Handling Tips · Total Goalkeeping

Handling Tips

This might sound like a silly question, but my son got into footballing quite late. He Only started training about 18 months ago. Before that, he didn't even particularly like football. After about 4 months his teams Keeper left and he got his chance. He hasn't looked back and I'm continually asked if he wants to change clubs. He played the last few months of the U9s season as he been ever present for the U10s.

His reactions, bravery and agility are insane. He's quick off his line and makes great saves look easy but, his catching is a weakness. At the park, he catches everything. On a match he palms things away and dives at players feet. He feels more comfortable doing that and has been kicked in the face, head, chest and elbow as a result.

I've spent ages in the garden and the park, just chucking balls at him. High, low, left, right softer and harder. He catches 90% of them. Come the match he's too scared to catch it so re everts to palming it down and trying to claim the second ball.

Does anyone have an idea or a routine for getting the catching transferred to a match day? I think it's partly technique but mostly confidence. I hoped repetition would help but so far it hasn't.

5 comments