The Effect of Specific Training in Decision Making of Young Soccer Goalkeepers

Background: The role of a soccer goalie involves anticipation and decision making. The ability of the goalie to anticipate an action in advance and to make a quick decision is critical for preventing the ball from entering the goal. Goalie coaches who introduce simulations involving physical and thinking situations in their training program can enhance goalies` achievements.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine if there are differences in decision making among goalies who participated in a decision-making simulation training compared to goalies who did not participate in the training.

Methods: Forty goalies, aged 15-24, participated in the study. Twenty goalies continued their training as usual. Twenty went through the special training. At the end of the intervention all participants observed video segments of kicking to the goal situations and were asked to describe their reaction. Ten ex-goalies served as referees for validation of the video segments.

Results and Conclusion: The goalies who participated in the intervention program answered more correct answers and fewer partial or wrong answers compared to the control group. It is recommended to add a special decision making training sessions to the training program of young goalies in order to improve their game reaction.