The purpose of this article is to provide a basis for a coach’s analysis of his or her goalkeeper’s performance or a goalkeeper to self analyse his or her performance. To do this effectively there needs to be a performance knowledge platform from which the evaluation can occur. The below 5 pillar approach is a model to use or adapt.
The foundation of every goalkeeper’s performance will be based on the four aspects of physical, technical, tactical, and mental ability. All of these should be incorporated in the training programs of goalkeepers. They can be considered in isolation or interconnected when planning training programs and preparing for performance.
The Five Pillars represent the goalkeeper’s actions within the game. He/she must:
- Stand in the Right Place (Positioning)
- Stand the Right Way (Ready Position / Stance)
- Be on his/her toes/mental focus – The “Split Step” (Alert)
- Read the game situations and body language of the surrounding opponents. More proactive and less reactive
(Anticipation) - Utilize the proper technique to make the play (Execution)
The next process of goalkeeper evaluation is to design an evaluation tool. The below is a sample goalkeeping evaluation tool that can be used by the coach or by the goalkeeper or by the coach and goalkeeper together in the evaluative process.
GOALKEEPER EVALUATION FORM
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Coach |
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Evaluation Period |
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Team |
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Rating System : 5 = Excellent 4 = Very Good 3 = Good 1-2 = Requires Improvement
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5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
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Technical Component |
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Kicking- different types |
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Diving / Falling |
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Sliding |
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Stick saves |
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Glove use |
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Set play defence |
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Receiving High Balls |
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Receiving Low Balls |
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Intercepting Crosses |
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Controlling Rebounds |
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Tactical Component |
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1 v 1 / Breakaways |
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Angles |
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Coming Off Line |
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Recovering to the Line |
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Communication |
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Reading the Play |
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Positional Understanding |
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Saving Decisions
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Physical Components |
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Quickness / Speed |
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Training Work Rate |
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recovery |
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Dive Range |
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Agility |
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Stamina |
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Flexibility |
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Strength |
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Coordination |
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Psychological Attributes |
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Attitude |
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Teamwork |
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Concentration / Commitment |
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Anticipation |
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Sportsmanship |
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Confidence |
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Attendance |
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Greatest Strengths :
Area(s) of Improvement :
Once the goalkeeper’s performance has been evaluated then the coach and goalkeeper should work together to establish new training and performance goals. In the evaluative process there needs to be consistency in terms of periodical application, clear collaboration between the coach and the goalkeeper, and assurance of outcomes that by their nature lead to positive encouragement as a result of implementing the process.
Source: various
