Practical Sport Psychology Skills for Goalkeepers

If you are a goalkeeper, or coach one, you understand it is one of the most mentally challenging positions in sport. Here are a few sport psych tips! Please send me a note at rebekahconwayroulier@gmail.com for assistance implementing them. 

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Refocusing

·         Let your goalkeepers know that their feelings before the game are normal and part of their pre-game routine. Nerves are often part of the experience and can even be helpful. 

·         Deep breathing

·         Trigger focus (tapping the post, tapping your shin guard with your cleat, walking across the penalty spot). Use this trigger focus to be forgetful, clear your head and focus on the next play. 

·         Cue word or phrase (can be written on their gloves as a reminder)

Visualization

·         Imagery of your best self.

·         “Mental practice” is important spend time on. The body does not differentiate between the real and the imagined.  

Mastering Mental Skills

·         New skills take time (don't try to learn a new skill on game day).

·         Put effort into it!

Playing not Performing

·         Focus on the little things you are doing well when mental skills, practice or the game aren’t going well.

·         Build on small successes.

Expand on positive emotions

·         When the ball is in the attacking third, dwell on the feelings of accomplishment and positive emotions.

·         This can help you portray confidence, poise, and a sense of control to your team and the opponent through verbal and non-verbal communication.  

Know your strengths (or your athletes' strengths)!

·         Building on success might also mean leaning on your strengths. It's okay not to be great at everything. Some of the greatest athletes are known for only focusing on their errors, also see your strengths and what you do well. 

·         Each goalkeeper is different.