64 | 65
Mark Mason (above right) and Jack Robinson (below
right) share the belief that a relaxed environment based on mutual trust is key to eff ective practice
Develop the environment, build the relationship
Jack Robinson, Manchester United Academy Goalkeeper Coach No fear of failure
It is important that you get the environment right within the practice. You can set up mannequins and cones but I think it is the attitude of the coach and the relationship with the player that is crucial. The players must trust you enough to believe in what you are saying and then be willing to go out and try it. You can only do that by listening to what they say but also understanding what they say.
Small steps, long term process
Working with young goalkeepers is part of a long term process. I work with players from U9s to U16s, and I see it as an opportunity to work with them on little things through those age groups.
Take dealing with crosses for example, I’ll start with trying to change their attitude and encouraging the idea to come and deal with things. As soon as they have developed the attitude to come for crosses then you start working on technique and then you work on positioning.
When we are working on crossing, some goalkeepers will worry about coming for a cross in case they drop it and concede. So it is important to take away the fear of a mistake.
During practice you want to develop an attitude where young goalkeepers are willing to come for crosses and know it is ok if they come for a cross and miss it. In the training sessions I put on we will always have an environment where they have that ability to come and try things and to come and explore and create.
Tailor your approach
At U18, U21 and senior level the goalkeeper coach is mostly working at a higher tempo and looking at the fi ner details of the game such as positioning, communication and game understanding.
When you’re working with the young goalkeepers the role of the coach is to develop basic goalkeeping skills and attitude. Working on attitude, willingness and bravery during the younger ages is crucial and provides a foundation which allows you to tailor your approach as you progress through the age-groups. More technical and tactical work can be introduced as you go to 12 and 13 years old and then as you get to 17and above you are very much looking at game understanding.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92