PAGE 8

November 2005

Between the Posts

Making Sure the `Warm' In Warm-Up

Is a Pre-Game Ritual For Keepers

4. Diving -- a sensible diving routine should follow

Management Ideas

By Rob Walker

the catching above. Perhaps a kneeling, squatting,

Some teams utilize two goalkeepers in each game.

US National Team Goalkeeping Coach

standing routine could be used. Or, for more expe-

If this is the case, the following considerations might

need to be put into place:

rienced goalkeepers, 10 collapsed dives, 10 "1"

s the weather turns chilly and important end-of sea-

A

1.  Both goalkeepers should get repetitions, with the

step dives and 10 extended dives could make up

son and state tournaments are about ready to start,

"starting goalkeeper" doing slightly more work.

this part of the warm-up. The goalkeeper should

I thought a reminder about warming up might be help-

Both goalkeepers should get ample work in the

rest in between each set.

ful to coaches on both sides of the mountains as you get

catching and diving phases, but the main amount

5.  Crosses/Through-balls -- older goalkeepers should

ready to move your teams towards a state champi-

of attention should go to the starting goalkeeper.

receive 10-15 crosses that are un-pressured and

onship triumph.

2.  In the crossing and through-ball portion of the

another 10-15 that are pressured by opposition. It

warm-up, the starting goalkeeper should get more

is always wise to have the goalkeeper face 8-10

Sample Game Day Warm-Up Routine

service. The goalkeeper coming on at half time can

through ball situations as well. The important thing

Depending on the weather conditions, a goalkeep-

be "re-warmed" and given their share of crosses

to remember is that this is very demanding work

er's warm-up time might vary between 30-50 minutes.

and through balls at half time.

and may need to be cut down if the goalkeeper is

In hot weather, a short warm-up should suffice. In a

3.  Referees need to be notified of the change before

fatigued or if the total warm-up time does not allow

January rainstorm, a longer, more gradual warm-up

the second half begins!

for this particular component.

might be necessary. In all cases, the following routine

4.  In cases where the first half goalkeeper is not going

6.  Punting/Throwing -- most goalkeepers like to

parts should be in place.

to play "in the field" during the second half, he/she

punt a half dozen or so balls before a game starts.

should put on dry clothes (whether in hot, sweaty

1.

Jogging/skipping/side-shuffling/leg swings, etc -- in

Warm-up offers a good chance to get a feel for the

conditions or in damp, rainy weather).

and around penalty area (survey ground for prob-

surface. The goalkeeper can ask the question: "Am

lem areas) for 5-8 minutes.

The Bottom Line

I going to fall down? Do I need to change my

shoes?" When playing at home, it is always a good

All coaches realize that the first five minutes of a

2.

Static Stretching -- should stretch each muscle

soccer match are critical. A good warm-up can make

idea to punt the game ball once or twice before it

group for 15-25 seconds, and then repeat the

goalkeeping easier during this time and every moment

goes to the referee.

process. Stretching might take 6-8 minutes and may

afterward. Goalkeepers need to be reminded to keep

7.  Team Participation -- This component generally

need to be done prior to jogging if the goalkeeper

moving and stay "in contact" with their team through-

ends the warm-up. The starting goalkeeper should

is overly fatigued.

out the game. A good warm-up can result in a "hot" per-

be involved in this part of warm-up initially, but

formance in goal, even in the cold of winter. s

3.

Easy Catching -- with a partner, the goalkeeper

should then be excused so that he/she can change

should catch some easy service from a partner

their gear, get water, go to the restroom, focus on

Rob Walker is a Washington native and former WSYSA

(player or coach). After 20 or 30 easier balls, the

the game, etc. It is easy to have the starting goal-

goalkeeping coach. He is currently Director of Coaching

keeper "over do" this part of warm-up and not be

goalkeeper should receive service from a greater

for the 1,200-player Mountainbrook Soccer Club in

fully prepared for the start of the match.

Birmingham, Ala.

distance (18 yards, with very little diving).

SOUNDERS Are USL

First Division Champions

Congratulations to the Seattle Sounders, who joined the

Rochester Raging Rhinos as three-time USL First Division cham-

pions with a thrilling seven-round penalty kick tiebreaker 4-3

over the Richmond Kickers. The home side rallied from 1-0

down to earn the draw and two scoreless overtimes forced the

shootout to determine the winner. Goalkeeper Preston Burpo

was named the Championship's Most Valuable Player. Unable to

break the tie, the championship was decided after seven rounds

of penalties with Sascha Gorres, Tony Williams and Matt Pauls

converting for Richmond and Andrew Gregor, Leighton O'Brien,

Kevin Sakuda and Scott Jenkins registering for the Sounders.

Ronnie Pascale made two crucial saves on penalties taken by

Roger Levesque and Taylor Graham in the third and fourth

rounds while trailing 2-0. Burpo stopped Robert Ssejjemba's

attempt in the second round.

The Seattle Sounders recently announced Qwest Field will be

their home venue in 2006. For more information visit

SeattleSounders.net.