially because the rival’s pressure would start further away.

Once the goalkeeper has analytically mastered controlling the ball, basic situational aspects can be incorporated. In these instances, directed or oriented control is essential, thus it is important to teach them to identify the position of his/her teammates and rivals so that he/she can decide how and where to clear the ball or start the build up again.

As Children evolve and mature their coordination and motor skills do as well. We must accompany this process understanding the level of complexity that they are prepared to deal with, but also understanding that they must find or “discover” the solution to the situation and the difficulties that it poses.  It is essential to understand, in our role as coach and teacher, the maturing and formative stages the goalkeepers go through.