Goalkeepers do a lot more than just obstructing incoming shots on target. Here is all you have to know.

There's a reason why goalkeepers in football tend to be huge and tall. Size is for strategic factors as the taller the goalkeeper is, the more surface area they're going to cover and the quicker they can get from one post to the other. Naturally, being very tall isn't vital as there are many medium height goalkeepers who are considered a few of the best of all time. Strength on the other hand is essential as goalkeepers are anticipated to obstruct powerful shots and to jump higher than everybody else. It is for these reasons that goalkeeper training sessions involve a great deal of strength training that stimulates all major muscle groups. Beyond training sessions on the field, goalkeepers likewise spend a great deal of time at the health club lifting weights and doing circuit training. This is especially essential in goalkeeper training for beginners as building strength and muscularity is crucial, something that the AC Milan former US owner would likely confirm.

While goalkeepers do participate in group training sessions with the rest of the team, they also have individual training sessions that concentrate on their goalkeeping abilities. This is only the case for goalkeepers as their training and development is extremely different from that of field footballers no matter what position they play in. Apart from the fact that goalkeeper training equipment is different, the skills that goalkeepers are expected to establish and keep are also different. Having quick reflexes is vital for any goalkeeper as this will make all the distinction in between reacting in time to save a shot or conceding a goal. Goalies only have split seconds to respond which suggests 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 needs a great deal 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 appreciates the work done by goalies, you are most likely aware of the strategic role they play on the pitch. At the surface level, keepers can be seen as the last defenders who can stop the competitors from scoring however the reality is, their function surpasses 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 adversary's box. In addition, keepers can play a tactical role when their team is winning by utilising 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 agree that keepers are known to motivate their teammates, especially if they manage to save a penalty or a powerful shot from outside the box.