Banish the doubts

You're not reinventing the wheel ?

So why does it feel like you have to ?  Every goalkeeping course related to coaching I have been on states that first question,  so why does it feel that I am not offering my players more.

I've been coaching now for three years,  by and large my players seem to enjoy what I do,  I get good feedback from them, parents and coaches (generally) alike, so why does it feel like I need to be doing more ?

Goalkeeping training by it's very nature is repetitive, those camera saves,  the spectacular ones all look great, but the routine ones also take hours of practice on the training field to make them look so easy and shouldn't be underestimated, these moments have been honed on a practice pitch somewhere.

Recently though,  I have been questioning whether I'm doing the right things, ridiculous I know,  but I have felt that I am letting my players down and that they need more, or that they need someone with more experience than I can offer.

These are the times when we need to just remember what and to who we are teaching.   Sometimes it is easy to lose track of this, and put to much expectation on ourselves and those that we coach.   I am a grass roots coach, despite being associated with a team in the Vanarama National League,  and therefore my goalkeepers are not David De Gea and therefore I cannot expect them to play like him. 

I have them for one hour a week and my input generally is minimal.   My clubs 10 year old will have deficiencies, he won't always catch the ball, he will make mistakes and a lot of the time he wont be technically perfect (im not picking on him especially, if he ever reads this !) and it is wrong to expect a ridiculous level of them, after all they are children and learning,  the contact time they receive is so small how can they be expected to make huge strides. That's not to say that there is a level we can expect of them though. 

My role as their coach is to improve their goalkeeping, to put on sessions that are both stimulating and challenging but hopefully fun and enjoyable also, but fundamentally the key to these sessions is to try and improve their goalkeeping and that can be by repetition, reminding the players of the key aspects and check their understanding of what you are trying to get across to them.

They may never hit the heights of pro level,  they may plateau at some point, some may drift away from football as they get older, but the role of the coach is to get them to be the best they can be at what ever level that may be. 

I've been very fortunate that I have people I can call upon in these self doubting moments, and they have been reassuring by looking over my session plans or offering me the opportunity to watch their sessions and players in action.  It's good to know that others have similar struggles where goalkeepers don't progress as you'd like or you are battling against the unrealistic expectations of others.  It's also very reassuring if you are watching players of a similar age to your own and realise that in comparison they also have their technical deficiencies even if they are playing at a perceived higher level.

It's not just managing the expectations of the players, I too have to remind myself I am just a level 2 football coach and as it stands a level 1 goalkeeping coach,  I too have limits to my abilities and have to rely on furthering my learning to supplement the courses I have already undertaken, by watching other coaches, attending CPD events, and furthering my qualifications by taking on more courses.

So doubts will arise, it's only natural, but if you're regularly reviewing and questioning your own practices, undertaking continued learning and your players are picking up those little bits and pieces in that minimal contact time, then you like me are doing the job just fine and those doubts can be left behind.

 

2014 / 2015 Season Review

2014 – 15 Season

The season end is rapidly approaching, and at a personal level, one which has been challenging in many different ways.

I started this season with the intention of not playing again, I had enjoyed my time playing, but felt the time had come to leave that side of the game behind, I had two Goalkeeping coaching roles with Forest Green Rovers Youth and Cirencester Town Ladies, and was busy with my 1st4sport Level 2 coaching with several grassroots clubs at differing age levels.   With this all going on playing was never really at the forefront of my mind.

However, I did end up pulling on the gloves again for in November and ended up playing 16 matches for my local team.  Bit of a mixed bag results wise, but we finished the season well and achieved a comfortable mid table finish.  I decided over the Christmas period that I’d see the season out, I wasn’t playing as well as I hoped, but as the season rolled on my performances improved, bar one minor blip.   I spent a lot of time after the ‘blip’ game, reading articles about the mental side of the game – I have always tried visualisation techniques as a player, but reading the articles about positive thinking in sport and overcoming the demons that plague sportspersons, it helped me no end and certainly will aid my coaching when I have a player short of confidence. 

 

Ladies Football

I hope to write a full piece on this in the coming months, and in more detail, but for now.  The summer was my first real experience of coaching a female player, we’ve all seen the stereotypical female goalkeeper caught in a non-position neither here or there flapping at thin air along with all the archetypal comments that follow.   I sought some advice from people who had coached female GKs prior to starting out, about how they went about training female goalkeepers and what to expect from them.  None of the people I spoke to were anything but complimentary about the goalkeepers they’d worked with. 

