GREATER NASHVILLE'S PREMIER YOUTH SOCCER EXPERIENCE
Goalkeeping
NPA’S GOALKEEPING PROGRAM
The Nashville Players Academy Goalkeeping Program is a year-long age specific program for U12 -U19 players, designed to develop key aspects of the game needed in order to be a successful goalkeeper. The Goalkeeper Program is inclusive, meaning the additional training for this position is offered at no additional cost to the player. The program includes physical, tactical, technical, and mental aspects of the game which are specific to the playing position.
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Goalkeepers in the U12 – U19 age groups are provided a minimum of two nights of goalkeeper specific training per week in conjunction with their respective team training.
NPA also offers an introduction to goalkeeping program for all Academy players (U9-U11), which provides one session per week.
Program Philosophy
​NPA is committed to producing players that are creative, attack-minded, handle high-pressure and play with speed. This is also the goal of the goalkeeping program. The game calls for goalkeepers who are more than shot-blockers, cross-takers and long ball masters.
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A goalkeeper must also be able to:
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To be HARD WORKING, have DESIRE, and be MENTALLY STRONG!
The Four C’s: Commitment, Confidence, Challenge, and Control
Defend the goal and manage the defensive third
Initiate transition from defense to attack with distribution and/or communication
Stay connected as part of the build-up phase in attack
Manage the transition from attack to defense through communication and positioning.
A love for the game and the position
A growth mindset (desire to learn)
A desire to compete with and support their peer goalkeepers
Training / Curriculum
2 - 60-minute practice sessions per week, with additional free drop-in clinics offered throughout the season
Curriculum specifically designed to be consistent with the Nashville Players Academy technical training for all age groups
Technical and tactical training in a functional environment
Topics are introduced, coached and applied based on cycles to maximize repetitions and learning
Written evaluations
U9–U11
Basics
Every player at this age should experience playing all positions on the field including the goalkeeping position. It is important for the individual player to develop as a soccer player, not just as a goalkeeper.
Basic Catches – Basket catch, balls on ground, contour catching (W-grip).
Body Coordination – Hand/eye coordination, Goalkeeper ready (set) position, basic footwork.
Rules of Goalkeeping – Understanding the game and what is expected from your role as a Goalkeeper.
Building Confidence – Not being scared of the ball.
U12–U14
Training habits
Training Habits – Learn to train and to mentally “turn on." Learn to train yourself as well as properly utilize downtime in team practice.
Intermediate Footwork/Agility – Introduction to proper footwork and technique.
Diving – Proper technique, making correct decisions (catch or parry). Collapse dive, mid-range dive, front smothers.
1v1/Breakaway Confrontation – Angle play. Learn player tendencies using instincts. Proper form pushing through ball and attacker. Being brave.
High Balls – Introduction to crossing and collecting ball in the air.
Distribution – First line of attack. Learn to play out of the back and making good, safe decisions. Being comfortable with the ball.
Leadership – Communication. Organization. How to train.
U15–U19
How to compete
Advanced handling/shot stopping
Back to the bar
3-goal Situation
Cross management
Playing out of the back
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Organizing the defense
Advanced positioning
Overall understanding of soccer
Fitness/plyometric/explosiveness
Confidence/Short Memory