Quite often coaches wrestle with the question of when to encourage a player to specialize in the GK position. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer as the correct response will vary for each individual player. However, it is clear that whether a player has focused solely upon playing GK at the age of 10 or 11 or not is not the primary determining factor as to whether that young player becomes a top-level goalkeeper. It is also apparent goalkeepers need to have strong technical foot skills if they do wish to become top-level goalkeepers. For this reason we need to make sure we do not push young players to specialize as a GK at the cost of their overall technical development.

The primary determining factor in deciding whether or not a player should focus solely on the GK position is their desire. That is, the player’s desire should take precedence over all else, including the coach’s and parent’s desires. If young players truly enjoy playing the position and find they enjoy the game most from that position, than by all means, let them play GK.

Information on basic goalkeeping techniques and activities are listed below. However, the real work is not necessarily these activities, but rather the encouragement and insight you provide to players as they investigate the goalkeeper position. Additionally, the reinforcement of proper technique is essential in their development.

Catching Technique for Goalkeepers
1) High "W" hand position. The "W" is formed by the thumbs and index fingers.
2) "W" hand position for middle and high balls.
3) Both palms of the hands must always be turned outwards to the ball. This means the body position will have to be adjusted to ensure that both palms get behind the ball. The object is to present the maximum amount of palm and fingers to the ball.
4) Hands leading (bent elbows, giving a strong, shock-absorbing effect), shoulders square to the ball.
5) Hands together, fingers pointed towards ground for low balls (scooping low and into body).

Technical Points on Body Shape (ready position to catch shot)
1) Standing in a "Gorilla" shape-shoulders rounded, knees bent, feet square to body, arms out to sides and slightly forward with elbows slightly bent, palms facing forward.
2) Make sure when catching ball, the hands always lead, not the knees.
3) Always be on toes, ready to come out to meet the ball or cut down angle.

Throwing-Roll/Bowl Technique:
1) Ball in dominant throwing hand ("cupped").
2) Step forward with one foot, knee bent and put opposite foot behind with knee bent-to get low.
3) Release ball low and follow through at target.

Throwing-Overhead/Windmill Technique:
1) Ball in dominant throwing hand ("cupped").
2) Step forward with one foot and hand without ball out facing target, have other hand with ball straight back behind you.
3) Bring hand without ball down and hand with ball up over, with shoulder going forward and release ball as hand comes up over shoulder.
4) Can release ball high or low depending upon point of release and body position (high with knees bent or low with knees bent).

From Soccer Interactive