A soccer goalkeeper needs a high level of athleticism to perform her job. Keeper training should focus on the skills required during a soccer game. Crucial skills required of a goalkeeper include sure footwork, shot-stopping, the ability to deflect high balls, stopping one-on-one breakaways and distributing the ball.
Preparation
Prepare thoroughly for any soccer goalie training session you participate in. Pack all your equipment and wear appropriate clothing. Shorts and shirt are common goalkeeping attire, but hard ground or turf might call for long pants or sleeves to avoid cuts and burns. Required equipment includes cleats, shin guards and gloves. Stretch and warm up thoroughly before every soccer goalie training session to avoid nagging injuries caused by the constant diving and jumping required.
Skills and Repetition
All goalkeeper training sessions should cover conditions experienced during a game. The more repetitions, the more effective the session. Avoid dead time between repetitions to ensure an energetic session. When practicing shot stopping, you can add more realism by having a player follow in to score from any rebounds. You can also have another player shoot a second shot quickly after a save to simulate rebounds in a game.
Training Alone
The key to improving as a goalkeeper is to invest time into practice and perform a high number of repetitions in every training session. If you cannot find friends or a team, you can practice goalkeeping alone. Footwork can be practiced with sprinting and agility drills. You can perform side shuffles, bounding and skipping to develop agility. To practice handling a ball, use a wall to throw a ball against, catching the rebound. Varying the height and angle of your throw allows you to practice diving saves and catching high balls.
Listen and Learn
Take advice from coaches when it comes to your goalkeeping technique. Take constructive criticism and learn from it. Having an outside observer watch you can be a valuable learning tool as can video of yourself practicing. If your observer is unsure, tell them what you want to work on and to watch one or two specific actions.
Team
Trying out for a travel team, or joining a recreational team, can help you develop. Test yourself in game situations. Rather than simply being a shot stopper, communicate with your defenders and take control when attackers are not covered. Advance your thinking. Many goalkeepers pay full attention only when the opposition is attacking. Be a step ahead of this when the ball crosses halfway by immediately looking for open attackers and give your defense more time to react.
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