#askEV
Often, when I am asked by parents whose kids may be an aspiring collegiate or even professional GK, I remind them of this fact.....Goalkeeping is a small Society. Most everybody knows everybody, or at the very least, 'know of' someone who is a GK or GK Coach.
That being the case, I always remind young GKs, and their parents, "always present and do your best to do things the right way, because....you never know who's watching. That is sage advice, and I can tell you more than one story where a young GK was "found" or "found out" by something as simple as pre-game warm-ups, reaction to being scored upon, pre-match preparation, in match communication, in goal presence, over-zealous parents; the list goes on. ALL of these things--and many more--go into a young GKs "non-paper" resume'. And....here's the point.....GK Coaches all talk.
Often, in the course of a young GK being recruited by a college, the Head Coach will have his/her GK Coach call the GK Coach at the Club, or the personal GK Coach of the young GK, and "talk GKing'. Talk GKing?!?!? What is that, you ask. That is where GK Coaches discuss the young GK in GK terms. How does she/he train? What is the GK's work ethic? Does the GK prepare physically, mentally, emotionally for training? Does the GK prepare physically, mentally, emotionally for match play? Is the young GK coach-able? Is the GK technically sound? What are his/her weaknesses? Is she/he a good teammate? A good leader? Dedicated? And more.
GK Coaches share the truth with each other, because they know that the GK they pass on to the college is going to be working day-to-day with the college GK Coach, and we all want to make sure that every opportunity is given for the young GK to survive and thrive at the next level.
As you can see, the young GK needs to be aware that someone is always watching, and comport themselves to the best of their ability both on and off the field.
Along those lines, let me introduce you to a product that is increasingly becoming a useful tool for GK Coaches--and GKs as well--for day-to-day training. The Duktig Brand GK Notebook is a product that one of our endorsed GKs, Adelaide Gay, is part-owner and founder of. dukTIG Brand, founded by Adelaide Gay and Tiffany Weimer, 2 professional players, produces and markets a selection of Coaching planners and notebooks for all levels of soccer. These notebooks assist and allow Coaches to plan, organize, and present training sessions as well as chart match movements, stats, and results. For GKs, the Duktig GK Notebook can be just one more valuable tool in your overall GK development. For more info, go to www.duktigbrand.com
Don't forget to join our Reusch USA Goalkeeper Club. You can access the Club via Facebook.
So. Until next time...
May the ground beneath your dive be soft. May your goalposts be 3 feet wide. May the other team shoot everything right at you.
All the Best--EV
