How to Become a Better Soccer Goalie

As a goalie, you always want to have the edge. People always say you either get better or worse, but never stand still. To truly be a better goalie, you have to always improve your game--and different parts of it, too.

Instructions

1. Footwork is a crucial part of goalkeeper training at any time of year, and is the most important part of a goalie's game--even more so than his hands. The reason to do the footwork as well as conditioning is that, once a player is winded, she will benefit more from the training, as long as she is still working hard.Do footwork drills that involve lots of side-stepping (shuffling), backpedaling, short bursts forward, high-stepping and turning. Whatever footwork drills you have your keeper do, make sure the technique stays solid, and you'll notice a drastic improvement.

2. Have the keeper run some drills without his goalie gloves. There are several fingertip-to-fingertip drills that can be done. Have the goalie toss the ball up and catch it behind her back. Have the goalie whirl the ball around her waist, flip the ball back and forth between her legs, bounce the ball off the ground while running and catch the ball with the proper grip. Doing pushups on the ball is also a very good way to improve the keeper's catching.

3. Remember why you are training in the first place. Regardless of what training you do, make sure you face some shots. Keep the instruction to a minimum and let the goalie have fun stopping shots. Even though he should be tired at this point, you should notice an improvement in the goalie's technique and reactions.

4. Distribution can be the difference between a good goalkeeper and a great goalkeeper. Being able to punt the ball effectively will help you control the pace of the game and give your offense a chance to create opportunities.

5. Watch: To be great, you have to watch the greats. Make sure you watch lots of soccer on TV.