Goalkeepers do a lot more than simply obstructing incoming shots on target. Here is all you need to understand.
Whether you're involved with a goalkeeper training academy or are just a football fan who values the work done by goalies, you are most likely knowledgeable about the strategic role they play on the field. At the surface level, keepers can be seen as the last defenders who can stop the competitors from scoring but the reality is, their function exceeds this simple goal. Goalkeepers are the first ones who can launch counterattacks by sending out long balls towards forwards and midfielders who can then charge towards the opponent's area. In addition, keepers can play a tactical role when their team is winning by utilising their footwork to pass the ball around with their defense line in order to waste some important seconds. Beyond this, the minority shareholder of Liverpool FC would likely concur that keepers are known to inspire their team, especially if they manage to save a penalty or a strong shot from outside area.
While goalkeepers do take part in collective training sessions with the remainder of the team, they also have private training sessions that concentrate on their goalkeeping abilities. This is only the case for goalkeepers as their training and development is extremely different from that of field footballers no matter what position they play in. Apart from the fact that goalkeeper training equipment is different, the skills that goalkeepers are expected to establish and maintain are also special. Having fast reflexes is essential for any goalkeeper as this will make all the difference between responding in time to save a shot or yielding a goal. Goalies just have fractions of a second to react which indicates that dexterity, speed, and strength are viewed as an absolute must. This is why goalkeepers have their own training staff as getting a goalkeeper prepared needs a great deal of work, something the Aston Villa former owner will know.
There's a reason goalkeepers in football tend to be huge and tall. Size is for tactical factors as the taller the goalkeeper is, the more surface area they're going to cover and the quicker they can get from one post to the other. Of course, being extremely tall isn't vital as there are numerous medium height goalkeepers who are considered as a few of the very best of all time. Strength however is important as goalkeepers are expected to block powerful shots and to leap higher than everybody else. It is for these factors that goalkeeper training sessions include a great deal of strength training that promotes all significant muscle groups. Beyond training sessions on the pitch, goalkeepers also spend a lot of time at the gym lifting weights and doing circuit training. This is especially essential in goalkeeper training for beginners as building strength and muscularity is important, something that the AC Milan former US owner would likely validate.