I have to say after a preseason with Cirencester Town Ladies FC’s Becky, that I had to agree with the advice I was given, in front of me I had a very capable goalkeeper, who never left anything on the training pitch and gave her all, but was also very eager to take on the coaching points and try to implement them into her game.  In comparison to her equivalent male grassroots counterparts, Becky was a dream to coach with no ego at all, no “I’ve always done it this way” or “my way is better, so I’m sticking with it”.   Unfortunately our time together came to an end when the training nights changed and I could no longer continue working with her.   However we are in regular contact and I keep an eye out on their results.  Seems she’s had a very productive season with a couple of games to go, she may still have a league title medal heading her way (at the time of writing)

 -

GK Youth Football

So after my debut season in the world of youth football last season alongside another GK coach, this season saw me take on the role on a solitary basis.   I won’t lie it’s been a challenging season, and with me being a relatively new coach, I have at times wondered if I am giving the lads what they need to progress their games.  Despite my own reservations and some trial and error sessions, it has been a joy to work alongside this year’s group, and frankly every single one of them I think has progressed over the year due to their own hard work that they put in. 

From a learning prospective, I have learnt a lot this year in how and what to deliver and the outcomes I want from a session, and this can only put me and my future goalkeepers in a good position.



FGR youngsters taking in a master class from Sam Russell 

It was described recently by a parent as a masterstroke, I’m not sure that this was the case, but getting 1^st team goalkeeper Sam Russell in for a few weeks certainly perked up the boys towards the latter end of the season, and his knowledge certainly benefitted them and myself at how Goalkeepers work at pro level.  I think the boys were eager to impress and show off their abilities to the pro as well, as their performances and application improved.   I can't thank Sam enough for donating his time for the sessions he attended he's a great fella as well as a very good goalkeeper.

-

The next few months will see me take my next coaching badge as I look to progress on the goalkeeping side and start on the FA youth modules,  and generally it'll be a busy time with a cup final coming up with the u8's side I help out with and numerous summer tournaments to help out with.  June will see FGR's summer trials take place for next seasons squads before we start up again in July.   Is there ever a down time,  certainly doesn't feel like it !

To finish I'd just like to thank everyone and anyone who has helped me out this season,  your words of advice and guidance has been invaluable to me.

 

Thanks for reading.   

 

 

 

Out of the comfort zone - 1st4sport (FA) Level 2

Initial thoughts....

May 24th 2014

The next step on the FA's coaching pathway is to undertake the Level 2 Outfield badge,  I find this a little frustrating as someone who's rarely played outfield and has little interest in coaching outfield players.  The cost and amount of weekdays (and therefore days of work) to undertake the course is also a bit of a sore point at a costly £325 and 4 days off work. 

The FA would argue that this pathway would give me a solid base to progress and understand the game ahead of the goalkeepers, and whilst I can see that point of view, I think for those who aren't necessary looking to have a career in the game and only want an understanding of the goalkeeping position this course plus the added expense of undertaking the Level 2 Goalkeeping Course is a little unnecessary.

At the time of writing this section, Greg Dyke has recently announced his and the FA commission blueprint for the future game, unfortunately the commission don't seem to have taken into account that the cost of coaching badges in England is seemingly more expensive than in other countries and data produced shows that we are lagging behind other European nations in terms of numbers.  It maybe my simplistic way of looking at things, but more qualified coaches, should mean a better standard of coaching and hopefully that'll lead to better players, and hopefully a more successful batch of future English players.  I'm fairly confident there are many like myself who do not have oodles of spare cash who want to give something back to the game at any level, but are put off by the expense of the badges and having to do an outfield course ahead of doing the specialist GK course.

In Wales for example, to undertake a Goalkeeping pathway, The FAW allow coaches to specialise in GK'ing up to the FA equivalent of Level 2 before having to take an outfield course. Cost effective and allows those who want to coach GK's to a certain level can, before moving to a more serious level of coaching.

Rant over...

This is the path I have chosen and several hundred pounds lighter, I am about to embark on the course this coming week, part of me is excited at looking at other aspects of the game, but another part is apprehensive having a). never coached outfield players and b). dealt with large groups whilst coaching.  I am taking the course through the Gloucestershire FA and below are my thoughts on the course as I've gone through it,  hopefully by the end of this blog I've passed !

