Bravery Wanted

​How can you identify a goalkeeper? There are many attributes that create a strong goalkeeper, but Bravery stands out the most in younger players. Goalkeepers need to be brave in order to learn and develop new skills. As a goalkeeper a player must leave their comfort zone and push their mind and body past preconceived limits. Being a goalkeeper goes against human nature.

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It takes bravery to move into the path of a flying object, to jump off the ground and land on your side and to fly at another players running feet. Bravery is not only shown in a physical way. A player must be mentally brave to deal with how their mistakes can effect the game and their team. Or to allow their body to learn something new and uncomfortable. If a young player is naturally brave, then skill and technique can be taught.

When selecting a goalkeeper to play for your team, try to find out their mindset. Are they Brave? Are they Coachable? Will they push through mental and physical barriers? Encourage a players natural bravery by supporting it and accepting that mistakes will be made because of it. But once the young keeper learns to make the correct decisions, their bravery will be an asset.