The rain is falling here in Connecticut, which is good for the fields, but it has been raining so much that we have been forced back indoors for the last two nights. I guess we can just hope that April showers will bring a May full of perfect soccer days (I'd prefer that to flowers). Over the past week I was in Maryland, Texas and North Carolina, so I can officially confirm that no one is escaping Mother Nature's wrath. I have included a RetroLine article to reflect the weather, How Weather Affects the Goalkeeper from 2001.

The other way I know it is Spring is that camps are filling up fast and we are closing several programs and are close to closing some sites. Don't miss out, the website has current availability: check it now.

Remember we're here for all your goalkeeping questions, you can reach us at 800.KEEPER.1 or tkl@goalkeeper.com. -AD
 

Shifting Perspective – Training Goalkeepers at Different Levels
of Development (Part II)
by Shawn Mecchi, Assistant Director, SoccerPlus Goalkeeper School and Goalkeeper Coach, FC Pennsylvania Strikers

Read Part I

In the last edition of The Keeper’s Line, we discussed the philosophy of age-appropriate coaching and the difficulty in defining such standards when applied to the coaching of goalkeepers.

The individual nature of the position and the varying rate of development among goalkeepers of a given age make setting such distinctions a daunting task. Many of the guidelines offered below should be rigidly applied, in the interest of safety. However, quite a few of these proposed barriers can be stepped over when working with goalkeepers who have advanced beyond their peers.

Obviously there is no magic formula for producing great goalkeepers and no two players are exactly the same, but these timetables should at least serve as a framework around which you can determine what is best for the goalkeepers under your care.

Physical Component
One of the most disparate attributes among young goalkeepers is the rate of their physical development. Among older keepers, their speed, size, strength and explosiveness will have an effect on many tactical aspects of their game, such as their positioning. In younger players, however, consideration regarding a player’s physical abilities and limitations is most important in maintaining a safe and injury-free environment.

At higher levels of play, even in youth soccer, strength and speed training and the use of training implements (such as hurdles and weighted soccer balls) can have a strong positive effect on a goalkeeper’s development. Unfortunately, such activities have the potential to injure a body that is not ready for that sort of training. Also, emphasis on strength and speed in young players takes valuable time away from working on the basics of goalkeeping that even the fastest and strongest keeper would be useless without.

Technical Component
Just as you wouldn’t teach algebra to a middle-school student without having first taught addition and subtraction, no one should be teaching Schmeichel’s ‘star method’ to a 9 year old.

Technical topics should be determined based on the player’s level of proficiency at all more basic techniques, as well as the technical demands of play in that goalkeeper’s age and ability level.

Timetable for Technical Content:
U10: Basic Handling—contour and basket catch techniques; Introduce Set-Position.

U12: All previous topics; Catching Highballs (limited focus on crosses); Distribution—learn to punt; Collapse Diving and Front Smother; Introduce Breakaway Save—technique of winning the loose ball; Introduce Extension Diving*

U14: All previous topics; Advanced Handling—extension diving, parrying, tipping; Emphasize Crosses (possibly add boxing); 1v1—stealing ground, stalking stance, and introduction of smother technique; Distribution—learn bowling and throwing distribution and back-pass basics

U15-U18: All previous topics; Learn, or Become More Proficient at—boxing, tipping/parrying, back-to-bar saves; double saves, dropkick distribution.

Tactical Component
Deciding on age-appropriate tactical content involves a combination of the players’ current ability to understand the game and the characteristics of the level of play going on in front of them. At the youngest ages, there is little need to explore tactical issues—and that’s for the better, as these would-be goalkeepers need time to take a liking to the position and get a feel for the basic techniques. As the demands of the game increase with age and experience, tactical decisions should be incorporated into technical training sessions.

Timetable for Tactical Topics:
U10: NONE

U12: Very Limited, Focus on Technical; Ball-line and Vertical Positioning (cutting down the angle); Winning the Loose Ball on Breakaways; Basic Organization—“Keeper / Away,” “Mark Up,” etc; Basic Set-pieces—setting a wall on direct kicks (team topic)

U14: Limited, Focus Still on Technical; All previous topics; Positioning for Crosses / Decisions to Come Out; 1v1—progress from just breakaway save, introduce tactics and decision to win the ball or stand their ground; Distribution Choices; Dealing with Backpass—one-touch versus two, possession versus clearance; Set-Pieces—more specific look at number for wall at different angles; Organization—higher demands, “Force Left / Right”, “Push-up”, “Pinch in”, etc.

