YORK CITY FC

GOALKEEPING
SYLLABUS
The goalkeeping syllabus at York City Football Club will focus on 4 main areas of technical
development. These areas are;

 Distribution
 Shot Stopping
 Tactical play
 Dealing with crosses

The Key Factors for each area are set out below and will be delivered by the goalkeeping
coaches (with input from the outfield coaches in the tactical aspects of play).

KEY FACTORS

DISTRIBUTION

 Where to deliver
 How to deliver
 Technique; left/right foot
 Angle of approach
 Kick (volley, side volley, half volley, off the floor, back passes, trajectory)
 Throw (underarm, side, overarm)
 Weight of delivery
 First thought
 Best option
 To feet or space
 Straight or angled
 Support & communication
 Dribble & drive
 Playing to individual & team strengths

SHOT STOPPING

 Start position in relation to the ball

 Into position
 Set position
 Feet shoulder width apart
 Weight on balls of the feet, heels touching the grass, weight forward
 Knees slightly bent
 Head still
 Hands forward of bodyline
 Ball is struck – assessment (what is required?)
  Decision (catch, deflect etc.)
 Technique
 Dealing with 1v1 situations
 When to stand & hold
 When to attack
 Diving at feet

TACTICAL

 Understanding the game

 Problem solving (training/game situations)
 Communication and organisational skills
 Understanding position specific roles (outfield as well as own)
 Awareness
 Game state (quick break or delay)
 Delivery

DEALING WITH CROSSES/AERIAL

 Starting position in relation to the ball

 Assess the flight
 Take at highest point
 Decision making (catch/punch/technique/height/distance/width)
 Communication
 Readjustment of position
 Angle & speed of approach
 Timing of take-off
 Left/right leg take-off

MENTAL & EMOTIONS

 Psychological strength (e.g. dealing with mistakes)

 Commitment
 Concentration
 Repetition
 Bravery
 Coachability
 Willingness to learn/not afraid of failure
 Composure
 Ability to cope with stress within football and lifestyle.
PHYSICAL

 Goalkeeper specific tests & conditioning as well as team Sports Science

 Development follows Sports Science & conditioning procedure

MONTHLY COACHING PLAN

All keepers – 4 sessions @ 90 minutes = 360 minutes

Crossing 90
minutes
Shot stopping 180
minutes
Distribution (incl. receiving skills and ball control) 90
minutes

Time breakdown

Crossing Shot Stopping Distribution 4th Qtr

The GK Technical Map provide over the next 3 pages shows the area of the game where we
expect keepers to be proficient at each stage of development.
 TECHNICAL MAP GOALKEEPER – TECHNICAL/TACTICAL

Under Under Under Under Under Under Under Under Under

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18
Set position * * * * * * * * *
Hand shapes * * * * * * * * *
When to catch * * * * * * * * *
or parry
Into position * * * * * * * * *
(up the line &
into line)
Technique of * * * * * * * * *
ball striking
Angle of * * * * * * * * *
approach
Choice of kicks * * * * * * * * *
(volley/half
volley)
When to throw * * * * * * * * *
Technique of * * * * * * * * *
claiming
crosses
Understanding * * * * * * * * *
of squeezing
with the team
Movement to * * * * * * * * *
keep up with
play
When & where * * * * * * * *
to parry
1 or 2 handed * * * * * * *
parry
Comfortable * * * * * *
receiving back
pass
When to play * * * * * *
short or go long
Take at highest * * * * * *
point
Technique of * * * * *
making save
Technique of * * * * *
volley, half
volley & side
volley
When, where & * * * * *
how to deliver
Play to feet or * * * * *
space
Decision * * * * *
making – catch
or punch
Communicatio * * * * *
n–
keepers/away
Organisational * * * * *
skills
Understanding * * * * *
which leg to
use for take off
Straight or * * * *
angled kicks
Communicatio * * * *
n & support
Awareness of * * * *
position &
players around
Type of * * * *
delivery – team
game plan
Comfortable * * *
with both feet
Weight of * * *
delivery
Trajectory * * *
Push defenders * *
up to support
play
Play to team’s * *
strengths
Punch (1or 2 * *
hands,
distance/width)
Readjustment * *
of position
Problem * *
solving
Understanding * *
team tactics
Understanding * *
specific roles
(own & others)
Game state * *
(speed
up/delay)
Kicking * *
technique (both
feet)
Team tactics *
regarding
distribution
When to *
advance/when
to stay
Tactically *
adaptable –
ready for 1st
team
 TECHNICAL MAP GOALKEEPER – PHYSICAL