Training Days 1, 2 & 3 

After a terrible nights sleep I overslept, and then found out I had no fuel to travel.  Bad times.  I arrived just in time for the start of the course which is to be led by Ivor Gumm (great name !).  At my seat I found a fairly hefty looking ring binder which covers the course syllabus and some DVDs to help me on my way. Flicking through the ring binder there was a course handbook and a technical handbook with the various areas which the course covered and lots of blank areas for note taking and 15 tasks which need to be completed by course end.

After the introduction was completed, the day was broken up into a morning class room session, a practical training session, lunch, classroom, outdoor practical, review of the day in the class room and finish !

The class room session was to make a start on some of the early tasks contained within the folder,  it also appears to me this is a way of talking to those on your table and getting to know your fellow course members
We set our own ambitions and goals for the course, and go about defining the skills and qualities of a coach.

Mid morning we got out on the pitch and shown what was expected of a level 2 warm up,  and Ivor ran through a couple of drills.  It became apparently obvious to me that I was going to find this tough,  the amount of information being handed out was way beyond what I was expecting and as the practical sessions continued I became more overwhelmed with it.

The afternoon saw Ivor introduce defending 1v1 2v2 and 3v3 defending drills and a follow through into a small sided game to show how the development of the session was structured.

The rest of the weekend followed on in a similar fashion with class room activities and Ivor demonstrating a range of drills with ball control, running with the ball, forward runs without the ball, dribbling, finishing and plenty of defending.

I'd have liked to write more, but my head is spinning with information and im physically beat !  Got a few more bits and pieces to fill in within the folder and then start preparing Task 8 a).  Creating space as an individual (without the ball).

Training Days 4,5,& 6

Most of a very hot weekend was spent doing the Task 8 part a). assessments.  I was third up on the first morning and after setting up my grids and getting my 8 willing volunteers, we set about creating space as an individual.  After a brief introduction I paired off the groups into the areas and we got the skill side going.  First thing noted was that the 10 x 10 grids were simply not big enough for adults.  The tempo I felt was good and I started walking around the two groups hoping that my coaching position would be ok.  The groups were working well so I started to drop in the key coaching points that I'd identified and stepping in where I could - key for me was to allow the 2nd group to continue working whilst addressing the first group.

The technique based session appeared to work well, but I felt uneasy about the session as a whole and was mightily relieved once I got the nod that time was almost up.  The debrief was a Q & A with the players and then the dissection with Ivor.

Feedback,  by and large was ok - a few tweaks to the skill based area to make it more individual and a mention on the tempo needed to be slowed down as it was a very hot day.  Ivor has asked how I felt the session had gone, and I explained that I felt uneasy about the topic and that having only ever coached Goalkeepers that this had been my first outfield session.  This was very apparent according to Ivor who explained that whilst I dropped in relevant key factors, and had a nice friendly manner, my delivery of the session was not great and that my lack of confidence was really apparent.  I certainly found it very hard to come across as confident when I was totally lacking faith in the drill I'd set up or the topic as a whole. 

As the weekend went on you could see the rest of the group picking up on the debriefs from Ivor and certainly on the second day, the sessions were far more polished than the early one's on Day 4. 

Day 6 was thankfully spent in the Class room and we had a leisurely morning after a long hot couple of days running around on the assessments.  We covered more tasks within the folder and looked at the linked sessions and nutrition and football fitness areas.  The afternoon was my favourite bit of all where Ivor let myself and a colleague run the goalkeeping part of the module - we ran through some of the basic handling drills and also did a crossing drill as well.  The lads on the course seemed to enjoy our session and for me it was nice to actually display my knowledge.

The day finished with Ivor giving us a topic for the skill to small sided game practice mine is Defending forcing the play and I have to say I am happier with this than I was with the previous effort.

Task 14 In the mean time....

During the summer I have had to run 12 sessions as part of the 4 linked sessions and 8 topic sessions as part of Task 14. 

I decided to have a bash at spreading these out and so used my sons u8's team,  a friends u15's side and a grassroots senior side to do the linked sessions with.

I decided for the u8's I'd go for something they'd take on board so tried to use short passing and ball control with them,  on reflection after the two sessions I needed to make these even more simple for them as what I had prepared was too hard and boring for them. 

The u15's was a different prospect - I felt I could challenge them a little more and did more attacking principles with them, such as support play, finishing, running off the ball etc.  The results after each session was mixed but the sessions were largely enjoyable,  and from them I took a great deal away from them.

4 Linked sessions - for this I used my club side.  I purposely choose defending because frankly after their previous season this was definitely an area for improvement.  Like the u15's side I got a lot from this and although players didn't like the 'basic' skill part once they saw how the sessions were being progressed they started to buy into it a little more.  Again I took a lot from this, as I started to realise how much I'd taken on board and could pass on.  Was lovely to see some of the techniques used by my players in the early season matches.

