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Goalkeeper Training & Coaching

Goalkeeper Training & CoachingIf you're a dedicated goalkeeper looking for specialized, position-specific instruction, the IMG Soccer Academy's Boys Goalkeeper Training Camps are the ultimate proving grounds for keepers of all ability levels.

Soccer goalie training sessions are conducted by some of the nation’s premier coaches and address techniques including shot stopping, crosses, distribution, and positional play. Goalkeepers also gain an edge with superior physical conditioning for lateral speed, power and explosive movements. Not only will you improve your goalkeeper skills, but you can become THE TOTAL ATHLETE.

Goalkeeper Training Program Benefits/Details

  • The Boys Goalkeeping Training Program is available year-round for athletes of all ability levels aged 12-19
  • Athletes will train a minimum of four times a week with their goalkeeper coach as well as work with our mental conditioning experts once a week and our physical conditioning coaches three times a week  
  • The IMG Soccer Academy goalkeeper alumni playing professional soccer include Dave Mahoney, Jon Busch and Tim Howard
  • Expert physical conditioning ranging from lateral, speed, power and explosiveness movement creates the competitive edge for every goalkeeper in training
  • Coaches break down actions of the goalkeeper to the smallest detail, providing the player necessary steps to achieve success
  • Specific training sessions focused on GK development and training. Apply that training into practice with games against the students while being coached through the games
  • Technique breakdown provides necessary steps to achieve success
  • Highly competitive games allow keepers to hone skills, technique, and decision making capabilities

Goalkeeper Training Curriculum

TECHNICAL
Shot StoppingCatching/handling
StanceFoot skills/Distribution
DivingCrossing
BreakawaysBoxing
Parrying/Tipping 
TACTICAL
Angle play and positioningOrganizing the defense
Starting positionRestarts
Initiating the attack/Building upReading the attack
Playing as a sweeper keeper 
MENTAL
Management – Relax during times of pressure, commanding composure from the back when pressure is on and making big saves when needed, as well as having an appropriate amount of aggression and physical authority without losing emotional control. 
Strong Communication Skills– Commanding respect and directing appropriate directions to defenders, organizing the team early and authoritatively on set pieces. 
High Level of Concentration – Ability to maintain focus on important visual cues to initiate the appropriate action and reading the game to prepare for dangerous situations, e.g.; coming of the line to prevent a deep long ball from reaching a striker before the shot. 
High Level of Resiliency – Ability to bounce back from a setback, deal with adversity and manage mistakes appropriately, being able to focus on appropriate controllable factors that support high level performance. 
Bold Confidence – Ability to consistently perform at a high level with belief and motivation knowing that a great amount of responsibility is an integral part of the role of a great goalkeeper. 
PHYSICAL
Movement Pep – teaching proper technique involving acceleration, running technique, jumping, linear movement, and lateral movement.  Movement prep gives the goalkeepers the ability to work on technique before involving the movement in drills that are game like.
First step explosive training- teaching the proper mechanics in acceleration from a stand still position.  This type of training and drills incorporated within the training teach goalkeepers the proper way to accelerate and help to increase acceleration speed allowing goalkeepers to be quicker of their line.
Sand Training- agility and speed work with a twist.  Performing agility drills and speed work in the sand adds resistance to the drills.  Goalkeepers have to work harder as the sand gives way unlike the firm ground.  Footwork speed increases as well as speed. Plyometrics are also performed in the sand to work on explosiveness.
Explosive Med Ball Work – power for running and explosive movements comes from the hips.  Having goalkeepers perform explosive throws such as an overhead throw with a med ball allows them to work on generating power from the hips.  
Lateral Speed – being able to shuffle properly to cover distance across the goal laterally is very important for a goalkeeper.  Teaching goalkeepers how to use the proper technique and motor patterns while shuffling can increase lateral speed.

Notable Alumni/Students

NameTeam/School
Mark BixlerGeorge Mason University
Jon BuschSan Jose Earthquakes
Sean DoyleUniversity of Central Florida
Chis GlodackClemson University
Cody Uzcategui
University of Memphis
Dallas JayeUniversity of South Florida
Larry JacksonSanta Clara University
Diego RestrepoAmerica de Cali
Eric ReyesFlorida International University
Ernesto SanchezTuluca
Ryan ThompsonShamrock Rovers
TOTAL ATHLETE vs. Core Camps

Contact the IMG Soccer Academy for more information at or Register Online:

Tel: 800.872.6425
Fax: 941.752.2531
E-mail: register@imgacademies.com

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