Coaching Very Young Keepers

      First let's define the age group as U9 or U10 and younger. I don't think that any kid this young should play full time keeper. All the kids should get some keeper training. This training should first go over the rules for keepers: where they can use their hands and how they are allowed to get rid of the ball (for example a local rec league allows the keepers to run to the top of the area and get rid of the ball, another league enforces the 4 step rule more or less.)

      Specific training should be aimed at teaching proper catching technique. Forget diving and all the advanced stuff.
      For the upper limit of the age group (U9) you can begin to teach positioning. Stress importance of protecting near post, cutting down angle, and moving across the goal mouth as the ball moves across the field.
You can teach them to come off the line for free balls in the area where they can handle the ball. (You can begin this at U7 probably)

      Spend time on what to do after the keeper gets the ball. Teach the kids not to panic. Lots of kids in this age (and older too) want to get rid of the ball as soon as possible. Teach them to catch the ball, take a deep breath, let the traffic clear, and then get rid of the ball. U8 and younger you probably want to kick, throw, or whatever the ball as far up field as possible. Advanced U9 you can probably start adding other options, if the field players have sufficient skill  to retain control of the ball after the keeper gets it to them. If the field players lack skill, then its still best to blast the ball up-field.

     The team should buy a couple of junior keeper gloves (2 sizes so that all the kids can use them) that are form fitting and provide a dimpled surface. (These gloves cost under $10) Avoid the big gloves. As anyone who has coached young kids baseball can tell you, young kids can barely control their bare hands. So don't even think about any of the large modern gloves.

      At U8 or so, you may find a kid who is more serious about being a keeper and will come to practice with a pair of big gloves, just like the big kids use. I suggest you don't let him use them because of the kid's inability to control them. Talk to the parents and explain why you're not using the big gloves. (Better yet have a meeting before the $ are spent)

     Assuming that practice time is limited, I would suggest a few sessions as follows:

1. For the whole team go over the rules for keepers.
    
2. For the whole team demonstrate proper catching. Divide the team into pairs and let them practice catching. Walk around and make necessary corrections.
    
3. Above is probably 5 to 10 minutes.
    
4. Set up shooting/keeper drills and rotate all kids into the goal. Keeper teaching points are catching technique and what to do after the ball is caught.
    
5. During scrimmages emphasis on what keeper should do with ball after the save.
    

      The first key point for training young keepers: Don't blame keepers for giving up a goal.

      The second key point for training youth keepers is that the coach MUST stay calm when the keeper has the ball. Too many coaches panic and start screaming "GET RID OF THE BALL." If the coach panics, there is no way to expect the kids to stay calm.

       Third key point is remember that young kids have a short attention span and may be studying the bugs on the field while the ball is headed for the back of the net.

Don't let this bother you. Enjoy it.

Good luck.

Les

Copyright 1996-2002 ©Les Sparks

Les Sparks had the Goalkeeper's Corner website for the Carolina United Soccer Club from 1996 - 2002.  With Les' permission I have posted many of his goalkeeper exercises on the NASL website.

Created: 12/20/99
Last Updated: 06/02/03

Since February 24, 1999
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