GPS Goalkeeping School NEWSLETTER 2 | June 2015
Goalkeeping psychology Goalkeeping is demanding, both physically and more importantly the psychologically. For a goalkeeper, the level of mental pressure upon them is extremley high. When it comes to penalties, it can often come down to who can hold their nerve more; the keeper or the striker. Here are a few facts about goalkeeping psychology on pk’s.
MANUEL NEUER
FC BAYERN MUNICH
Professional keepers were found to wait slightly longer to react (300ms before contact as opposed to 500ms for novices) because postural cues only emerge later in the run-up, the small time difference between the 2 playing levels is small but can make a massive difference. Elite keepers have a high level of ability that means they can wait this extra time, identify triggers and still make the save.
Cue-Utilisation Recognising triggers or cues from the striker taking the penalty can help a GK anticipate where the ball will go. GK’s can use the striker’s body language and approach to interpret how they will stirke the ball. The position of hips, kicking leg and trunk, combined with the angle of the kicking foot to the ball on the ‘downswing’, should indicate the trajectory of the ball just before and during contact. The orientation of the non-kicking foot just before and during contact directs the ball to one side. Learning and recognising these triggers can give a GK the advntage in an isolated penalty or shootout situation.
GLOBAL PREMIER SOCCER