There were many highs and lows during these sessions, but I certainly gained a lot from doing them and can see how they prepare you for the finals and life after the course.

Training Day 7

The problem day !  

After a very late cancellation with no explanation by GFA, Day 7 was rearranged for 2 weeks later.  Ivor had apparently left the country and taken a job in India coaching, and so we had a new mentor / course leader in Ritchie Carter who had gotten the call late himself and turned up totally out of sorts himself.  He of course was going to follow the course program, however we were expecting to do our Part 8 b). Skill / SSG's that we'd been given by Ivor previously - so after working out what we'd done and were expecting to do, the day finally got going.

However,  the change of date had disrupted the attendance and with only 8 attendees present, any plans we'd made for the sessions were quickly thrown into disarray.  I was first up on the morning,  and having been given the session title of Defending - Forcing the Play - I'd set up my session for 10, and now had to try under examination try to deliver my topic.  With myself coaching, and one attendee unable to take part I was left with 6 participants.  The skill part was more adaptable and thankfully I was able to deliver this part without too much trouble,  the SSG however was a complete disaster as the game relied on having a defensive line set up with holding midfielders lining up against a midfield and front line.  With only 3 participants on each team this structure went out the window and it essentially just became a very poor 3 a side game.

Deflated and utterly fed up,  I received my feedback from Ritchie, which I felt didn't quite take into account the facts that I had far less than the session had planned for and therefore made the SSG almost impossible to deliver properly.   On reflection this is the life of a coach, and life isn't perfect - sometimes you just have to make do and there were ways I could have improved the delivery of the SSG even though the scenario was imperfect.  Being first up and my own inflexibility and being caught on the hop did for me really.  Lesson learnt. 

The day was pretty much the same for everyone who's plans were pretty much rendered useless and sessions were rapidly adapted and delivered with mixed results.  We finished off in the classroom checking through our files filling in feedback sheets for the session.  We were given our final assessment topic by Ritchie and were told to prepare a SSG on it for training day 8.  We left not knowing who was leading the remainder of the course, as Ritchie himself hadn't been told.  

Training Day 8

What will day 8 hold ?

Well it became apparent due to the humungous cock up of Day 7, we had now lost a chunk of our group and again session plans for anything more than 10 were pretty much rendered useless as we only had 12 with 2 members of the group were unable to take part + the one participant coaching, things were less than ideal.  On the plus side Ritchie was back and at this stage looks to be set to stay for the remainder. 

Throughout the day we all manfully took part in everyone else SSG's but as the afternoon wore on,  the legs had started to go and the session tempos dropped - a shame for those who took their session after lunch,  but we all tried to do the best we could.

My final topic is To Improve Long Passing - I found this difficult to create a SSG where this area would be prevalent and certainly during my 15 minute session,  I found it hard to deliver key aspects as many of them would have been incorporated within the technique and skill parts of the session.   Ritchie had advised us to coach one team and manage one - but offer up praise for good practice to the latter side.  Within my feedback he said that I need to be able to see the game unfold and coach on other aspects such as support play, off the ball running etc, which slightly contradicted what Ivor had said, who had told us to remain purely on topic, but be aware of other areas but not to get distracted.   

We've also been advised to go for the bare minimum of 8 players for the final assessment due to the lack of numbers and to give ourselves a fighting chance of playing within the drills on Final Assessment Days 9 & 10.

Following on from my assessment of the SSG,  I am now rehashing my final assessment session plan so that I can find other ways of incorporating key points into the SSG. 

Assessment Days 9 & 10

So here we are, I'm up early (nervousness won't allow me to sleep) the frost across the lawn outside my house is in stark contrast to my first day on this course were we toiled in 30 deg C heat.  Looking back over this journey of the past 6 months I can see I've come a long way, I've experienced highs and lows during the course and the sessions outside and away from it. 

The course itself I found difficult as it took me away from all I think I know, and offered me a lot more,  once I'd settled into it, I found the course really enlightening and enjoyable.  Coming from a goalkeeping background, learning the dark arts of the 10 players in front of me has been insightful and made me question whether I am limiting myself as a goalkeeper coach.  I've learnt how to defend properly as an individual and within a unit, how to make runs with and without the ball,  how to receive the ball and what to do with it afterwards.  The big thing also for me on this course is thinking about how to identify flaws and improve a players performance and that is something I hope to take forward with me.

