Shadow Goalkeeping

Shadow Goalkeeping

Objectives

To replicate diving techniques and saves, followed by fast recovery back to the feet.

Organization

• Either on own, with a partner or with several goalkeepers arranged in files (see illustration).
• On own, use imagination to create the "action" for six different saves, with fast recovery into ready position between each save.
• With two or more - one person (coach or partner as leader) works on four main types of saves:
  Collapse for ground shot close to body.
  Low shot just inside the post.
  Parallel dive (for shot 2-3 feet high, just inside the post).
  Top corner of the net.
  

Coaching Points

• Fast recovery is critical.
• Allow just enough time for recovery, but not too much before next shot.
• Coach or partner "directs" the type of shot by pointing.

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Correct diving technique, reactions and strength, and speed of recovery.	Side Diving, Open, Recovery, Shape.

Additional Information

When I was 16, I was still unable to dive correctly. When I dove, I dragged my feet, the result invariably being that I belly-flopped! I knew what the problems were, but I could not correct them, and I didn't have a coach.

Living by the seaside, with miles of sand dunes, gave me the opportunity of practicing my goalkeeping dives anytime I wanted. So I devised my own Shadow Goalkeeping method. In my imagination I would replicate a series of shots on my goal and respond physically. Without question, it helped me develop my side diving technique and recovery. As well, I won more games and brought the crowd to their feet far more times than I ever did in my 13-year professional career!

Imagery is one of the tools of skill learning today. It does work and a goalkeeper can get 10 times the amount of "GK Saving Time" that he/she could ever get with a ball and a coach. Even better, you don't have the embarrassment of picking one single ball out of the back of the net!

Shadow Goalkeeping can be implemented within the "Let's Dance" routine - or for 3-5 minutes at the conclusion of the "Let's Dance" sequence.

If using as a separate or add-on exercise, do five sets of 6 "saves" with 30-45 seconds of rest between each set.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	YES	Modified version with simple saves. Try the Mirror Man routine below.
12-15	YES	Goalkeepers on a regular basis. Field players occasionally for fun!
16+	YES	Two or three keepers can work together and use the Mirror Man method (below). Occasionally have the whole team go through the routine

Mirror Man

Want some fun? Two goalkeepers (or field players) face one another. The players in turn perform any number of goalkeeper-style actions (shadow form) with the other trying to "mirror" every action simultaneously, or as near to simultaneously as possible. The same principle can be used with the field players, and they don't have to be soccer actions. Forward rolls, somersaults, back flips... you name it. Anything goes, and it's great fun!