For years, I’ve kept these rules of being a goalkeeper in a binder. They are written by Sam Snow, U.S. Youth Director of Coaching Education and a U.S. Soccer National Instructor. Below are his 5 rules of being a goalkeeper. If you think about, they could apply to almost anything!
- Go for everything
- You may not be able to stop every shot that comes your way, but if you make the attempt, you will find that you are stopping shots you never before thought possible. You will also have the personal satisfaction that at least you made the attempt and your teammates will be more forgiving even if you miss.
- After a save – get up quickly
- If you have gone to the ground to make a save get back on your feet as fast as possible. Look for a fast break distribution or to direct your teammates into position to receive a build-up distribution. This aspect is particularly important if you are injured. You cannot show weakness, you may tend to your injury after you have started the counterattack. This will particularly intimidate your opponents and raise the confidence in your teammates.
- Do not be half-hearted – 100% effort
- Every time you make a pay it must be will all of your ability. If you go half way you will miss saves and injure yourself.
- Communicate loudly
- You must constantly give instructions when on defense. When you team is on the attack, come to the top of your penalty area or beyond and talk to your teammates and after support to the defenders. Be mentally involved in the entire match, no matter where the ball is.
- No excuses! No whining! Just get on with the match.
- If a goal is scored against you, a corner kick is given up or the short is a near miss, do not yell at your teammates even if it’s their fault. Do not hang your head, kick the ground or post if it was your fault. During the match is no time to point fingers or make excuses. The play is over, its ancient history, get on with the remainder of the match. Focus on what lies ahead!