The days assessments were brilliant - due to the lack of numbers I've had to participate in every drill bar one today, and the lads on the course have delivered some excellent sessions.  I took my assessment straight after lunch on Day 9 - nerves got the better of me, and some of the areas I promised myself,  I forgot to do.  Thankfully the session flowed and seemed to go ok.  I felt I worked on individuals and a group as a whole but whether there was enough meaningful interventions,  I'm not sure.  I won't find out until tomorrow how I've done,  but in comparison to others....I maybe 50/50 to pass.  Once my session had finished I put it to the back of my mind, and submersed myself in the others sessions.

Day 10 - After 4 more sessions to get through,  and then that was it - it was all over bar the shouting.   After lunch, one by one we were called in and found out whether we had made it over the finish line.  I pleased to tell you reader that I made it !   I'm absolutely made up that I managed to get through first time, as unfortunately for some they didn't make it on this occasion.  

I started this course as a means to an end so I could progress onto GK2, but having done this, I'm now contemplating taking a year off GK'ing and putting some of this course into practice.   There will be no rush decisions though, and certainly none will be taken until next spring.  The completion of the course the tutors ask you the question of where you see yourself going afterwards.  My obvious next step is the goalkeeping,  but Ritchie said it would be very worthwhile looking at doing the FA youth modules as well,  so this is something I'll look into in the new year.

In summary - would I recommend this course for anyone thinking of doing it, absolutely - I met some great people on it and I've learnt a lot from the content of the course which I hope to put to good use, after a well earned rest !

Thanks for reading.


















 

Colchester Utd visit Sept.13

Having spent all my playing days in local football, the only taster I got of what it may be like to be a professional goalkeeper was when I attended pro lead goalkeeping schools by Mick Payne (artofsaving.com) and Simon Smith (England FA Development GK Coach).  The levels of coaching were far and above anything I'd come across and despite being flooded with information in short spaces of time, these courses really benefitted my own playing and understanding of the position if only in a small way.

Following on from my own coaching badge I've wanted to explore more within the professional game and thanks to a friend and a chance meeting I got the opportunity to spend some time with Ademole 'George' Bankole and the Colchester United goalkeepers late last summer.

George had a decent career as a lower league goalkeeper and joined up with Colchester as GK coach in 2008 following Aidan Davison's decision to retire and relocate to the U.S.A.  

Firstly I have to say the facilities at Colchesters new training facilities Florence Park, were superb with in house gym, catering, media facilities, physiotherapy dept. and five training pitches.  Compared to what I've been used to this was a world away, and I'm fairly confident there aren't many lower league sides with facilities as good as this with the players well looked after and catered for all in house.

Florence Park - Colchester Utd's new training ground
(www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk)

Training for the GK's started earlier than the outfield players with George taking a short but intensive gym session of around 45 mins.  The focus of the gym session was to build strength and explosive power which is a key area for the pro goalkeeper's game, but the session was also to get their bodies warm and prepared for the training session once we'd moved outside for the football side of the days training.  

The session started with a range of exercises involving the swiss ball to build and maintain the goalkeepers core strength.  Following on from this they went into a more circuit based routine using free weights and Olympic style dead lifts.  At the time of my visit the U's squad had just undertaken their first yoga session as part of their new training regime.



My mentor for the day - George Bankole
(www.gazette-news.co.uk)

Out on to training field, we were again out before the main squad allowing George to get his goalkeeping work done before the goalkeepers re-joined the main squad to go through their paces ahead of the weekends game.

Again the session was quite intensive and the pace of the session surprised me with all 3 goalkeepers being worked hard with very few breaks. Many of the drills were focused around the goalkeepers moving quickly around the drills.  An example of this was a coned triangle set up requiring the gk's to step and dive making a catch, recover and up back onto their feet, move around the corner of the triangle and repeat. George also did a variety of drills within the goal where the U's keepers would face a variety of quick fire deliveries. 

Being new to coaching officially, naively I'd expected more technical input from George, although on reflection the session was not a technical session and the reality is these guys are well drilled compared to what I had dealt with and were unlikely to need a lot of correcting, where minor faults occurred George reminded them of the correct techniques and the session moved on.

Once the main goalkeepers Walker and Cousins had joined up with the U's squad to prepare for the Saturday game, Bankole did a more leisurely session with young 1st year pro Shaun Phillips, before wrapping up and going to watch the two goalkeepers in the training match before the mornings training ended.