U15-U18: Tactical Environment—Create Decision-Making Opportunities; All previous topics; Crosses—positioning based on number and location of runs / flight of cross, create choice between catch or box; 3-Goal Situation—dealing with cutback crosses in the box; Set-Pieces—reassess numbers in/location of wall depending upon increased ability of shooters; Organization—learn and dictate team concepts of defending and shape

Emotional Component
While perhaps less widely varied than a young player’s physical attributes, nothing could be more unique to an individual than his or her emotional development. While the vast majority of coaches understand that they are there because of the players—and not the other way around—sometimes coaches don’t realize their potential to effect a players’ perceptions of themselves or their overall enjoyment of the game.

While there is formula for shaping your coaching conduct by age group, here is a timeline of helpful suggestions to consider:

U10: Many believe that specific goalkeeper training is unnecessary at this age group. I do not disagree; however, I do believe that since many leagues will have introduced goalkeepers into games by this point, it doesn’t hurt to introduce a couple technical points that will help acquaint players with the position. Whatever you do with these very impressionable players, make it fun. They have a short attention span, and goalkeeping shouldn’t feel like a chore!

U12: Those players volunteering for the goalkeeping rotation at this age are still testing the waters. For the first time they will really feel the pressure that comes with the position and its potential for heartbreak with a single mistake. This emotional stress will be a deciding factor for many who decide that goalkeeping is not for them. Encourage players not to give up easily, but be understanding of players who have no interest in the position despite showing potential. There really should be no open criticism of goalkeepers this age, just reiteration of coaching points.

U14: This is the age at which the USSF begins to recommend specific players be designated as the team’s goalkeepers. By now, they are emotionally committed and prepared for the scrutiny of the position. Start to expect a little more toughness, don’t hesitate to criticize, but be tactful in presenting this criticism. A great method I’ve learned from my coaching mentors at SoccerPlus is the ‘sandwich’ method, in which criticism is slipped in between two positive reinforcements, making it more palatable. (E.G.- “Scott, I love your tenacity in coming out for that loose ball, but next time go hands-first. That way there’s no rebound and you can start our attack with a great punt downfield.”)

U15-U18: Treat these senior-level players as professionals—but also remember that they are not professionals. There may be times when shared time between keepers is not always equivalent. They should be emotionally mature enough to handle this scenario and even request meaningful feedback, but keep criticism constructive and feeling positive. Confidence, or lack thereof, can play a huge factor in a goalkeeper’s performance.

Two All-Encompassing Rules
These suggested guidelines are exactly that—suggestions. Advanced keepers at a given age might be capable of learning technical or tactical topics that I’ve allotted to another age group. Conversely, someone behind the curve developmentally might not be ready to start working on the suggested material.

The coach’s first task is to just openly assess where their goalkeepers fit along these lines of progression. If your student has mastered the more basic skills, then try something a little more advanced and gauge if you should continue forward.

To give an example from the physical component: Last week I wanted to use weighted balls to help my U-14 girls expose flaws in their hand positioning during collapse dives and high contour catches, but I was unsure if training with med balls was within their range of physical ability. I decided to gauge the safety of employing these balls by inserting them into a slow-paced, controlled warm-up exercise. These two are exceptional athletes for their age, and they quickly demonstrated that the med balls would pose no injury concerns.

Perhaps the best indicator that it’s time to progress is the curiosity of your goalkeepers. Players will often come to you with questions about a technical or tactical scenario. The fact that they’ve arrived at such crossroads on their own is enough to warrant at least an introduction to the new concept, if not necessarily a training session on the matter.

When all is said and done, I’ve determined that any training session I conduct should abide by the following all-encompassing rules:

Rule 1: The basics should always be employed. Regardless of age or ability level, some part of our time together should work on handling and footwork, even if it’s only addressed in the warm-up.

Rule 2: Every session should present a challenge, but also allow for success.

Remember these two rules, and many of the guidelines suggested above will work themselves out on their own.

Shawn Mecchi is currently a SoccerPlus Goalkeeper Assistant Director, the goalkeeper coach for the FC Pennsylvania Strikers. He has previously coached collegiately at Illinois State, University of Indianapolis, NPU and the College of New Jersey. He is also a former ANTC Student.
 

