How To Properly Train Goalies To Best Perform
A well trained goalie is one who has been given proper physical and mental preparation to perform well in game situations. This requires agility drills, proper strength and conditioning training, and intrinsic motivation on the part of the keeper.
Goalies need to be encouraged to act in practice the way they would in a game. They should attempt to save all balls, despite the odds, and bounce back to their feet as quickly as possible after a save. Good communication is also an important role for a top-performing goalie. The best way to take pressure off a goalie in a game, is to have them religiously demonstrate these characteristics in practice. This way it will become a habit for the goalie to bring a mental intensity whenever he steps into the goalie box.
Physically, a goalie needs drills to stimulate fast-twitch muscle fibers. This will improve reaction time and explosiveness of the muscles. Medicine ball training for the arms, wrists, and hands, combined with fast paced circuit training to stimulate core and leg muscles, will work on these things.
Goalies need to be encouraged to become students of the sport. A motivated, well-trained goalie is a top performing team player!