CT Rush Goalkeeper Welcome to CT Rush Goalkeeper, the training and development program for our goalkeepers. This program provides a developmental pathway that recognizes the unique training needs of our goalkeepers, while incorporating the team training environment. Overview: GKs will train two days a week with CT Rush Goalkeeper, and one day with their team during the fall and spring seasons. (Winter training arranged as available) Each branch has a different schedule please coordinate with the GK coach for your branch. Attendance is mandatory. Goalkeeping glove sponsor by L1 - discount price when using the CT Rush code. Developmental Pyramid CT Rush Goalkeeper uses this developmental pyramid as the basis for our training curriculum. Starting at the bottom and working up, we develop the complete goalkeeper by ensuring skills are mastered in order of importance.
Goalkeeper Pathway The information below is intended to provide our goalkeepers with information to help them understand the stages of their development pathway. CT Rush Goalkeeper uses this information for evaluation and team placement of our keepers. U10-U12 Goalkeepers in this age group should be introduced to the basic fundamentals of goalkeeping technique and preventing injuries. Three basic catches: Low ball scoop, basket catch and contour catch (diamond or w shape) Goalkeeper stance: Body parts forward (chin, shoulders, hands, knees), body weight on balls of feet, and balance neutral Footwork: Proper angles, quick feet, and keep body low Collapse diving : Technique of collapsing to both sides of the body, ball hits first, elbow tucked under, landing on the side of the body, ball placed in front of the goalkeeper s face, knees bent, body in a forward motion, and three hand catching technique Basic distribution techniques: Underhand roll, throw, kick and punt Rules of the goalkeeper: Penalty kicks, and use of hands vs. feet U12-U14 Goalkeepers in this age group should be able to consistently make saves from a ball struck from medium pace, collapse dive to either side with proper technique, use correct form on breakaways, use correct form on high ball saves, and appropriate footwork on placement in the penalty box (18 yard box) and goal box (6 yard box). Communication and distribution will be heavily emphasized, as well as the techniques below. Goalkeepers at this age must develop strong verbal and leadership characteristics. There should be fewer soft goals given up in training and games. Three basic catches: Low ball scoop, basket catch and contour catch (diamond or w shape) Goalkeeper stance and correct footwork across the goal: Body parts forward (chin, shoulders, hands, knees), body weight on balls of feet, and balance neutral Breakaway fundamentals: Short step vs. long step, hands by the sides of the goalkeeper s feet, nose in front of toes in the crouching position, and forward step into the collapse dive form High ball save: Correct footwork, jumping with both legs, arms bent, catching ball above the forehead in diamond or window shape, catching on top of the ball, catching ball in front of you and not directly above your head
Distribution from feet: Pass backs, punts, and goal kicks Distribution from hands: Underhand roll and overhand sling toss Positioning: String attached to goalkeeper for ball position inside the penalty box and goal box, set pieces, and attacking support Deflections: Crossover steps, turning for balls overhead, and low hand vs. top hand Leadership: When and how to communicate, and organizing defense U14-U16 Goalkeepers in this age group should be able to consistently make saves from a ball struck with pace, collapse dive to either side with proper technique, use correct form on breakaways, use correct form on high ball saves, and appropriate footwork on placement in the penalty box (18 yard box) and goal box (6 yard box). Emphasis on having an on field personality and strong leadership. Three basic catches: Low ball scoop, basket catch and contour catch (diamond or w shape preferred) Goalkeeper stance and correct footwork across the goal: Body parts forward (chin, shoulders, hands, knees), body weight on balls of feet, and balance neutral Breakaway fundamentals: Short step vs. long step, hands by the sides of the goalkeeper s feet, nose in front of toes in the crouching position, and forward step into the collapse dive form High ball save: Correct footwork, jumping with both legs, arms bent, catching ball above the forehead in diamond or window shape, catching on top of the ball, catching ball in front of you and not directly above your head High ball punches: Correct form on two hand and one hand punches, correct footwork to and from punch; height, width, distance, and accuracy Back to the bar: Drop step, crossover step, and power step Distribution from feet: Pass backs, punts, and goal kicks Distribution from hands: Underhand roll and overhand sling toss Positioning: String attached to goalkeeper for ball position inside the penalty box and goal box, set pieces, and attacking support Power dives: Proper shuffling technique, power step explosion, opposite driving leg across the body, and two hands to the ball Deflections: Crossover steps, turning for balls overhead, and low hand vs. top hand Communication to defenders: Becoming the last line of defense and first line of offense, coaching the defensive strategy on the field, placing players in the correct positions on free kicks, learning when and how to communicate, how to train, short memory, and off field habits Problem solver: Using positioning and coaching to solve potentially dangerous attacks Personality: Positive attitude and tremendous confidence no matter the situation, and developing a presence in goal
U16-U18 Goalkeepers in this age group should become comfortable with all aspects of the goalkeeping position including comfort receiving back passes from their teammates. They should also be able to hold onto the ball and distribute consistently in an effective, accurate manner. Understanding tactics and moments of the game will be addressed during team training. Repetition and game-like situations will be emphasized. Three basic catches: Low ball scoop, basket catch and contour catch (w shape preferred) Goalkeeper stance and correct footwork across the goal: Body parts forward (chin, shoulders, hands, knees), body weight on balls of feet, and balance neutral Breakaway fundamentals: Short step vs. long step, hands by the sides of the goalkeeper s feet, nose in front of toes in the crouching position, and forward step into the collapse dive form Highball save: Correct footwork, jumping with both legs, arms bent, catching ball above the forehead in diamond or window shape, catching on top of the ball, catching ball in front of you and not directly above your head High ball punches: Correct form on two hand and one hand punches, correct footwork to and from punch; height, width, distance, and accuracy Back to the bar: Drop step, crossover step, and power step Distribution from feet: Pass backs, punts, and goal kicks Distribution from hands: Underhand roll, sidearm toss, and overhand sling toss Positioning: String attached to goalkeeper for ball position inside the penalty box and goal box, set pieces, and attacking support Power dives: Proper shuffling technique, power step explosion, opposite driving leg across the body, and two hands to the ball. Deflections: Crossover steps, turning for balls overhead, and low hand vs. top hand Communication to defenders: Becoming the last line of defense and first line of offense, coaching the defensive strategy on the field, placing players in the correct positions on free kicks, learning when and how to communicate, how to train, short memory, and off field habits Problem solver: Using positioning and coaching to solve potentially dangerous attacks Personality: Positive attitude and tremendous confidence no matter the situation, having a presence in goal Great angle play and reading of the game on when to come and when to stay.
Season Evaluation and Developmental Plan At the conclusion of each training season, the goalkeepers will receive a written evaluation and development plan. This is not a report card, and the focus is on development. The outline is below. GK Name Season/Gameday Evaluation Physical Psychological Technical Tactical Development Recommendations Shot Stopping Control of Box Distribution and Foot Skills Coaches Comments
Pre-game Warm up CT Rush Goalkeepers will have a standard game day warm across all ages and levels to provide consistency and effective game readiness. Highlights of the warm up are below. Dynamic warm up with the team Passing both right and left foot - two touch then one touch Low ball (scoop catching) Volleys (start straight at gk, then movement from side to side (no diving) High balls (alternating jumping foot) Sitting down side to side diving (vary height of service) Standing side to side diving (vary height of service) Live shooting to goal (with team or strikers) Chuck Salvi Director of CT Rush Goalkeeper CT Rush Goalkeeper Staff Scott Vanderwall Staff Coach Giovanni Riello Staff Coach