Goalkeeper Mental Toughness Shouldn’t Be Left To Chance

Over years of supporting goalkeepers I have noticed that if there is an issue in their game or if they’ve made a few mistakes.  Rather than addressing what is often the big problem – their concentration or confidence levels they work harder on the technical or physical side of their game.  

And many don’t go on to address the real problem.  Some do, a small minority, they come to the conclusion that they do need to look in the mirror and make some changes to their mental game.   

A former client said: “I know roughly what drills my coach or exercises my personal trainer will help me with to improve my technique or physical fitness but I have don’t have a clue what to practice to improve my mental game.”

This is pretty common, lots goalkeepers don’t know how to go about improving their mental game and this is why they can often don’t reach their potential or keep on making the same mistakes. 

The fear of the unknown or the worry about opening up stops them in their tracks. 

Yes, improving your technique or physical characteristics can improve performance, I’ve witnessed it, many times.  However, setting aside time to put in place simple strategies to ensure your mental game is good, is also a key to goalkeeping at your best consistently.

Sadly, in most cases, goalkeepers fail to consider making changes to their mental game.  They often read tips but don’t put them into practice.  

So how do you know if you should make technical, physical or mental game changes?

It’s is often a problem with your mindset when you:

• Play great in training but don’t in matches
• Get overly fearful and stay on your line for crosses
• Are so anxious that you tentatively ease yourself into a match
• You dislike high pressure situations towards the end of a match and make poor decisions
• You try to play the perfect game in a match
• Lose your focus after making a mistake

Many goalkeepers do strive to get better and improve their game.  You’ll see many putting in extra hours in training.  How many are practicing effectively and how many could benefit from some mental game support I wonder!

Improving your mental toughness as a goalkeeper might not be as simple as improving technique but it can be hugely helpful.

Feel free to forward this blog to other goalkeepers, coaches or parents who you think would find it helpful.

Or if you’d like to receive regular goalkeeping psychology tips and advice be sure to sign up to “The Mental Edge” .

To get in touch for one 2 one Sports Psychology Coaching with a Leading Sport Psychologist, David Charlton, based near Newcastle upon Tyne – Face to face, via the telephone, SKYPE or online via email available.