Physical & psychological factors effecting goalkeepers in football

Abstract

This study seeks to analyze what physical & psychological training factors affect goalkeepers in football and what kind of training goalkeepers in Malta are undergoing. The research has found that the goalkeeper nowadays must possess good football skills, have to train very intensively for good physical fitness, technical skills, tactical skills, psychological aspects and game creativity. Seven senior goalkeepers from top divisions in Maltese Football and a National Goalkeepers Coach were interviewed. From interviews I found that goalkeepers train all over their physical body but they focus more on their weaknesses to improve. Psychological training in Maltese football is missing. Before a match some goalkeepers do some Visualization and Self-positive talk however, days before the match they take extra care what they eat, drink, and good rest. Right before the game each individual has his own physical warm up routine. The study indicate that the majority of the Maltese goalkeepers do not have the opportunity to do the right training with their clubs due to lack of goalkeeping knowledge of coaches, or/and lack of clubs resources. Most goalkeepers in Malta need to support themselves. Consequently, these goalkeepers argued that they are responsible for their team post and are the first to be blamed if a mistake is made. From interviews I also found that in Malta we need to improve: 1) Education about goalkeeping to all people concerned with the game. 2) Specialized goalkeepers training from qualified coaches to all ages. 3) Psychological training and support for goalkeepers.