Suggestions for a goal keeper training program for soccer players under 12 to promote the position

Abstract

In this study, a goalkeeper training program for children under twelve years old, developed in Germany, and a guideline for training goalkeepers under twelve, developed by Japan Football Association were compared.

After analyzing the two programs, a new goalkeeper training program which could be used by local clubs in Japan with the aim of promoting the skill of goalkeeping in Japan was suggested.

The results are shown below.

1. In comparing the goalkeeper training programs for children under twelve years old in Germany and in Japan, seven similarities and three differences are found.

2. Components to consider for a goalkeeper training program, are measures to promote an improvement in individual physical coordination, skills, and ability to plan strategy. Also, issues to consider are ways to relieve possible mental distress of the players, to insure enough time for field-play training, and that even coaches with no experience as a goalkeeper can conduct the program.

3. On the basis of issues mentioned above, a seven component goalkeeper training program is suggested.

The program is divided into four stages, according to children’s skills, their understanding of tactical behavior, and the difficulty of the basic goalkeeper skills. Also, each of the Goalkeeper Training Program components from the first stage to the fourth stage is organized so that coaches carry out the trainings more than twice at every stage.