Shawn Mecchi: Addressing Campers following a challenging session.
 

Timetable for Strength and Speed Training:
U10: NONE

U12: Incorporate basic footwork (shuffling) into training

U14: Incorporate basic plyometrics (two-foot jumping, etc) into training; Introduce light speed/strength training as a possible outside activity

U15-U18: Incorporate use of training implements at your discretion; Teach advanced strength and speed exercises (hurdles, speed ladders, etc) and encourage keepers to do them at home

*Teach the proper technique in the interest of safety. Do not spend any large allotment of time on training extension diving.







 

"Every session should present a challenge, but also allow for success."

SoccerPlus Featured Site: TCU
SoccerPlus first came to the campus of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas last July following the invitation of TCU Women's Soccer Coach and former SPGS Director, Dan Abdalla.

TCU serves as a wonderful home for SoccerPlus boasting quiet, air-conditioned dorms and a world-class playing surface. All of this in and amongst one of the strongest soccer communities in the country and the ease and accessibility of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

TCU encompasses 268 acres in a residential neighborhood five miles from the heart of downtown Fort Worth, a welcoming city with a vibrant mix of commerce, culture and entertainment.

In recent years, the university has invested some $200 million in new facilities and in upgrading residence halls, classrooms and laboratories. The campus is conveniently located within minutes of Interstates 35-W and 30.

SoccerPlus Directors Anthony DiCicco and Scott Fox joined SoccerPlus Director Adam Clementson (who also serves as the Goalkeeper Coach at TCU) and Staff Coach Kelsey Walters (aka Wally) this past weekend for two clinics on Friday, April 25th and Saturday, April 26th at Garvey-Rosenthal Stadium.Covering everything from setting and handling to crosses and even finding time to play Keeper Wars and Ziggy's Challenge, the clinic was a huge success and we can't wait to return June 28-July 3.

We are proud to announce that SPGS National Director George Kostelis will be in Fort Worth to run the camp this summer. Joining him will be SPGS Directors Adam Clementson (TCU) and Laurie Pells (Maryland).



More Information about SPGS at TCU
TCU Goalkeeper Clinic Photos
TCU Women's Soccer Website
 

Dan Abdalla: Is entering
his 4th season at the helm of the Horned Frogs after 5 seasons at UNLV.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Enrollment: 8,865
Founded: 1873
Nickname: Horned Frogs
Colors: Purple and White
Conference: Mountain West
Home: Garvey-Rosenthal Stadium
Capacity: 1,500
Website: gofrogs.com


TX Clinic: Scott Fox, Adam Clementson and Anthony DiCicco following the clinic at TCU last weekend.
 

RetroLine (Issue 135, Jan/Feb '01):
How Weather Affects
the Goalkeeper
by Carl Gregor, former Head Coach, Northern Michigan Univ.

“Into everyone’s life a little rain must fall.”
- Anonymous

In every goalkeepers life situations arise where new and challenging situations are faced.  The topic to be covered in this article is entitled “environmental factors and the effect they have on the performance of the soccer goalkeeper”. Depending where you live and what surface you are to play on can cause a goalkeeper to rethink on how they can perform to their highest level.

One of the greatest challenges facing goalkeepers when they either play or train is the weather. When I coach the beginner or advanced keeper, I tell them that they must take the proper measures so they can perform at their optimum level. My motto is that when you train as a keeper, you should wear as much clothing and padding as possible so the risk of becoming injured is lessened.  I see this when I work SoccerPlus Camps during the summer months. We have camps in several states where rain is not plentiful and the field conditions tend to be excessively hard. I recommend to the keepers that they should be wearing at least goalkeeper or sweat pants, possibly knee and elbow pads, and the proper types of shoes (flats or a multi-studded shoe). Also it is important to protect oneself from the heat and sun. By properly hydrating oneself, wearing sunscreen, and a hat will only enable the goalkeeper to beat the elements.

We also offer camps in areas where rain is very prevalent and the necessary steps must be taken to perform in these conditions also.  Rain is one of the environmental factors that can truly change the complexion of a game or training session. If the amount of rain is minimal and the game or training field drains well, then it could make play more refreshing and faster, but if it is a situation where there are excessive amounts of water falling then it can become a goalkeepers nightmare.

