TARGETED OR SPECIFIC TRAINING

Having identified patterns and problematic situations, keepers (and their team-mates) can focus on those areas in training and is termed specifics. The following sections address two common areas of difficulty: breakaways and defensive battles directly in front of the goal.

Breakaways

Sudden breakaways can be challenging. Keepers who formulate and practice a strategy and who use proper technique will be prepared to thwart a one-on-one attack on game day. A good starting spot comes from carefully monitoring play and understanding how to play the angles (see chapter 4). From a sprinter’s posi-tion, the keeper should take several explosive steps toward the ball, then lower her body. The keeper should strive to present a long barrier along the ground to take up as much space as possible. The chest should meet the ball, the legs should be behind the body, and the hands should wrap around the ball. The keeper should keep her head down to avoid getting clipped by the opponent as she jumps over or runs past the keeper.

The breakaway exercises need to be performed in a soft grassy area. It doesn’t need to be the goal area, although that is the optimal location.

Limiting the number of repetitions for all breakaway situations to a maximum of six to eight. Proper technique is important to ensure that the keeper doesn’t get injured. With too many repetitions, the technique tends to break down, and the risk of injury goes up.