Goalkeeper Match Day Warm Up | GK Basics | Pro Level Lessons

Summary

This video provides a detailed goalkeeper warm-up routine, suitable for both academy players and semi-professionals. It covers the importance of starting with light jogging and dynamic stretches, followed by static stretches for flexibility. The warm-up then progresses to passing drills, hand warm-ups with volleys, and diving exercises to prepare for in-game scenarios. The routine includes foot saves, angle strike drills, low smother and high claim techniques, as well as distribution practices like goal kicks and throws. The video emphasizes staying focused and using the warm-up as a tool to get fully prepared for the match.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with a light jog around the goal area to check for any irregularities or divots on the pitch before beginning the warm-up.
• 😀 Incorporate dynamic stretches to prepare the body for the game, focusing on flexibility and mobility.
• 😀 Follow up dynamic stretches with static stretches to further improve flexibility, especially for low diving and foot saves.
• 😀 Goalkeepers should warm up their footwork with passing drills, including short, medium, and long-range passes to ensure their ball control is sharp.
• 😀 Hand coordination is crucial, so simple volley drills to the chest are essential to ensure goalkeepers are ready for game action.
• 😀 Perform variations of volleys, including step-ins, half volleys, and harder volleys to simulate match intensity and improve reflexes.
• 😀 Incorporate dive activation drills to prepare for low and mid dives, ensuring goalkeepers are comfortable with both sides and in all positions.
• 😀 Foot saves are important and often under-practiced, so goalkeepers should engage in specific foot save drills to prepare for in-game situations.
• 😀 Implement passing and ball control drills using both feet to ensure goalkeepers are comfortable with their weaker foot, especially in high-pressure moments.
• 😀 Use angle strike drills to simulate match situations, helping goalkeepers stay sharp with their positioning and readiness to make saves.
• 😀 Final warm-up phase includes practicing goal kicks, sidewinders, and throws to ensure goalkeepers are comfortable with all aspects of distribution.
• 😀 It's important to remember that during this phase, the focus is not just on the goalkeeper, but also on warming up the outfield players, which may include taking shots on goal.

Q & A

Why is it important for goalkeepers to jog around the goalmouth area during their warm-up?

The goalkeeper jogs around the goalmouth and surrounding areas to check for divots or any irregularities on the field that might affect their movement or performance during the game.

What is the purpose of dynamic stretches in a goalkeeper's warm-up?

Dynamic stretches help increase blood flow to the muscles and improve flexibility, ensuring the goalkeeper is physically prepared for the fast movements required during the game.

Why is static stretching important for goalkeepers before a match?

Static stretching helps goalkeepers to loosen up and enhance flexibility, particularly for movements like low diving saves or foot saves, which require a high range of motion.

What role does passing play in a goalkeeper's warm-up routine?

Passing is crucial in modern goalkeeping, as goalkeepers need to be comfortable with short, medium, and long passes during a match. Practicing passing ensures they are prepared to handle the ball efficiently under pressure.

Why are volleys used in a goalkeeper’s warm-up?

Volleys are a traditional and effective way to warm up the goalkeeper's hands, helping them develop hand-eye coordination and reaction time, which are critical when dealing with fast or unpredictable shots.

What is the purpose of practicing both low and mid dives in the goalkeeper warm-up?

Low and mid dives are practiced to ensure goalkeepers are prepared for various in-game scenarios, where they need to dive at different angles and heights to save the ball effectively.

Why is it important to include foot saves in the goalkeeper's warm-up routine?

Foot saves are increasingly common in modern goalkeeping, and warming up this technique ensures goalkeepers are ready to make quick reflex saves with their feet during the match.

What is the significance of warming up the goalkeeper’s weak foot?

Warming up the goalkeeper's weak foot ensures they are prepared to make passes and clearances with both feet during the game, reducing the risk of mistakes under pressure.

How does angle strike training help goalkeepers during their warm-up?

Angle strike drills help goalkeepers practice positioning and decision-making when facing shots from different angles, ensuring they are ready to react effectively during the match.

Why is distribution practice included in the final part of a goalkeeper’s warm-up?

Distribution practice ensures the goalkeeper is comfortable with all methods of delivering the ball, such as goal kicks, sidewinds, and throws, which are key components of their in-game involvement.