Mastering the Art of Goalkeeping in the Kent Football League
As the last line of defense, goalkeepers in the Kent Football League play a crucial role in the success of their teams. These unsung heroes must possess a unique blend of physical skill, mental fortitude, and tactical awareness to withstand the relentless pressure of their position.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve sought out the expertise of some of the league’s finest goalkeeping coaches to uncover the secrets behind developing and nurturing top-tier shot-stoppers. From the fundamentals of footwork and positioning to the advanced techniques of distribution and decision-making, this article will provide an in-depth look at the essential elements of becoming a goalkeeper in the Kent Football League.
The Developmental Journey: When and How to Introduce Goalkeeping
When it comes to introducing the goalkeeper position, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Ian Feuer, a former professional goalkeeper and renowned coach, emphasizes the importance of understanding each child’s individual learning style and cognitive abilities.
“It depends on each child’s ability to process information,” Feuer explains. “I have had 8-year-olds who can better process information than some 12-year-olds, so this is a key factor. So far, around age 8 onwards, I have had great results. Pre-age 8, it becomes very difficult unless the child has a good mental state of mind.”
Erin Lycan Ridley, a former collegiate goalkeeper and experienced youth coach, agrees that early exposure to the position can be beneficial, but cautions against specialization too soon. “I think all young athletes benefit from introductory goalkeeper training. In general, it’s great for players from 8 to 18 to have a basic idea of how to move, catch, distribute, and dive safely,” she says. “I encourage youth coaches to introduce their athletes to elements of playing in goal so they can appreciate it from the beginning, even if their players choose to play another position.”
Jeff Tackett, a seasoned goalkeeper coach, stresses the importance of safety as the top priority when working with young keepers. “If a team has formed and they use a goalkeeper, the goalkeeper at that point should be trained. I do not like that clubs continue to start younger and younger, but if they are going to put in a player in goal, it is important that they be trained for safety reasons.”
The experts agree that a well-rounded approach, which includes exposure to various positions and the development of a broad athletic skillset, is crucial for young goalkeepers in the Kent Football League. The transition to full-time goalkeeper specialization is typically recommended around the ages of 13-14, when a true passion for the position becomes essential.
Fundamentals First: Laying the Groundwork for Success
Establishing a solid foundation in the basic techniques of goalkeeping is the cornerstone of any successful development program. Erin Lycan Ridley emphasizes the importance of teaching young keepers how to move in and out of a set position, visually track and catch the ball, and dive safely.
“I usually begin with movement in and out of a set position and incorporate tracking and catching first, and then progress into low diving,” Ridley explains. “I also think it’s really important to have age-appropriate soccer balls. It seems obvious, but sometimes goalkeeper coaches don’t have access to a ball bag full of size 4 soccer balls, and they’re using size 5s with 10- and 11-year-old players who have smaller hands and struggle with catching the larger surface area of a full-sized ball.”
Jeff Tackett reinforces the concept of safety-first training, prioritizing the development of proper catching and diving techniques to prevent injuries. “Phase 1 is safety training. By safety training, I mean to teach specific topics that will help reduce injuries to the goalkeeper, such as how to catch a ball properly to lessen the risk of an injured finger, hand, or wrist. For diving, a goalkeeper needs to learn how to avoid hitting the ground in the wrong way, i.e., on the stomach, joint of the shoulder, elbows, or on their knees.”
Only after the fundamental skills have been solidified should coaches progress to more advanced technical and tactical training, according to Tackett’s approach.
The Goalkeeper’s Mentality: Cultivating Resilience and Confidence
The goalkeeper position is undoubtedly one of the most mentally demanding roles in football. Ian Feuer emphasizes the stark contrast between the pressure and expectations placed on goalkeepers compared to their field-playing teammates.
“It is insane some of the comments I hear during games and training sessions by some coaches and parents regarding their goalkeepers,” Feuer laments. “As goalkeepers, we have a millisecond to cover the whole goal and to make a decision that usually is very cut and dry – a goal or a save. Field players don’t have this same pressure and can get away with so much more.”
Erin Lycan Ridley stresses the importance of developing a “healthy goalkeeper culture” that supports a robust and resilient mindset. “We need to move away from the blame game that can be rampant in youth soccer. There’s no question that goalkeepers are in the spotlight, and their mistakes will be obvious to everyone.”
Jeff Tackett takes a long-term approach to goalkeeper development, recognizing that the learning process is a marathon, not a sprint. “I tell my goalkeepers, parents, and coaches that I am training the goalkeeper for 5 years from now, not 5 days from now. There is so much to learn that we need tons and tons of time to make it meaningful and for it to sink in.”
By fostering a supportive environment, emphasizing the importance of the mental game, and allowing for gradual development, Kent Football League coaches can empower their goalkeepers to flourish, both on and off the pitch.
Goalkeeper-Specific Training: Integrating the Whole Team
One of the most common challenges faced by goalkeepers in the Kent Football League is the disconnect between their specialized training and the team’s overall tactical approach. Ian Feuer laments the lack of cohesion between the goalkeeper and the rest of the defensive unit.
“It should all be trained as a cohesive unit that works all the time on different situations,” Feuer argues. “Instead, we have defenders and only then a goalkeeper. There is such a void in this country where coaches don’t involve their keepers within team sessions in a way that develops the entire defensive unit.”
