GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 23 – April 10, 2015 | Page 55

PREP
Coaches should stress that the warm-up
is not for forwards or midfielders to “bust
the onion bag” but to work the keeper
properly and build his/her belief and
composure. While, time should be spent
on drills stressing goalkeeper strengths,
goalkeepers should also be included in
regular movement drills practiced by
outfield players. Passing and movement
drills should include the goalkeeper, the
more a goalkeeper practices with outfield
players, the better he/she will become in
thinking quickly when to pass or receive
the ball. The more self-assurance he/she
gets from these drills will translate into
more opportunities to get involved in
starting attacks and being an outlet for the
team to move the ball quickly. Traditionally, goalkeepers would pass the ball and
remain stationary, today, goalkeepers are
required to be able to pass and move and
it is important that they are coached how
to do this properly.

ESSENTIAL
The position of goalkeeper may have
long been the realm of the “unfit” or “not
so good outfield” players but today the
position is extremely important. It is essential for coaches to utilize modern goalkeeper drills and include goalkeepers in
“outfield” player drills. No longer do goalkeepers lean against the post and yell at
defenders, but rather, goalkeepers are now
an additional attacking option from the
defense and should be properly trained in
being an extra outlet for teams.

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