Miles Williams’ Post

It might be the best for certain goalkeepers. But they will all process information differently. Some are auditory learners, where they can listen to the coaches descriptions. Some are visual and need demonstrations, and others might be kinesthetic where they’ll need to do the actions and get the feeling for it themselves. This is down to the relationship between a goalkeeper and a goalkeeper coach. The coach has the responsibility to understand the best way for their goalkeeper(s) to process information. They can then plan for this for their sessions, benefiting the goalkeepers long term development!

I think Goalkeepers learn most through experience, I would encourage them to try things and learn through experience and discussion from things that haven't worked. I think that is the way forward. The one thing that Keepers struggle with is getting out of habits and the transition has to be controlled.

Before I had to give up coaching due to injuries I would normally talk about what was required in the drill to first make sure the GK could process it and then visualise it. I would then run through the drill a couple of times and then stop and ask the GK what I had advised of them, then ask what they think from that they did well and what they think they could do better. Worked better than demonstrations as it not only got the GK thinking, but also got there buy in to the process. It helped the player go from a GK that was losing 15 to 18 goals a game before I got to work with them and together we moulded him into a Cup Final Runner Up GK within 12 months.

I believe in demonstrating the body mechanics and break down an action (e.g., step and push for a dive) rather than show a full action in an attempt! In addition, using a GK who certainly performa an action adequately compared to other peers is an effective way of demonstration. I usually ask my senior team GKs to come and help as assistant GK coach in academy when it comes demonstration of some actions such as spread and collapsing to the sides.

Have a look into Analogy Learning and skill development for a worm hole. Demo’s can be good, explicit examples can be good, implicit examples can be good, self-organisation can be good… it all comes down to the skill of the coach in connecting with the players and designing the right level of challenge for them. My take would be not to rely too heavily on demos and when you bring them out make sure they’re good! 😆

As a young GK, it is important to learn through demonstration/visual. Goalkeeper coaches don’t always need to demonstrate if an older or more experienced goalkeeper can show the rest of the gks. Simply telling someone how to solve an mathematic question is difficult, but showing a step my step makes the difference!

It's important becaue everyone learns and takes information in differently

Unfortunately, my demo days are long gone!!🤣 Now, I try and explain how ive observed their action and what might need improvement. Video might help with this.

It amazes me why goalkeepers move before the ball is kicked on penalties. I was a goalkeeper. Why don't they wait until the ball is kicked. I had a good rate of saves. The player is watching for them to move. Once they move it is impossible to change direction. The pressure is on the kicker. Not the keeper.