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Psychology

A goalkeeping coach must often use a psychological approach to improve his goalkeeper’s attitude and mental strength, as the position is one of the most psychologically demanding on the pitch. A young keeper can lose confidence when he makes a mistake, and it must be emphasized that when a goal is scored against him, that the other team has already beaten the ten other men in his team.

P Robinson
Obviously only those who want to play in goal will be successful, and it is not a position that appeals to everyone as many players would be seriously undermined if they give away a goal(s) The keeper needs to be able to put his mistakes behind him quickly, so be positive, never critical. Revisit the dropped goal later on a one to one with the keeper and discuss if there is any technical improvement needed and work on that skill

The general team training isn’t adequate to help the skills needed for goalkeeping, so goalkeeping coaching is a must to develop young goalkeepers, they need encouragement to take any opportunity available for extra training.

Teach good techniques, and emphasize them with repetition. Immediately correct any poor technique, whether doing practice or playing or even just in a knock about. Repetition is the best way to ingrain good habits, and observation of a good goalkeeper will show him/her doing it right time after time. Good habits become automatic, and with repetition bad habits can be eliminated.

It is not always a mistake by the keeper that allows the opposing team to score. It might be a brilliant shot, so be prepared to give the scorer credit and note the general positioning etc in response to the play and credit the keeper for other than direct saves.

Direct saves are not the only way of achieving a clean sheet. He can force a missed shot, by appearing aggressive he may cause the player with the ball to shoot too soon or miss a pass, in general using a psychological approach to his advantage. Keep a cool head after a save, be calm and assess the field position before putting the ball back into play.

Insist on every shot being attempted, even if it seems impossible. They may surprise themselves and this will help to build confidence. After a time the seemingly impossible shots will often be saved

When a match is not going well for a goalkeeper, it is a toss up between pulling them and having them think you have lost confidence in them and letting them stay and have a bad day. Stay positive and emphasize that the blame is shared with the team and they should accept that you want to spread the load. Discuss the conceded goals afterwards and work out with them any additional training that might help in such a situation.