First, the ball itself becomes very difficult to handle due to the wetness, so the proper latex glove should be worn to ensure optimal catching.  Second, any type of shot at the keeper on the ground or back pass handled from a field player on a wet surface causes the ball to be much quicker. The keeper must maintain a high level of concentration and attempt to get as much of their body behind the ball. If a keeper prefers to dropkick instead of punting the ball once they have possession, it will be impossible for them to do so due to the wet surface.  In this type of weather situation a keeper must use a removable studded shoe for optimum traction that allows the mud and grass to be easily removed.

At the university where I coach we have another very challenging situation for our goalkeepers.  Due to our location we experience earlier snowfall than most of the country. My keepers will face these conditions during the middle October until the conclusion of the season.  They wear the proper warm equipment that include keeper pants, a long sleeve turtle neck shirt under their jersey, multi studded shoes, and a ski cap to keep their head warm. Once they have completed training or we are at half time of a game, once in the locker room they remove all wet clothing and replace it with dry ones.

Another factor that they face is windy conditions. They way that they deal with this especially while distributing is by drop kicking the ball as opposed to just punting. Due to the arc in which the ball takes it performs well in windy conditions where a punt would just go straight into the air.

The final item that I would like to discuss is playing on a turf field. When I played professionally indoors the biggest factor that I had to adjust to was the playing surface. Due to the composition and hardness of the field it totally changes the game. When I trained or played I made sure that I wore kneepads and hip pads under my goalkeeper pants and elbow pads under my jersey. I wanted to ensure that the three major areas of impact were protected. Many younger players have this air of invincibility and prefer not to wear the proper equipment and either become injured and cannot compete due to this fact or later on in life when their playing days are finished, they pay the price then.  When I played indoors I would go through a pair of gloves and pants a game because of the surface. I would hate to see how much skin that would have been lost if I hadn’t protected myself properly.

When an individual decides to become a goalkeeper in soccer, there comes with it great responsibility. The keeper is a vital part to a team’s success and must be able to play at all times at their highest level and not be injured. If the starting keeper does become injured, it gives the backup keeper the opportunity to play. Then if the back up keeper plays well the former starter may never see the field again. This is why it is important to stay healthy and perform well.
 

Reader Questions about College

What are the essential attributes and technical abilities to be a Division 1 college goalkeeper?

Andrew Braun
Ashland, KY
Lexington FC U17 Premier


Andrew,

Thank you for posting your question to The Keeper's Line.

Here are a list of attributes that I feel are essential to a Division 1 goalkeeping prospect:

Athletic Ability - speed, strength, quickness, power, agility, balance, coordination & flexibility.

Tactical Ability - positioning, decision making, timing, vision, communication/organization, reading the game.

Psychological Ability - confidence, concentration, composure/poise, commitment, awareness, anticipation, competitiveness, courage, mental toughness.

Technical Considerations:
Set/ready position - actively ready to respond
Catching/handling - fundamentally solid, recognizes
when to parry or control catch.
Distribution - kicking & throwing accurately.
Footwork - vertical/lateral mobility.
Diving - attacks the ball, avoids diving backwards.

Intangible Qualities -
Presence - displays control and command of the game/team.
Excellent work rate - constantly striving to get better.
Utilizes Instincts - has an unbelievable feel for the game.
Ruthless Competitor - always wants to win, hates to lose.
Ability to make big saves - embraces the moment and wants the responsibility.
Fearless - will sacrifice body to keep the ball out of the goal.
Recognizes assets and camouflages deficiencies - plays to strengths and minimizes shortcomings.
Ability to play through mistakes - has the confidence to play on without hesitation.

General thoughts and feelings about goalkeepers:
1. Need to be good shot stoppers.
2. Must have the ability to handle crosses.
3. Need to be able to manage the players in front of them.
4. Be able to distribute the ball effectively; seeking opportunities to initiate the counter-attack.
5. Possesses leadership.
6. Be good decision- makers.
7. Handles pressure situations
8. Takes responsibility for their thoughts and actions.

As I reflected on your question, I thought deeply about the separation between collegiate and professional goalkeepers. Most of the essential ingredients to becoming a solid goalkeeper evolves during those teenage years, yet blossom later in their 20s. Most goalkeepers experience the height of their careers in their late 20's to early 30's because they possess the most integral ingredient to success - EXPERIENCE! Experience has allowed many of the goalkeeping greats to man the goal well beyond their physical prime, due to the fact that they possess the "KNOW HOW".