Erin Lycan Ridley emphasizes the importance of the goalkeeper being a fully integrated field player, capable of distributing the ball, relieving pressure, and starting the attack. “Coaches are depriving goalkeepers of proper development if they do not ask them to do this when they are younger.”
Jeff Tackett outlines the delicate balance between the goalkeeper coach’s long-term approach and the field player coach’s immediate needs. “The goalkeeper coach is now teaching full team tactics and how to understand multiple situations that occur in the game, such as set plays, crosses, and distribution. Oddly enough, as we are trying to get the goalkeeper ready for this part of their development, the field player coach tends to not speak to them much about it and gives false advice or orders as to what they think the goalkeeper should be doing.”
By bridging the gap between specialized goalkeeper training and the team’s tactical framework, Kent Football League coaches can unlock the full potential of their shot-stoppers and enhance the overall defensive cohesion of their squads.
Goalkeeper Equipment: Choosing the Right Gloves and Gear
The choice of goalkeeper equipment can have a significant impact on performance and safety. Erin Lycan Ridley cautions against being swayed by the most expensive gloves, emphasizing that the perfect fit is more important than the price tag.
“Don’t be swayed by the idea that the most expensive gloves are always the best ones,” Ridley advises. “I personally recommend avoiding gloves that have finger savers technology – they often give the illusion of safety without real protection.”
Jeff Tackett echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of finding a comfortable fit over the latest features. “They should not be skin-tight, and there should be some room to move. I do not recommend finger saves at the younger ages. One, they do not allow the goalkeeper to have a natural circular curve to their hands when the ball is kicked at them or to make a fist to punch a ball.”
Ian Feuer favors the Aviata brand for its excellent price-to-quality ratio and the ability to remove the finger savers, providing more natural flexibility.
Investing in the right goalkeeper equipment, tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences, can be a game-changer in the Kent Football League, enhancing both performance and safety on the pitch.
Mastering the Back Pass and Distribution
One of the essential skills for modern goalkeepers in the Kent Football League is their ability to handle back passes and distribute the ball effectively. Ian Feuer emphasizes the importance of addressing this aspect of the game from day one, regardless of whether the team currently utilizes the back pass during matches.
“I start from day one, and every session will have at least one aspect of dealing with a back pass, regardless if the keepers’ team uses the back pass during games yet or not,” Feuer explains. “At some point down the road, the goalkeeper will be required to handle the back pass, and the keeper will be ahead of the game if they have already been working on this topic.”
Erin Lycan Ridley further reinforces the need for goalkeepers to be comfortable with the ball at their feet, as the modern game demands they be fully integrated field players. “The modern goalkeeper must be a fully integrated field player, capable of distributing the ball, relieving pressure, and starting the attack.”
Jeff Tackett emphasizes the importance of practicing various passing scenarios with the entire team, not just the goalkeeper. “If the coach wants to give the goalkeeper the ball, they need to have all the options worked on so they limit any surprises that may come in the game and it gives a goalkeeper and field players many options to be prepared to use.”
By prioritizing back pass and distribution training, Kent Football League goalkeepers can enhance their overall contribution to the team’s tactical approach and become more valuable assets on the pitch.
Goalkeeper Mistakes: Providing the Support and Perspective
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of being a goalkeeper in the Kent Football League is the unforgiving nature of the position and the high level of scrutiny that comes with it. Ian Feuer highlights the stark contrast between how mistakes are perceived for goalkeepers versus field players.
“If a keeper gets a shot from outside of the box and lets it go in, that just looks disastrous. But it’s the same thing as a field player misplacing a long 10-yard pass. Stopping a shot from the top of the 18 is even more difficult than handling a 10-yard pass. But the goalkeeper gets yelled at, while the field player’s mistake is overlooked.”
Erin Lycan Ridley emphasizes the importance of cultivating a supportive and understanding environment for young goalkeepers, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
“Cultivating a love for the game is the most important thing a parent can help with their goalkeepers. Simply telling your player how much you enjoy watching them play, without dissecting the game, can go a long way towards helping them feel secure with the pressures of the game.”
Jeff Tackett reminds coaches and parents that the goalkeeper development process is a long-term endeavor, and patience is key. “I tell my goalkeepers, parents, and coaches that I am training the goalkeeper for 5 years from now, not 5 days from now. There is so much to learn that we need tons and tons of time to make it meaningful and for it to sink in.”
By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, Kent Football League coaches and parents can empower their goalkeepers to overcome the mental challenges of the position and reach their full potential.
Conclusion: Embracing the Unique Demands of Goalkeeping
The Kent Football League is home to some of the most talented and dedicated goalkeepers in the region. By embracing the unique demands of the position and providing the necessary support, training, and resources, coaches and parents can help these unsung heroes thrive on the pitch.
As the Kent Football League continues to grow and inspire the next generation of local football enthusiasts, the role of the goalkeeper will remain integral to the success of every team. By following the insights and best practices shared by the league’s leading goalkeeper experts, aspiring shot-stoppers in Kent can embark on a journey of self-discovery, skill development, and unwavering resilience.
So, whether you’re a goalkeeper honing your craft, a coach looking to elevate your team’s defensive prowess, or a parent supporting your child’s passion for the game, this comprehensive guide has provided the essential tools and strategies to ensure the Kent Football League’s goalkeepers continue to shine brightly between the posts.