I thought this was my very enjoyable morning done, but after lunch George took me back out onto the training field to watch the afternoon session with the U's scholars.  Shaun Phillips was involved again with u18's goalkeeper James Bransgrove.  During the drills it was plain to see the major differences between these younger guys and the two senior goalkeepers and there was more in the way of coaching for these two than there was in the morning session with George stepping in with both demonstrations and delivering technical information.  

I found the whole day very rewarding and enlightening,  the contrast between the three levels from where I coach at grass roots, to the U's scholars and up to the first team was huge.  The level that the first team goalkeepers work at surpassed my expectations and I have a new found respect for how strong they are and how hard they work to become league goalkeepers.  The morning session also showed me the benefits of working at high intensity and the speed required for goalkeepers to move around their goal.

Unfortunately this blog has been written many months after when I wanted to write up the day spent at Florence Park, and I've tried to be honest and write about how I felt at that time watching on. 

 

Sept.13 - Spending time with the U's Goalkeepers

 

   












 

Glove Review - Zapkam EVA+ IMF TG

Zapkam are a small sports company based in Gloucestershire, so moving onto a new pair of gloves I thought I'd give the local company a whirl.  Zapkam have a good range of gloves ranging from £20 - £40 with a variety of cuts and styles including a design it yourself option.  I know a few local goalkeepers who wear these and they all seem pretty pleased with the ZK range.  Stevenage goalkeeper Chris Day is also listed as an endorsee.

 

After trying a few pairs on, I opted for the clunky titled EVA+ IMF TG (pictured below) for a mid priced £29.95.  The gloves feature roll fingers and a padded are to the back of the hand, the latex foam is 4mm in thickness and is included on the wrist strap.  

 

The snazzy Zapkam EVA+IMF TG

 

Style

The Zapkam range is quite eye catching and the model purchased is no different with it's bold green swirl on the back hand contrasting against the white glove.   The embossing of the back hand protection looks good and fits in well with the rest of the glove. 

Performance

The gloves robustness has been quite impressive, the stitching has lasted well and the foam has also stood the test of time with only the heel of the palms showing any real sign of wear.  I've wore this glove during pre season training and in approx. 10 matches on both grass and 3g astro turf.  The grip on this glove has also been quite impressive in differing weather conditions and leaves the wearer very confident that when making a catch, the glove is going to provide adequate grip in many conditions, whilst the 4mm foam will take some of the sting away also.  The added foam on the wrist strap and roll fingers also allows for a bigger gripped surface area when catching. 

Comfort

The glove itself is very comfortable but was a little tight on the tip of my middle fingers when I made a fist. The glove however meets my preference of being well padded on the front and back of the glove.  The protection on the back hand easily allows for the making of a fist, but unlike some other branded finger protected models doesn't leave your fingers in that permanent bent position.  Only downside with the Zapkam is that it only offers whole sizes, I'd have preferred the extra 0.5 to allow my middle finger that extra bit of room when making a fist.

Summary

I've been rather impressed with this glove for the money I have spent on them,  the grip has been excellent and the gloves manufacturing has obviously been of good quality. The styling is eye catching with nice bold colours and for the price I've paid and the amount I've used them - I can't help but be seriously impressed with the Zapkams. 

The only downsides to the Zapkam is the model pictured is no longer in stock as Zapkam look to launch their next generation models and there no half sizes available.  I think anyone buying gloves from the company will probably make a second purchase though as the Zapkam glove is clearly a good value for money purchase.

To see more visit www.Zapkam.com     

 

10 Questions for ... Sam Walker (Chelsea FC)

(Photo cu-fc.com) - Sam Walker

The first interview to grace my blog pages comes from young Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker. The Gravesend born stopper despite being only 22 has clocked up over 100 football league appearances having spent time on loan at Barnet, Northampton Town, Yeovil Town & Bristol Rovers. For the most part of 2013, Sam has been on loan with NPower League 1 Side Colchester United. 

1). Who has been the greatest influence on your career ?

I've been blessed to have worked with some great coaches and people in my short career. I'm also lucky to have a very supportive family around me. 

Since I was 16, I've worked with Mark Beeney at Chelsea and continue to, to this day. So he's obviously been a huge influence to me. I've also spent time on loan working with great coaches including Tim Flowers, Dave Beasant and currently Georgey Bankole. Each of whom I've developed my game under and taken many bits of advice on board from them. 

They've all got superb experience and I've picked up invaluable tips from them all.

Chelsea Academy Goalkeeper Coach
Mark Beeney has shaped Walker's game
(photo:chelseafc.com) 

2). You've been on loan at several lower league clubs now, how does the experience differ to your experiences at Chelsea ?