The purpose of providing the above insight into goalkeepers is to establish the understanding that the skills that you are honing today, are the ones that you carry into tomorrow. If you reflect upon the technical skills that you first learned as a goalkeeper - scooping, catching, throwing, diving...etc, the skills themselves have rarely changed. The changes or adjustments made to these skills evolved from training (GK Coach Training/Team Training) and from the goalkeeper enhancing their technical understanding and ability. In any case, coaches just want their goalkeepers to be effective; meaning, keep the ball out of the goal by any means or method.

All the best,
George Kostelis
National Director, SoccerPlus Goalkeeper School

15 Questions for an Athlete to
Ask a Coach on a College Visit
One day last week a U17 player who plays for FSASoccerPlus Premier Club here in Connecticut came in and was preparing to go on a college visit and posed the question to us, "What should I ask the coach when I'm on campus?" Well there may be other questions that should be on this list as well, but this was the list we came up with for him to take with him on his visit.

Tony's Bookshelf: Portait of Passion
by Gail Stewart and Paul Phillips

The Goalkeeper: Observations from the 2008 NSCAA Master Coach Trip to the UK
By Giovanni Pacini

Of those who recently visited the UK as part of the NSCAA Master Coach study tour, I was the sole goalkeeper of the group. I guess our group just reflected a typical soccer team; ten field players and yes… the lone goalkeeper in the back. Throughout our extensive travels, my observations and inquiries would inevitably turn to the goalkeeper. Understanding that the modern goalkeeper coach is a soccer coach first, I was eager to learn more about the training and development methodologies inherent in the UK; methodologies that included the goalkeeper in addition to field players. I am pleased to share some of my observations from this terrific study tour.

Everton
Everton FC proudly calls Finch Farm its new home. This 28 million dollar complex was built to keep pace with those English Premiere League clubs that have vastly expanded their own facilities in which to train and develop athletes. This impressive complex allows the Everton training and administrative staff to operate under one roof allowing for a cohesive operation each and every day.

As part of this spectacular facility is an area designated for the training and development of the academy goalkeepers. Kevin O’Brien serves as the Everton goalkeeper coach and I had the distinct honor to actually train with him and their U-18 goalkeeper Mike McIniar. Our session focused on footwork combined with completing a variety of saves. In the spirit of moving from simple to complex, the initial demands focused on basic movements beginning from the “set” position culminating with shots right at the goalkeeper. With each phase, the demands on executing different types of footwork along with more intense shot stopping became the case. I took the opportunity to get involved with portions of the session so as to experience what Mike was going through himself. It is safe to say that young Mike McIniar is safe from my taking his job at Everton and I shall remain a star in the Over-40 league that I play in!  The session moved onto more complex footwork patterns and combinations of shots in which to be saved. These exercises were performed away from the goal with the final activity occurring within the actual goal itself. Mike was expected then to perform explosive movements to and through a set of cones, retreat back to the goal, become set, and ultimately make the appropriate save. This phase not only included the dynamics of footwork and completing a variety of saves, but the demands were such that fitness became a component as well.

It is very important to note that Kevin also oversaw a session with the goalkeeper and backs as well. In the afternoon training session, the focus was on defending balls being served from the flank and the associated communication and ultimate organization amongst the goalkeeper and backs. Modern goalkeeper coaching includes not only time spent between the goalkeeper coach and the ‘keeper, but the goalkeeper coach, the goalkeeper, and a unit of players; in this case the backs.

Tranmere
One of the smaller clubs that we visited was Tranmere Rovers Football Club. Like most clubs in the UK, it is vital to reach into the community with programs that will attract potential high level players. As part of their focus on player development, in particular goalkeeping, I noted that the club was featuring a 2 day goalkeeping course at their Ingleborough Training Ground. The course, which would run for 6 hours each day served as an opportunity for young goalkeepers to receive coaching and direction from the first team goalkeeper coach, John Achterberg. The description of the course included technical aspects of dealing with crosses, handling, diving, footwork, and distribution. Goalkeepers attending the course would also be given the opportunity to apply the skills learned under match like pressure in small sided games. A staff of coaches would be available during the games to offer practical advice to those playing. At the conclusion of the two day long experience, players would receive certificates, prizes would be handed out for those who perform at a high level, and everyone would receive vouchers to attend a Tranmere match. Any players who stood out as potential Tranmere goalkeepers would be then be invited to try-out for the Tranmere Rovers Football Club Center of Excellence. The cost for the course was 30 pounds, or approximately 60 US dollars.

