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Q. Hi Kathleen,
I was woundering if you could tell me how far a GK travels during a match, and how fast they sprint during a match, and stats like that, as i am very intrested in finding out.
thanks
Nikki Paramo
Question posted: 12/01/2010
A. Hi Nikki
This is a hard question because the distance and speed varies each game with each situation. Generally, however, the keeper does not travel very far - the speed is also variable. The keeper can perform an all out sprint, a jog back to their goal arc or a fast run back from the top of the circle for example. My suggestion is to actually gear up a keeper with a device that measures distance.
Best wishes and thanks for the question.
Kath
Q. Hi Kathleen,
I haven’t been a keeper all that long. 3/4 seasons full time, before that 2/3 seasons as an outfield player. I play at regional level here in the UK.
I love goalkeeping, there is so much to learn and you never stop learning, it’s such a mental as well as a physical achievement to play well in goal.
I'm in my very late 20's now, but I would really love to get involved in coaching. I don't know if it is a global occurrence, but I find in the UK there is always a shortage of goalkeepers. It’s not always a popular position. And many clubs struggle to find those willing. I think it’s important that going forward it’s seen as a great position to play. I want to become a coach specialising in Goalkeeping.
What would be your advice on become a goal keeping coach? Would my relative short experience hinder me? What would be the stages I need to start working towards? Other then the official levels set out by local coaching awards (which doesn’t tend to include a lot on goalkeeping!). All your advice would be warmly welcome!
Many Thanks
Georgina
Question posted: 4/01/2010
A. Hello Georgina
Your relative short goalkeeping expereince does not mean you should not pursue your desire to become a goalkeeping coach. Goalkeepers long to work with a coach who is passionate about the position. Goalkeeping coaches often spend a long time hitting, pushing, flicking balls to their athletes. Obviously there are some real benefits with having a working knowledge of the position but if you read good coaching texts, work with other expereinced coaches, watch and learn from quality goalkeepers (including accessing videos when possible)your knowledge will build. David Bell was the Australian mens field hockey specialist goalkeeping coach for quite sometime and David played in the half line for the Australian team for years.
So, go for it! - I am sure that your focus and passion for becoming a goalkeeping coach makes you a perfect candidate for this important coaching role. In terms of stages, Im not sure how the UK system works, but I wouldnt worry about stages; give yourself the title of 'Goalkeeping Coach' and work your way through the normal hockey coaching accreditation courses and tell people your focus is to become a better specialist goalkeeping coach.
Good luck to you and the keepers you coach.
Kath
Q. do you have to knock in hockey sticks
Question posted: 2/01/2009
A. Hi there
Generally no - you do not have to knock a stick in (not like a good willow cricket bat!) - but as a matter of routine I would simply knock the ball against a walk - pushing the ball for a few minutes and then I would start to hit through a few shots, just softly. I used a 'goalie stick' rather than a normal field players stick - and because these sticks are thinner and basically designed to be light to save aerial shots and to push the ball away, it was very rare I would hit a ball really hard - I used to push when I was playing probably 99% of the time if I used the stick at all.
Hope this helps and good luck with your keeping.
Kath
Q. HI Kathleen. My daughter Danielle is 11 she has been keeping for about 3 seasons , she plays in newcastle and i think prgressing very well ,but i get the feeling people are expexting her to be sliding & diving. dan has a great coach in Terrese Peach/Robyn Leggat. is it to early or will it she just get it , we don't want her to be left behind. as she does cover very well on her feet. thanks Dave
Question posted: 23/12/2008
A. Hi Dave
Wow - some great coaches - Robyn Leggatt is ofcourse a legend!
Sliding - well it is a necessary skill- but how fantastic that Danielle is comfortable to save in a upright position -one problem with some junior goalies is their desire to go to ground too much - this can be a real problem. I have detailed in my book the fundanentals of sliding and how to go about coaching junior goalkeepers to slide - start with a very basic set up of a soft cone or blow up clown or something like that for your daughter to use as a target - she begins by walking towards the target and falling into a correct slide position before momentum is incorperated - there is alot more to it ofcourse - Judy Laing (Newcastle elite coach) also has very good goalkeeping knowledge - Danielle will need to practise the basics of the skill and I am sure she will 'get it' and begin to use the slide in the correct situation - it probably isn't too early for her to begin learning this important goalkeeping technique - but there is no rush, she is still quite young - just make sure she continues to enjoy her keeping, that she is well protected with her gear and that continues to get good coaching - sounds like she is in a great hockey environment.
Best wishes and good luck
Kath