Goalkeeper Training
For many years, goalkeepers had to content themselves with either a lonesome solitary (or small group) training session on their own, or with the outfield players, followed by some shooting practice or a small match.
These days, goalkeepers have their own coaches – usually ex-keepers themselves – who provide specific drills aimed solely at perfecting the goalkeeper’s art.
But first for one thing that has never changed: the mentor.
The Mentor
Most good goalkeepers who have ever played had a mentor. Most average and even the poor ones probably did too. These guys are there for you through thick and thin. They’ve been there themselves: you trust them; you respect them.
For David Seaman, at Arsenal, it was Bob Wilson who was always there with a helpful word of support and advice (but more importantly support). While goalkeeping coaches are important, it is considered equally so that there is someone who can provide mental support during periods of self-doubt.
The Drills
Goalkeepers, with the introduction of specialist coaches, and the investment of time and money into the science behind the art, have therefore got many more drills and techniques they can use to improve their game than ever before. Simply watching this video of Hannover’s goalkeepers in training demonstrates a few of the myriad drills.
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Bob Wilson revolutionised goalkeeper training in the UK. He was appointed in the late 1970s at Arsenal, when Pat Jennings – a contemporary of Wilson’s – was Arsenal’s number 1. As such, Willow thought there was a limited amount of new techniques he could actually teach Jennings.
Nevertheless, over his 25 year stint as Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach, Willow had very significant responsibility for the progress of John Lukic (to one of the best in the league) and clearly David Seaman’s success at QPR and Arsenal.
It should also be noted that the reserve to Jennings back in the early 1980s, Paul Barron, became a very capable goalkeeper and now goalkeeper coach himself. Willow also ran a very successful goalkeeping camp in the UK, several times a year for about 15 years from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s. He called time only after receiving very little support from the FA and when his daughter Anna was entering the terminal phase of her cancer. This camp spotted both Stuart Taylor and Graham Stack, and there are a lot of goalkeepers in the UK who got a lot of enjoyment from Bob and his coaches dedicated tuition.
From a very grateful recipient.
Hi,
Totally agree with Steve’s comments about Bob Wilson. I had the great pleasure of being invited to one of Bob Wilson’s Summer Coaching Schools. One of my goalkeepers had enrolled in the week-long event, and it was an education. Bob and his entire family were so nice,friendly and helpful. He is an absolute gentleman and still commands great respect as far as I am concerned.
David Seaman was there one entire day. He wasny able to do any drills as such due to his contract with Arsenal, but it a measure of the man that he watched the sessions, answered numerous questions put by eager young goalies and signed countless autographs.
Bob’s late daughter, Anna,had the early stages of cancer at the time, and was a lovely lady. Nothing was too much for the Wilson family and his courses were top notch.