Under Under Under Under Under Under Under Under Under

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18
Footwork * * * * * * * * *
Vertical Jump * * * * * * * * *
Single leg * * * * * * * * *
vertical jump
Short * * * * * * * * *
Acceleration
Deceleration * * * * * * * * *
Landing * * * * * * * * *
Mechanics
Upper body * * * * * * * * *
ROM
Hip ROM * * * * * * * * *
Crossover * * * * * * * * *
footwork
Core Strength * * * * * * * * *
Agility * * * * * * * * *
Strong wrists * * * * *
Strong hands * * * * *
Strong * * * * *
shoulders
 TECHNICAL MAP GOALKEEPER – PSYCHOLOGICAL

Under Under Under Under Under Under Under Under Under

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18
Self Esteem * * * * * * * * *
Confidence * * * * * * * * *
Conduct on/off the pitch * * * * * * * * *
Self-belief * * * * * * * * *
Focus * * * * * * * * *
Bravery * * * * * * * *
Positive/controlled/competitive * * * * * * *
Vocally in control * * * * * * *
Composure * * * * * *
Leadership * * * * * *
Accepts mistakes * * * * *
Mentally adaptable * * * * *

The shaded areas indicate the qualities that we expect our Goalkeepers to display at each age
group in order to be considered for progression. If they have some of the other qualities at
each age group this will be considered to be a bonus.
 GOALKEEPING TERMINOLOGY

Away – when you want the defender to clear the ball

Keeper’s – when you want the ball

No shot – to encourage defenders to keep the attacker from shooting

No cross – to encourage wide defenders to force the ball back instead of allowing the cross

Man on – to warn defenders of pressure

Tight – to encourage defenders to pressurise

Mark up – to encourage defenders to pick up attackers

Squeeze – to get the defence to move upfield together

Push up – as above

Front/back post – to get defenders in position by the relevant post in relation to the ball

Goal side – to encourage defenders to get between attackers and the goal

Left/right shoulder – to warn team mates which side the threat is

Keeper’s on – when the keeper is offering himself as a passing option

Tuck in – when the defence needs to narrow off to protect the goal

Shift across – when the keeper wants the team to move across the pitch as a unit

(Number) – players required in a wall

Right/left foot – to encourage defender to force attacker onto a particular foot

Man in the hole – when a player is required to fill a space (at the front of the 6 yard box or
between the wall and markers

Show him away – when the defenders are required to force attackers towards the touchline or
halfway line
 TECHNICAL PROGRAMME – UNDER 9/10

SHOT STOPPING

 Set position – feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, hands raised to centre of
body in a comfortable position, top half of body leaning forward but not slouched
 Decision making – starting to develop an understanding of when to catch or parry
 In to position – moving into position relative to the ball and the goal and develop an
understanding of how far towards the ball to go
 Basic set position – hands down by side of legs, body in crouched position. Basic
understanding of set position on a 1 v 1 situation and when to get into set position

DISTRIBUTION

 Basic technique of ball striking and which part of the foot to use
 Angle of approach
 Choice and technique of volleys and half volleys
 Underarm roll outs (when to pass/roll out to defenders)

DEALING WITH CROSSES

 Basic technique
 Assessing the flight of the ball
 Take the ball at the highest point
 Timing the take off
 Getting the knee up for protection and elevation

TACTICAL

 Understanding of movement up and down the pitch in relation to the game

 Moving around in support of the game (laterally)
 TECHNICAL PROGRAMME – UNDER 11 – 13

SHOT STOPPING

 Techniques of hand shapes on how to deal with certain balls

 Low scoop pick up – knee behind the ball to form a barrier, both hands to scoop the
ball
 Balls below the chest – move feet to get behind the ball, head over the ball
 Balls above the chest – hands in “W” shape behind the ball, head still behind the ball
 Getting into line and up the line of the ball
 Decision making – to catch or parry and where to parry. Starting to develop an
understanding of parrying with 2 hands or 1
 Continue to understand the set position. Begin to develop an understanding of
distance, when to hold and when to dive at feet

DISTRIBUTION

 Continue to improve techniques of striking from the floor and all variations of volleys
 Comfortable receiving the back pass
 When, where and how to deliver
 Understand when to play out from the back and when to go long
 Where to play (feet or space)
 Straight or angled kicks
 Support and communication