Crewe Alexandra
In as much as I was most interested in the methods by which each club trained and developed their goalkeepers, I was completely fascinated while visiting Crewe Alexandra. Not so much for what they do, but for what they don’t do! Understand first that Crewe Alexandra is a “develop and sell” type of club. They are noted throughout the UK for developing some of the more talented players the country has seen. The genesis for this philosophy was born out of necessity as it allowed for very significant funds to come into the club from players sold which in turn was (and still is) used to construct and maintain a beautiful and expansive complex. Dario Gradi, the Technical Director of the club has been a mainstay at Crewe for 24 years and has proven to be one of the most respected coaches and managers in the UK. My question to Mr. Gradi, as had been the case everywhere we went was who oversaw the training and development of the goalkeepers? I was startled to hear him say that there was no one… no one. One of his assistants “spends some time” with the goalkeepers. He mocked goalkeeper coaches who spent time doing those “fancy footwork things” and summarized that there was no real need to have someone within the club to handle the goalkeepers. I noted that maybe he just hasn’t seen a good one yet and offered my services… wishful thinking. I think however the good Mr. Gradi might be coming around though as I observed in our evening session, way off in the corner… a goalkeeper coach working with some young ‘keepers! I couldn’t help but smile.

Fulham
The United States has certainly made a name for itself relative to the impact that our goalkeepers have made at the international level. With Tim Howard at Everton, Brad Friedel at Blackburn, Marcus Hahnemann at Reading, and Kasey Keller now at Fulham, the US has a firm presence within the EPL. Fulham coach Roy Hodgson was brought on board and with him Mike Kelly whose responsibility is to not only assist him, but to oversee the training of the team’s goalkeepers as well. On this particular day, Mike had both the first and reserve team goalkeepers training as a group. The first portion of the session called for the players make a near post save, recover, and set themselves central in the goalmouth for a subsequent shot. The only variation that took place was the number of repetitions; i.e. what began with a rotation of two saves at each spot eventually was increased incrementally each round. When one goalkeeper was performing the task, the other would be at rest. On the surface, this session appeared to be very basic, but it was all about maintaining a consistent and high level performance. Goalkeeper training for the most part is about repetition; for the youngest players it is for development, for the most advanced, it is about maintenance. The Fulham goalkeepers are certainly some of the most advanced and Coach Kelly’s approach was about maintaining an intensity and focus conducive to the likes of Kasey Keller. His energetic style heightened the intensity of the session without causing it to become frenetic; I was impressed with that sensitive balance.  His efforts must have paid off as Fulham enjoyed a necessary 1-0 win over Everton that week-end.

Game Day
Our group had the great pleasure to attend a number of matches during our study tour. My observations were split as I focused not only on the field players, but goalkeepers as well. Generally speaking on game day, I found that the generic trend had the goalkeepers come out the earliest for warm ups; in a couple of cases ten to fifteen minutes ahead of the rest of the team. The actual warm up would take place with portable goals to the side of the actual goal mouth, obviously an effort toward minimizing the wear and tear of that area around the goal. The first phase of warm up would generally include runs back and forth across the penalty area interspersed with stretching exercises. Simple strikes of the ball out of their hands from one goalkeeper to another would come next, and as time moved on, these strikes would become more demanding forcing the ‘keeper to perform the appropriate dive. The goalkeepers would then move into the goal to face shots that moved from the most basic to more complex; these would also include service from the flanks. Finishing the warm up would see the goalkeepers executing various types of distribution. At no time did I observe the field players “banging shots” on the goalkeeper so reminiscent in US youth and high school pre-game warm ups. Kevin O’Brien said it best I think in one of our conversations- “It’s not rocket science.” His reference was aimed at the basic premise of what tending goal is all about and what is appropriate in terms of preparing the goalkeeper to play. Certainly, the observations that I ascertained in the matches I attended while in the UK bear that out.

Giovanni Pacini is the NSCAA State Technical Coordinator for Massachusetts, is a member of the National Goalkeeper Academy staff, and serves as the College Task Force Chairman for the Soccer Ambassador program. He is the also the Head Mens Soccer Coach at Lasell College in Newton, MA.