Coaches will agree that each position on a soccer field has its own set of rules and requires a different set of player skills. However one position that is the most unique is that of the goalkeeper.

Regardless if your an trained keeper coach or a novice, the NSCAA has several resources coaches can take advantage of to help advance your goalkeeper skills.

Online Resource Library

The NSCAA's Online Resource Library aims to be the most comprehensive database of soccer-related information for coaches. In the database is a separate section of articles and training sessions dedicated to goalkeepers.

One article coaches can take advantage of is “Training Goalkeepers to Deal with Flank Attacks,” developed by Tony DiCicco, Director of the NSCAA Goalkeeping Academy. This session, presented at the 2013 Convention along with the University of Nevada women’s head coach Melissa Price, focuses on:

• Identifying and naming the different types of attacks so the goalkeeper understands the nuances of each
• Early communication and differentiation of “keeper” or “away”
• Correcting positioning based on recognizing the type of attack the keeper sees, and
• Shot handling for point blank shots

There are dozens of other goalkeeping articles in also use in the Online Resource Library, as well as hundreds of others on a variety topics for different age groups.

Goalkeeping Academy Courses

The NSCAA Goalkeeping Academy was launched in 1998  with the goal of improving the ability of all coaches to integrate the keeper into total team training.

The Goalkeeping Level 1 course is designed to empower the coach with knowledge and practice methods that will enable him or her to evaluate a goalkeeper in game situations.

[+] Sign up for an upcoming Goalkeeping Level 1 course

The 12-hour Goalkeeping Level 2 course is geared towards the specialist goalkeeping coach and the team coach looking for in-depth information surrounding the coaching of goalkeepers.

[+] Sign up for an upcoming Goalkeeping Level 2 course

The Goalkeeping Level 3 course will explore the tactical components of goalkeeping and the specifics of training and developing goalkeepers. The emphasis of this 18-hour course is on the tactical role of the goalkeeper within the team framework.

[+] Sign up for an upcoming Goalkeeping Level 3 course

The Advanced National Goalkeeping diploma builds on the previous Level 3 course. The 50-hour residential course is one of the most comprehensive goalkeeping courses for coaches anywhere in the world.

[+] Apply for an upcoming Advanced National Goalkeeping course

Keeper-related NSCAA.com articles

The NSCAA posts articles to advance the soccer coaching profession. Below is a list of previous article that coaches may find informational when teaching goalkeepers.

Integrating the Goalkeeper in a Team Training Session

A view from the goal with an MLS veteran:

How to get the most out of your goalkeeper
The five P's of performance
Tips on Nurturing the Young Goalkeeper
Top 3 Lessons Learned

Dan Abrahams articles:

Developing a Match Script
A Player's Ability to Focus and Adjust
Imagery as a crucial determinant of self-belief
Soccer players' necessity: Self belief

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