As a young very raw 15 year old through until about 19 years of age, Chelsea was exactly what I needed to develop myself in all aspects of the game. 

To learn the correct techniques, build my physique and develop my all round game. Chelsea's youth teams are all about development rather than results. They accept mistakes because you're a developing player. But every young player (especially Gk's), will come to a point where 

they need to go out, on loan and play, whatever level that is at, to actually learn the game. 

You can't match the pressure of going to win 3 points on a Saturday afternoon. Peoples jobs, careers and livelihoods on the line every week. I cannot say enough positives about the loan system for young players. Every player should go through it. It is an unrivalled experience.

3). Who are your 3 all time favourite goalkeepers in your lifetime and what qualities did you most admire about them ?

I've never been a big one for idols. Growing up I didn't have a specific idol. As I've grown up and taken notice of goalkeepers a lot more, I realise just how sensational Schmeichel was. His aggressive manner and bravery were 2 of my favourites traits. He would defend that goal with his life. Saving it any which way possible, I love that. 

(Photo: google images) Walker with Petr Cech 

Coming into the modern era a little more, I love the self-belief of Joe Hart. Some say its arrogance. Not for me, he has an unwavering belief in his ability and although he's going through a tough time at the moment, I'm sure he'll come out the other side even stronger. 

The 3rd goalkeeper and my favourite if I had to pick one, is Petr Cech. I count myself incredibly fortunate to have spent a fair amount of time around this man. He has many superb talents and is a consistently top class performer. His calmness and command of his back four, his excellent distribution. To name just a few of his skills. He's also a great man. As I find most Gk's are!


4). Do you feel that the current thoughts behind coaching for goalkeepers is relevant to the modern professional game ?

I do. In my experience certainly. I'm unsure of the exact stat but I heard it was around 90% of a Gk's touches in a match are with their feet now. We're expected to be just as good on the ball as the central midfielder! Of course, it's still vitally important to work the other aspects a lot of the time. But nowadays it is equally important to work your distribution and touch, as many coaches do now.

 

(Photo: Chelmsford Weekly News)

5). Which types of training sessions do you enjoy the most ? Technical or match based scenarios ?

I enjoy all aspects of goalkeeping. As a big guy, I've always found getting up off the ground quickly a challenge. But a challenge I enjoy. I like to think I've got better at it over the years. 

My favourite types of sessions are one's that include game related instances. Shots from the edge of the box, footwork across the goal to deal with a cut back or stood up cross etc. Game related training for me is my favourite. There are a million and one footwork drills or drills using high hurdles etc. These are needed at times for power, speed etc. But my favourite is good old fashioned game based training.


6). Describe a typical training day in the life of a pro goalkeeper ?

I hear it all the time.. 'Being a goalie is easy, anyone could do it' 'ahh, you boys don't do anything in a game' I'm adamant goalkeepers are the hardest workers. Always have been sure of that. We do all our hard work during the week to give ourselves the best chance of being ready for whatever Saturday brings. 

(Photo: Green 'Un 24)
 Sam in training with Chelsea

A typical day for me at the moment will consist of a 45 minute gym session before training. Working on making sure we are strong and powerful. I've always thought a good strong core and glutes mean the rest of the body will work just fine around that. 

The reason for gym before is it stops the body stiffening up because we're straight out moving and loosening the muscles again, as opposed to going home after the gym and sitting on the sofa! 

The players usually come out to train at 11 but we will always be out early. It varies between 45 mins to 15 mins early but we'll be out first. To make sure that we get the right amount of Gk work in before the team need us for their training. 

Usually we do around an hours GK work a session then over with the team for whatever they require us for. Often crossing and finishing or a small sided game. Then it's usually in for lunch and then it depends. If there's a 2nd session we're out again, mirroring the morning session by being out early. If there's no 2nd session then we are pretty much done as our gym work has been completed before training.


7). If you could offer one piece of advice to a young goalkeeper what would it be ?

To be prepared mentally. I think the biggest part of goalkeeping is the mental aspect. You have to be the strongest player on the pitch mentally. 

Confidence in your ability is a must. Mistakes will happen, understand that first, but also understand that it's imperative to free them from your mind immediately in a game. 

Goalkeepers make mistakes. It costs goals more often than not. But the best goalies, react immediately and get on with the game. If you can nail the mental side, the rest will come.



8). What exercises are most beneficial to a young goalkeeper to practice ?

