Goalkeepers do a lot more than just blocking inbound shots on target. Here is all you have to know.
There's a reason that goalkeepers in football tend to be big and tall. Size is for strategic reasons as the taller the goalkeeper is, the more surface area they're going to cover and the quicker they can travel from one post to the other. Of course, being extremely tall isn't vital as there are lots of medium height goalkeepers who are regarded as some of the best of all time. Strength on the other hand is necessary as goalkeepers are expected to block powerful shots and to jump higher than everybody else. It is for these factors that goalkeeper training sessions include a lot of strength training that stimulates all major muscle groups. Beyond training sessions on the pitch, goalkeepers likewise invest a great deal of time at the gym lifting weights and doing circuit training. This is especially important in goalkeeper training for beginners as building strength and muscularity is important, something that the AC Milan former US owner would likely validate.
While goalkeepers do participate in group training sessions with the remainder of the squad, they also have individual training sessions that focus on their goalkeeping skills. This is only the case for goalkeepers as their training and formation is extremely different from that of field footballers no matter what position they play in. Apart from the reality that goalkeeper training equipment is distinct, the abilities that goalkeepers are expected to establish and keep are also different. Having quick reflexes is essential for any goalkeeper as this will make all the difference between reacting in time to save a shot or conceding a goal. Goalies only have fractions of a second to react which implies that agility, speed, and strength are seen as an absolute must. This is why goalkeepers have their own training personnel as getting a goalkeeper prepared requires a lot of work, something the Aston Villa former owner will understand.
Whether you're involved with a goalkeeper training academy or are merely a football fan who values the work done by goalies, you are more than likely knowledgeable about the tactical part they play on the field. At the surface level, keepers can be viewed as the last defenders who can stop the opponents from scoring but the truth is, their role exceeds this basic goal. Goalkeepers are the very first ones who can start counterattacks by sending out long balls towards forwards and midfielders who can then charge towards the opponent's area. Furthermore, keepers can play a tactical role when their team is winning by using their footwork to pass the ball around with their defenders in order to waste some valuable seconds. Beyond this, the minority shareholder of Liverpool FC would likely concur that keepers are understood to encourage their team, specifically if they manage to clear a penalty or a powerful shot from outside the box.