Improve your vision as a goalkeeper: essential techniques and strategies
Antoine Roex, Keeper In Motion – 18 July 2024
Discover how to develop exceptional game vision as a goalkeeper. This article explores advanced techniques and practical strategies for improving game reading, anticipating opposing movements and making quick decisions under pressure. Learn to assess the game like a professional and transform your approach to goalkeeping to become more effective and responsive on the pitch.
Studying and understanding the game
The first step to developing a good vision of the game as a goalkeeper is to understand soccer in depth. This involves watching professional matches to observe how players position themselves, make decisions, and anticipate opponents’ movements. Analyzing the actions of great players, especially goalkeepers renowned for their vision, can provide valuable lessons.
Improved peripheral vision
Peripheral vision is crucial for a guard, enabling him to remain aware of the environment without having to constantly turn his head. Specific exercises, such as focusing on one point while being aware of movements around it via peripheral vision, can help develop this skill. Small-scale games are also beneficial, as they increase the frequency of rapid decision-making and spatial awareness.
Small-sided games
Participating in small-sided games where the goalkeeper must constantly assess the position of players, ball movements and make quick decisions is an excellent way of reinforcing game vision. This type of format helps the goalkeeper develop better anticipation and react effectively under pressure.
Specific game vision exercises
Incorporating exercises dedicated to game vision into the training routine can greatly help. For example, create scenarios where the goalkeeper has to make quick choices based on the movements of players around him. Practicing receiving a ball with your back to the goal and quickly identifying the best passing option without turning around can also be highly formative.
By applying these techniques and engaging in regular, targeted training, goalkeepers can significantly improve their ability to read the game, which is essential to excel in this position. Game vision is not just a physical skill; it includes a strong mental component requiring concentration, anticipation and reactivity.
References :