DEALING WITH CROSSES

 Starting positions (body position relative to the ball)

 Assess the flight of the ball
 Timing of take off
 Angle and speed of approach
 Take at highest point
 Decision making (catch or punch)
 Communication with defenders

TACTICAL

 Understanding the game (positionally)

 Starting to develop communication and organisational skills
 Showing awareness in own positioning and having the awareness of other players
 Type of delivery (understanding of team tactics)
 TECHNICAL PROGRAMME – UNDER 14 – 16

SHOT STOPPING

 Getting into line and up the line

 Assessment of when the ball is struck
 Decision making (catch or parry)
 Type of parry (1 hand or 2)
 Technique of making the save (attacking the ball)
 Understanding distances, getting as close as possible to striker before holding
position. Knowing when to stand or dive at feet.

DISTRIBUTION

 Kicking technique (both feet, comfortable with the back pass, dead balls, all volleys)
 Weight of delivery
 Trajectory
 Pass to feet or space
 Play to team strengths
 Support and communication

DEALING WITH CROSSES

 Start position and body position relative to the ball

 Assess the flight of the ball
 Timing of take off
 Take at highest point
 Understand which leg to take off
 Communication
 Decision making
 Re-adjustment for deflections/over hit crosses)

TACTICAL

 Problem solving (ability to recognise and diagnose situations)

 Communication and organisational skills
 Understanding of team tactics and strategies
 Understanding of specific roles and responsibilities (own and team mates)
 Game state (when to break up and when to speed up the game)
 TECHNICAL PROGRAMME – UNDER 18

SHOT STOPPING

 Assessment of when the ball is struck

 Decision making (catch or parry)
 Type of parry
 Technique of making the save (attacking the ball)

DISTRIBUTION

 Kicking technique (both feet, comfortable with both feet with the back pass)
 Weight of delivery
 Trajectory
 Understanding team tactics and strategies regarding distribution
 Play to own and team strengths

DEALING WITH CROSSES

 Starting positions and body position in relation to the ball

 Assess the flight of the ball
 Timing of take off
 Take at highest point
 Understand which leg to take off on
 Communication
 Decision making
 Readjustment of position
 Understanding of when to hold back and allow defence to deal with the cross

TACTICAL

 Problem solving (recognising and diagnosing situations)

 Communication and organisational skills
 Understanding of team tactics and strategies
 Understanding of specific roles
 Game state
 Tactically adaptable, mentally strong and ready for first team duties
 PERIODISATION

September – November

 Basic footwork – incorporating SAQ techniques

 Basic Handling – hand shape on the ball in all situations
 Shot stopping – low dives and 1 v 1 situations
 Dealing with crosses – start position and assessing the flight
 Distribution – basic kicking and throwing, dealing with the back pass

December – February

 Footwork – incorporating SAQ techniques

 Basic Handling – hand shape
 Shot stopping – extension dives and parrying high shots
 Dealing with crosses – start position, body position and assessing the flight
 Distribution – basic kicking and throwing, volleys, half volleys and side volleys

March – May

 Footwork – incorporating SAQ techniques

 Basic Handling – hand shape
 Shot stopping – high saves, recovery saves, double saves and deflections
 Dealing with crosses – start and body positions, assessing the flight, quick distribution
from a catch
 Distribution – accurate kicks and throws to all areas of the pitch (feet and space)

All goalkeeper sessions are to include unopposed (technique), semi-opposed (skill) and small
sided game/functional practice work, the latter can be done with the other keepers providing
opposition/interference or put back into their squads.
 YORK CITY FOOTBALL CLUB – ACADEMY TRAINING CYCLE (GOALKEEPERS)
BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 BLOCK 3 BLOCK 4 BLOCK 5 BLOCK 6
WEEK NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
TOPIC
SHOT
STOPPING
Basic Handling

Angled shots

Shots from
distance
1 v 1s

Catch or parry

Review of Block
Week
DISTRIBUTION
Where & how
to deliver
Throws & rolls

Volleys & half

volleys
Dead ball kicks

Dribble & Drive

Review of Block
Week
DEALING WITH
CROSSES
Starting
position
Assessing the
flight
Whether to
catch or punch
Adjusting
position
Working with
defenders
Review of Block
Week
TACTICAL PLAY
Communication
& Organisation
Managing the
game
Problem
solving with def
Set pieces

Supporting the
defence
Review of Block
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6