Periodisation of skill training framework: the goalkeeper perspective

The goalkeeper is a unique player, the only one to be able to legally use their hands within their own penalty box. As the position involves defending the goal, the requirements on the individuals are quite unlike those of their outfield teammates. Since the players’ physical, technical, and tactical demands are consequently different from those of outfield players, the goalkeeper coach has an important role in the team. Specialist coaches assist the player in gaining a competitive edge in the game by utilising one-on-one and small group training sessions. The presence of the specialist coach has been particularly welcomed in football over the last few years, with the introduction of set-pieces, throw-ins, and finishing coaches. The coaching methodology of football goalkeepers is, however, a less-explored research topic. Therefore, the present chapter has three objectives: (1) introducing a novel training framework, the Periodisation of Skill Training Framework (PoST framework), with practical session design examples for the three different development categories (Foundation, Youth Development, and Professional Development Phase); (2) exploring the role of the goalkeeper coach and integration with the rest of the coaching staff; and (3) exploring the importance and effectiveness of task alignment between the goalkeeper and the team session.