Goalkeeping: Accepting Challenges Every Step of the Way

Resilient, stoic, focused… In the face of adversity, these characteristics define the success of top-level keepers. Soccer as a game tests not only your physical strength, but also your mental prowess. How does a goalkeeper remain calm and composed, and make the right decision at the right time even under tremendous mental pressure? Simply put, a goalkeeper has to remain mentally prepared for any ordeal on the field.

While quickness and agility are two of the most sought-after attributes in a keeper, it is often the psychological component that shapes her success. The top goalkeepers thrive on a combination of confidence and humility; they have to command their mind, their back line, and their team in order to keep their opponents at bay and the ball out of the back of the net.

There is zero doubt that goalkeepers perform under tremendous mental pressure .. How do they handle the constant psychological stress week in-week out? How can she rebound from a mistake and immediately continue to focus on the matter at hand?

Former professional goalkeeper and national goalkeeper clinician, Steve Branz, highlights the mental tactics that the goalkeeper must employ on the field. In Goalkeeping-Accepting Challenges Every Step of the Way, Steve shares the importance of sharp, focused awareness for the goalkeeper, and why this skill separates the average from the awesome.'