As a young goalkeeper, it's all about trying to get the right techniques, alongside having good hands and fast feet. You cannot get enough Hands and Feet as a young GK. Every day you can do footwork exercises. It's easy and so beneficial to your all round game.


9). What would a team mate describe as your 3 biggest strengths as a goalkeeper ?

(Photo: Football365.com)
Walker in action on loan at N'hampton Town

I would like to think they'd say my commanding of my area. I like to come and claim as many crosses as I can and sweep up any through balls that come through. 

Hopefully my shot stopping would get a mention, I like to think that when faced up to me, I'm a tough opponent to beat. 

Thirdly, I hope that my calmness would be recognised. I like to be a calming influence to my back 4. Making them feel comfortable that everything behind them is solid and ready.

10). Any pre-match rituals that you have to do every game ?

I'm not big on superstitions. I've tried a few things over the 4/5 years I've been playing but there's only one that has stuck. 

Before a game, after the handshakes, I'll run to my goal, touch the middle of the bar, the left corner of the bar and then the right corner of the bar. Don't ask how its come about or why it’s stuck but it has! I suppose it makes me feel 100% ready for the game. I do it now without fail.

(Photo: EADT.com) Sam Walker acknowledges Colchester fans
after his man of the match v MK Dons on New Years Day

**Update** 
On the 21st January 2014 after two highly successful loan spells,  Sam Walker signed an 18 month contract to become a Colchester United player.

Glove Review - Warby GK Superior Pro Mega

So for my second blog, I figured I'd do a glove review.  When I was playing on a regular basis I always wore Uhlsport gloves.  I found this make to be comfortable, offer great grip and protection and generally stand up to the rigours of playing as you'd expect from a top brand. The problem with the top brands is obviously you can pay top price for a decent model.

When I returned to playing earlier this year, I decided I didn't want to pay a lot for my first set of gloves, after all I really didn't expect to play more than a couple of matches.  After searching the net at lesser known brands I settled on buying a pair of Warby's.  Despite the low price, I noticed that Forest Green's Sam Russell endorsed these so figured that they must be a half decent brand if they are being used by a Conference goalkeeper.

After searching the available stock I opted for the Superior Pro Mega as pictured below.

Superior Pro Mega image taken from warbygk.com

Features
All Weather Goalkeeper Gloves
Roll Finger palm cut
4mm Mega Grip latex
Embossed Latex Backhand
Anatomically designed backhand
Wrapped Thumb
Elastic wrist bandage
Latex wrist strap
Double Velcro wrist closure

Straight from the packet my first impressions of the glove on arrival were how comfortable they were and very light weight to wear. The glove has a 4mm palm, this makes the glove feel very padded, but without being too clunky.  The back hand is covered with a breathable material and finished of with an embossed latex. 

I liked the styling on the gloves, the backhand latex is cut to allow a comfortable making of a fist, and the latex covered elasticated wrist band offers good support.

Sizing wise, a 9 is a snug fit for my hands, but I normally wear a 9.5 size as I like a little room to spread my fingers out.  I bought the 9.5 in this pair and these allowed me to do that.  If you like your glove to be a snug fit, I'd recommend getting your actual size. 

My first use of these gloves was on a particularly naff day with a very muddy goal area, after dampening the gloves latex - I was happy with the grip offered by the glove when catching a wet ball - the 4mm latex absorbed the shock of the ball striking the hands.  After the game I was amazed at the quality these gloves offered for the money compared to those that I'd used in the past.

However, the only downside with the pair of gloves I purchased was that 4 games in, as the pitches dried, the palms disintegrated very quickly once they picked up the initial wear and tear scars to the point that after 6 games I abandoned them as my match gloves.  As a pro you'd probably accept that, but in the past, I usually can get my gloves to last a lot longer than that. This left me slightly disappointed with the Superior Pro Mega's after my initial happiness with the glove.

In summary - I think these Warby goalkeeper gloves are really nice looking and are very comfortable to wear.  I'm still wearing these gloves for light training sessions and the grip is still OK as long as it isn't too wet, but as the picture below shows, the latex has taken a real battering considering how little I have worn them.  

It's a shame they didn't last a little a bit better than they have, however this may have been down to the abrasiveness of the end of season pitches I was playing on.  I genuinely do like the glove for the price, the added thickness of the palm latex was welcomed and the initial grip was as good as anything I have worn in the past.  I think I will seriously consider giving this model of glove a second chance and purchase another pair when my current match pair need replacing. 

To view this glove and others in the Warby range visit www.warbygk.com