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| Game and Match Day Tips |
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Each goalkeeper has a different approach to a game, therefore the match day tips mentioned below are just suggestions and ideas. As a majority of the technique work is completed during training, the tips for the 'Game and Match Day' will concentrate on the other aspects of the game: Physical, Mental and Game Play.
Tips for 'Games and Match Day' can be broken down into a number of different topics. The following topics will be covered:
- Physical Approach
- Approach During the Game
- Mental Approach
For a goalkeeper to perform at the peak of their potential, all of the above topics have to have been implemented and completed. All of the topics complement each other enabling the goalkeeper to perform.
Physical Approach
- Correct Preparations (Pre-Match Day - Off-Season and Pre-Season Training): It is sometimes overlooked by some that if the correct training is completed over a long period of time, a number of aspects of the individuals game become natural: concentration, agility, reading of the game, fitness etc.
- Correct Preparations (Pre-Game - Stretching, Warm-up Routines): Before running onto the field to play, it is best to warm up all of the parts of the body that will be utilised during the game. A warm-up routine should be completed to ensure that the body is ready for what is ahead.
- Body Language During the Game: A goalkeepers body language can affect the moral of a team. The moral can be generated from the goalkeeper and pushed through the team. This is why it is important for goalkeepers to show confidence and provide encouragement to team members at all times. If a goal is conceded, immediately return to your feet, collect the ball to be returned to halfway, and start encouraging the players to lift and ensure that another goal isn't conceded. If the state of the game does not go to plan:
- DO NOT remain on the ground waiting for it to 'open up', or to walk around with the hands over the head or face.
- DO NOT start abusing team mates or looking for a 'scape goat' for the goal. 'Post Mortem' are not to be carried out during the game.
- DO NOT start throwing or kicking anything that comes within range (gloves, ball, goal posts etc.)
- DO NOT start using expletives showing your disappointment at the events that have just transpired.
Approach During the Game
- Team Organisation: For a team to perform well, it has to be organised. As a goalkeeper is at the back of the defense, they are in a position to see all of the play and are therefore able to help control and organise the players.
- Talking: Talking is a key component to 'Team Organisation', and it is therefore important as to how the required information is transferred to the team. Short but precise and directed comments are required to ensure that the information is understood and acted upon by the required person.
- Narrowing Angles (Body Positioning): By moving towards the ball off the goal line, the angle at which the attacker can shoot at goal is reduced, minimising the target the shooter has to aim for. If completed correctly, this limits the potential of a goal being scored.
Mental Approach
- Confidence: A goalkeeper that displays confidence can in turn lift the other players in the team. For a field player knowing that they have confidence in their goalkeeper allows them to play with confidence.
- Belief in One's Ability: This is a definite for a goalkeeper. Goalkeeping can be based on confidence at times, but it is the belief that one has in their ability that will provide that extra element in goalkeeping.
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