Six Key Factors in Choosing a Goalkeeper

Many coaches ask how best to choose a goalkeeper. Usually what happens is you find yourself either with several volunteers or none at all! However, choosing a player who is suited to the role is essential for a successful season.

A common error is automatically placing the biggest player in goal, just because his size means he can cover more goal area. There may be more competent players able to perform the role, regardless of how tall or well built they are. Height should of course be taken into account but there are other areas to consider as well.

Handling capabilities

A good pair of safe hands is a must. A skilled keeper will position himself with the ball, seize it and keep it safe. Proficient handling is more important then height, although finding a tall player with great handling skills would be excellent!

Displays confidence

It’s important that a goalkeeper has a strong character. He must be confident and courageous, not afraid to throw himself to the ground in front of strikers or anxious about hurting himself. There are coaching articles I wrote at Junior Soccer Coach under the title ‘How Goalkeepers Can Protect Themselves While Safely Gathering the Ball.’

Good communication

A goalkeeper is usually the last player in the line of defence, therefore should have a clear sight of all action happening on the pitch. Choose a keeper who not only has good observational skills but also the competence to communicate well with the other players and has the ability to organize them. It’s vital for a goalkeeper to make himself heard, manage the defence and give orders authoritatively.

Ball distribution

Once the goalkeeper has taken control of the ball, either by holding it securely in his hands or at his feet, he must be capable of passing it effectively to other members of his team. He should be adept at using either his left or right foot for kicking and be able to throw using a range of different methods. Under arm, push, spear, over arm and around the house throws should all be within a good keeper’s capabilities.

Good agility

Having good balance, being fast on his feet and capable of maneuvering in the air are all qualities to look for in a goalkeeper. He should have excellent agility, adept at reaching and stretching even in the most difficult circumstances. Also important is the ability to move quickly from standing still to close down any attack and being able to hit the ground from a standing position to block a shot.

Quick reactions

Part of a goalkeeper’s duty is coping with deflections, swerves and high-speed shots. He needs to have rapid responses, able to react quickly to what he sees and position his body and hands accordingly.

These are the six key factors you should consider when choosing a goalkeeper. With all the above qualities, good coaching, lots of support and feedback and plenty of practice exercises to work on these qualities, an excellent goalkeeper could emerge - and one of those is invaluable to any team.

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