Help PagesArticles
"A saved ball is as important as a goal!"
...
Search

"A saved ball is as important as a goal!"

Mattias Andersson has, among other things, a past as a player in Barcelona, Kiel and Flensburg. After the goalkeeper boots were put on the shelf, he has continued his career as a goalkeeper coach for several of the world's best national teams, club teams and confederations.

How can we get more people to finish?

Start with soft balls. Make it clear to the outfield players that they must respect the goalkeepers, and not shoot around their heads. By reducing the tempo between each shot and increasing the distance, goalkeepers will feel that they have a little more control.

How should we train goalkeepers in childhood and adolescence?

It is important that we assist goalkeepers to experience progress. We do this by showing them, already at a young age, how they should act technically. By adapting the pace and distance of shots in training, we help the goalkeepers so that they actually make saves. A saved ball is as important as a goal. As coaches, we have to convey that.

How do we teach goalkeepers the right technique?

Start early by showing what it should look like. Shooting sequences in training should not be faster or longer than that the goalkeepers always make the right movements. Please note that "highlight saves" from the internet often do not show good technique.

The handball goes faster and the goalkeeper's role in the counter game becomes greater.

How do we train goalkeepers to become good passers?

The goalkeepers must take part in passing exercises at training, even if they really only want to stand in goal. Also practice passing in stressful situations so that we get match-like situations. Explain and practice passing technique, not only for outfield players, but also above the goalkeepers.

When should one specialize?

We should specialize when players themselves want it. If someone only wants to stand in the goal, that's perfectly fine, but for development it's good if they also play out on the pitch when they're younger.

Do you have any good tips for coaches in the youth?

• Fire fewer shots, but with more quality.

• Make sure that the goalkeeper always has time to perform the correct technique.

• Ensure that the goalkeepers get match-like situations in training.

• Teach goalkeepers to read the game.

How do we teach the goalkeepers to read the game?

Create situations in training where defense and goalkeeper have to work together. Teach them to "read" what can happen in the various situations, and feel free to discuss it with the goalkeepers.

Three tips if for children who want to be good:

• Have fun!

• Watch a lot of handball!

• Be focused when you first train - this increases the benefit of the training!

Published: 
November 10, 2022
Feel free to share this article