The future of the No1 and the benefits of integrating them with outfield players are two of the main topics covered by expert FA and elite coaches at the 2015 Goalkeeper Conference this weekend.
Over 250 coaches will get an insight into latest best practice and coaching techniques by Dave Watson, England senior goalkeeper coach, Martin Thomas, England U21s keeping coach, Packie Bonner, UEFA consultant, plus a host of others.
The hugely popular event returns to St. George’s Park on Sunday for the third time with goalkeeping and outfield coaches joining together at the national football centre for two days.
“This year’s theme was chosen to focus on our responsibility as coaches to engage with our goalkeepers technically, tactically, physically, psychologically and socially to develop them more effectively,” explained Thomas.
England senior goalkeeper coach, Dave Watson, left, will present at the conference
“The goalkeepers of the future have got to be technically consistent in terms of everything they need to do because we are now in a situation where they can have a significant impact in a game.
“Whether that is starting counter-attacks or looking to penetrate and get into the mid-third in controlled possession or even playing out and retaining possession, the goalkeeper will play a massive part.”
Another central theme is that of the gloveman being perceived as the 11th player when in possession of the ball.
Highlights from the 2014 Goalkeeper Conference
It is an idea identified in the England DNA and one that Thomas’s fellow national coach and conference organiser, Tim Dittmer, believes can be achieved by equipping coaches with the ability to know when to integrate keepers into outfield practices.
“There is a time and a place for goalkeepers to be isolated and work specifically on techniques, but being with the squad is really important," he said.
“Even more important is how you integrate them into the squad. It is very easy to bring them into an outfield practice but what conditions have you put on your game to ensure that the goalkeeper is engaged and the practice is beneficial for the goalkeepers?”
Among the guest presenters are Dave Watson, England goalkeeper coach, Lee Kendall, England Women’s goalkeeper coach, Packie Bonner, UEFA goalkeeping consultant, and Eddie Niedzwiecki, Stoke City first team coach.
To view the programme in full, please click here.
