Soccer goalkeeper is a position that requires agility, ball handling ability and focus. A goalkeeper is the last line of defense in a soccer game and the only player on the field who is allowed to use his hands to touch the ball. Goalkeepers should develop leadership qualities because communicating with the defenders in front of you is of vital importance.
Consider the Opposition
Studying the system that the opposing team plays by will give you an advantage as a goalkeeper. For example, if your team uses a back four formation and the left defender has an attacking player behind her who is her responsibility to cover, you can communicate with her to adjust her positioning. Studying the opposition will put you on the front foot with regards to what you should expect during a soccer game. Factors you would study when scouting opposition would be where they usually cross balls from, if any player is comfortable shooting from a considerable distance, and if any player has speed and is consistently fed passes behind the defense to chase. Knowing what to expect gives you a step when the situation occurs during a game. Knowing which foot an opposition player prefers to use will also let you know where the shot is likely to come from during a soccer game.
Communication
The communication of a goalkeeper is vital to the defensive unity of a soccer team. As a goalkeeper, your position on the field allows you a better view of the defense. Your position behind the defensive line allows you to see whether an attacker is positioned between two defenders in space, but the coach who is looking at the game from the sidelines will not have as clear a view. When communicating with your teammates communicate loudly and early and address your teammates by name, making it more likely that you will get their attention. Make defensive adjustments as the opposition cross the halfway line, this will give you time to adjust. When the ball is within 20 to 30 yards, you should ready yourself to save any shots or crosses that could come toward the goal.
Train
Regular practice is crucial to becoming a successful goalkeeper. Skills you should practice are shot stopping, footwork, diving and ball handling. Perform drills that require you to save or catch 20 to 30 balls at a time, this will allow you to develop your skills and work on your fitness at the same time. Have a trainer or friend shoot 20 to 30 balls at you from the same spot. If you are alone, drive balls into a wall and practice ball handling as the ball rebounds off the wall.
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