Developing Goalkicks

Goalkicks spread fear into many Goalkeepers from young to old. This is a responsibility passed over to one of the defenders across many levels.

Goalkeepers need to take this back.

The modern game has improved in my view which has left many Goalkeepers and Goalkeeper coaches needing to adapt to many of the new demands, which are ever changing.

Goalkicks are an essential part of Goalkeeping and is one of most used techniques in the game.

I have put together a few ideas of how to develop Goalkicks.

3 Key points to remember

 

  • Technique before power

 

  • Fun

 

  • Time to develop

 

Goalkeeper and server about 10 yards apart. Let the Goalkeeper take a couple of Goalkicks and see what area needs improving.

Do they need to work on their technique of striking the ball or work on their body shape.

Once you have assessed the Goalkeeper/s taking a couple of kicks this will then give you something to go on.

Lets look at how the Goalkeeper is approaching the ball. What type of run up are they taking? Straight, Arched, Short, Long, Fast, Slow or something else.

Lets get the Goalkeeper focusing on their run up and striking the ball. Everyone is different but I ask my Goalkeepers to put the ball down and take a few steps back then have a slight step to the side. Depending on which foot they strike with.  (see diagram below)

Get the Goalkeeper to approach the ball strike the ball to the server over 10 yards. Try to get the Goalkeeper to aim to the server’s hands, which will be about and above head height.  Also at this stage if the Goalkeeper is struggling to lift the ball off the floor get them to strike off of a small cone. (this will allow them to have temporary success.

At this stage it is crucial that you are checking the Body shape of the Goalkeeper and the technique of the strike.

Body Shape

The Goalkeeper should be relaxed and flexible not tense and ridged.  They will be in control of their run up and when striking the ball there standing foot (none kicking foot) will be next to the ball.

Make sure the feet are around shoulder width apart and not too close or too wide as this with effect the strike.

As the Goalkeeper takes a run up to strike the ball they will be in control of their body movements. This will take a lot of practice at first.  As they strike the ball they can use their hands for balance. Hands will normally are placed out to the side one in front and one behind the body.

As the ball is struck the Goalkeeper needs to be leaning forward and bring the striking leg all the way though the middle of the ball and stopping as high in front of the body as possible.

The striking leg should not cross the midline of the body when striking the ball. For example if the Goalkeeper strikes the ball right footed they will keep there right leg on the right hand side of the body and not cross onto the left hand side of the body.

Striking the ball

The Goalkeeper should strike the ball with the top of there foot where most football boots have laces. When striking the ball they should ensure that there foot is under the ball to generate height.

Make sure the kicking foot is pointing toward to the target player to ensure the pass is accurate.

Sometime if your Goalkeeper is striking the ball of the outside of their foot they may need to adjust the position of there striking foot. To do this they will need to raise the outside of their foot so that the foot is on a diagonal opposed to being flat.

Only spend a small amount of time on the practices I would limit to around 30 kicks to save the leg from aching and boredom.

Try and work a on both feet because this can always help.