Goalkeeping is by far the most Difficult and Complex Position in Soccer/Football.

Goalkeeping requires mental strength and mindset that the majority of soccer players don’t have, it is a missing element. Only a handful of individuals are ultimately cut to be Goalkeepers.

So a good question would be: What must young athletes adopt in order to become successful Goalkeepers?… and it’s not just a pair of Quality Goalkeeper Gloves 🙂

A great Goalkeeper is one that does their job with a line consistency, at every match, with as many few balls in the back of the net possible.

Success in the goalkeeper role is not defined by diving around between the posts and doing everything you can in stealing the show. If anything, the main focus on you should actually be of public attention that see’s how you command and guide your defense and protect the goal without even touching the ball.

Goalkeepers must remain calm and with their feet on the ground and understand in full that glory certainly does not come from a great performance but will only come in the form of not conceding goals, it can often be a game changing penalty save, or even those spectacular last minute match-winning saves. That is why only a small number of athletes will fully make it all the way to Goalkeeping for the long run.

Committing mistakes here and there is part of being a Soccer Goalkeeper. Even the very best and famous number ones around the world, with the best line-of-four in front of them, do occasionally make mistakes. It’s human!

As a goalie you can only learn from both good and bad fractions during the match in order to mature all of your goalkeeping skills and experience going forward.

So if you’re having a hard time with a demanding coach or teammates just keep on grinding. If you’re too easily put off by negative things that happen on the field, I really hate to say this but you’ll never become a quality goalkeeper.

Handle pressure, handle criticism, listen and learn and you will move forward!