ShutoutCentral » Goalkeeper Psychology

Cool Goalkeeper Shot… Karina LeBlanc has a Promise.

admin — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:31:21 +0000

It’s always interesting to find out what motivates goalkeepers. This photo from the WPS website allows you make out what star goalkeeper, Karina LeBlanc writes on her PUMA gloves. ”I’VE GOT A PROMISE” This led us to wondering what LeBlanc’s promise is, maybe it was a team goal? Now we’re on the lookout for any other goalkeepers that write something motivational on their goalie gloves. If you find any, please send us a pic!

PS – Good luck with the trade, Karina!

Goalkeepers as Leaders – Ashlyn Harris

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:57:41 +0000

This story may have gone unnoticed within Women’s Professional Soccer, most definitely within the soccer world as the World Cup came to a close. Goalkeepers are known as the generals on the field, they are mentally tough, organize their teams positioning, and are called upon to make game changing plays. Sometimes we see goalkeepers wear the captain’s arm band because of their leadership as we’ve seen on Iker Casillas, Claudio Bravo, Noel Valladares, and Justo Villar.

On July 11th, the Washington Freedom were away playing against the FC Gold Pride and were short two assistant coaches due to personal reasons. When head coach, Jim Gabarra was ejected from the game for arguing with the referee, former UNC goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris stepped up and took initiative. She was going manage the team for the rest of the game, which may not have ever been expected of the rookie back up goalkeeper. Her reasoning behind her courageous actions, “We were just kind of sitting on the bench and he just kind of looked down the bench and I stood up and said I would take the substitution cards. He really didn’t point to anyone to be in charge. I thought it would be a good idea to take that responsibility because the other girls would probably end up playing.”

The Freedom fell just short with a 3-2 loss and are tied for 4th place in the WPS.

Coaches How To: How To React When your Goalkeeper Makes a Mistake

shutoutcentral — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:38:57 +0000

Everyone has seen a goalkeeper determine the outcome of a game. Sure, it’s always easy to cheer for your goalkeeper when he/she makes a game winning save. But, how should coaches react when a goalkeeper drops a cross or lets a ball slip through his or her hands?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOO_IjYqz2c]

The goalkeeper is the last line of defense. A mistake will either end up in the back of the net or very close to it. The million dollar question is whether coaches should treat them like any other player or treat them like their own breed.

You might have guessed it, there is really no one correct way to react towards a goalkeeper’s costly mistake. Some goalkeepers see right through the positive just to be positive talk and feel embarassed when they are told nice try when they have a blopper like Dida’s above. On the other hand, there are goalkeepers that hate to be scolded and when they are they can’t get over the mistake and it becomes a snowball effect. Then there are some that thrive when they are held accountable. So the new million dollar question is what would your goalkeeper prefer? You can ask your goalkeeper or you can just watch how the goalkeeper reacts to your coaching during practice and games.