Well-travelled futsal goalkeeping coach shares insights on training methods

Andy Reading was one of the first two English futsal players to compete abroad.

Part I of a two-part series

A former professional player, English goalkeeping coach Andy Reading has led training sessions for the English Football Association and clubs and associations in many other nations, including Scotland, Brazil, the Netherlands, Guyana and, most recently, New Zealand, where he prepared national team goalies for a series of friendly games with Australia, which qualified for the Futsal World Cup.

In England, he serves as the goalkeeping coach for a number of national league teams and recently led a two-day futsal goalkeeping clinic for the English Futsal Association. He was gracious enough to answer a series of questions we submitted to him.

Q: In your experience, do futsal goalies use their feet more for distribution than outdoor goalies? If so, what kind of training do you recommend to improve their touch and increase their accuracy?

U.S. National Futsal Team goalies Danny Waltman, center, and Boris Pardo.

Yes, futsal goalies need to use their feet and hands for distribution; the majority of coaches like to use the goalkeeper as a quarterback to orchestrate moves and set plays. The goalkeeper will also be asked to be involved with open play, in a 5v4 situation, for example. In order to help develop the goalkeeper’s control, passing and general foot work, I believe that goalkeepers should be involved in outfield play activities such as general technique and warm-up exercises and asking the goalkeeper to distribute within goalkeeper exercises.

I try to incorporate match-related situations in which the goalkeeper will make a save/block and then be asked to distribute the ball in order set up counterattacks, which are very regular occurrences in a match. This can be done using target areas so the goalkeeper can concentrate on both technique and accuracy while being placed under pressure through time restrictions and opponent-based exercises.  For example, a target area/target man who is marked by an opponent creates enough space to receive the ball within the four-second release rule, which simulates the laws of futsal. I think it’s important that goalkeepers understand these types of scenarios as they could be placed in similar situations in a match.

By simply incorporating the goalkeeper into team and open-play exercises, he/she will be well versed in the type of movements they expect a teammate to make. Also, they will understand the role and responsibilities that are required for the goalkeeper to play a successful role in open play, i.e. the type of pass required, the weight of pass, the angles/movement required to be able to receive the ball and recognizing the opportunities when the goalkeeper can shoot or play a defense-splitting pass. Goalkeeper coaches must think about the bigger picture, which is not only saving shots but also creating goals. This, of course ,is a very different role for an 11-a-side goalkeeper.

Q: Similarly, when futsal keepers gain possession with their hands, they often distribute with a quick underhand bowling motion. Is that something you include in training or is it acquired naturally?

Andy traveled to Brazil to work with a professional club in Sao Caetano

Yes, distribution is key. As a goalkeeper, we want to start attacks and counterattacks, which makes the release from the hands very important. Accuracy and technique work hand in hand and are key to a positive outcome. I would first develop the basic techniques, such as the javelin throw or under spin throw, then incorporate them into goalkeeper drills, i.e. making the save then distributing the ball for attack/counterattack, making the exercises match-related, using teammates or cone targets for the goalkeepers to aim at. It's important to have match-related scenarios for goalkeeper exercises so he or she is well prepared. I firmly believe if you work from the basic technique and move up in stages, making the exercises more challenging and stimulating, this technique can be coached for use in futsal matches.

Q: Let's talk a bit about general training methods. When you begin a session with a team or group of goalies, where do you start? Can you give a brief idea of what a training session would look like and how you progress from one emphasis to another?

A goalkeeper working on the correct shape to block a shot

Normally, before the training session begins there will be a specific technique that will be the focus. This would be determined by many factors, such as the standard and age of goalkeepers, previous match and training performances, match preparation, i.e. working on the strengths of opponents and the scenarios a goalkeeper might expect to deal with for that next match. It could be that the goalkeeper wants to work on a specific technique or that the competencies in certain goalkeeping areas need to be updated and maintained. With this in mind, I will outline the session, its direction and the learning outcomes from the session, ensuring the goalkeepers are aware that they can ask questions at any time.

It’s important to have an open forum, to be approachable and allow space for the goalkeeper to think and learn. All of this is important. The goalkeeper will go through a warm-up that involves hand-eye coordination, working with the ball at their feet, i.e. passing and control, foot work and profile setup exercises, which will get the goalkeeper moving in the appropriate manner while maintaining the correct body shape to save a shot or react accordingly. If these fundamentals are in good order, a futsal goalkeeper has the foundations to do anything (with practice).  This will get the keeper in the right frame of mind mentally and physically for the main body of the exercises.

The main body of the session, if, for example, we are focusing on blocking shape and the different scenarios in which blocking will be used, would begin with some basic technique work. Depending on the level of the goalkeeper, it might act as reinforcement or as a development exercise. Naturally I would explain the shape required and why this shape is used. A basic exercise could be as simple as the goalkeeper receiving and returning the ball in a static position. This will also act as a good warm-up exercise to get the goalkeeper used to the shape that is required, too. I normally explain each exercise, the purpose of the exercise and how the exercise functions to ensure the goalkeeper fully understands the theory and practicalities.

You will notice the sessions work in stages, I will now progress the training to exercises that ask the goalkeeper to block in motion, i.e. moving off the goal line to approach the player with the ball while covering as much of the goal as possible using the block shape. This will also challenge the goalkeeper to time the block, as moving into the block shape too early or too late could have negative consequences.

As the session continues I would explore with the goalkeepers the many ways the block shape can and should be used, such as alternating block shape, timing the block, blocking at the far post, using a semi-block movement and the scenarios in with to employ the techniques. As you can imagine, sessions might break down into concentrating on one area of blocking. Even with the most basic exercise, I would make them fun and stimulating. I try to use lots of different apparatus such as tables, balloons, American footballs and game-based drills in order to help the goalkeepers develop technique and, most importantly, enjoy themselves. If you have a goalkeeper who is happy, feeling positive, confident and looking forward to training, then as a coach you have someone who will give you his/her very best.  It can also provide a morale boost for goalkeepers lacking in confidence.

Once the goalkeeper has got to grips with basic principles, other facets of futsal, such as shot-stopping high and low, distribution and foot work can be incorporated into match-related exercises. Again, I will vary the style and intensity of a session to keep it fresh, fun, challenging and rewarding.

Once the main body of the session is complete, normally the goalkeepers will join in with the players for team play. On completion of the training session, there will be an evaluation from all concerned to see what direction we as a group of goalkeepers and goalkeeper coach need to take.

Q: A futsal goal is just 7 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It would seem easier to cover when you compare it to the 24-foot by 8-foot outdoor goal.  Is that true? There is also the perception that futsal is quicker than outdoor, and with the low-bounce ball played more on the ground. Does that mean that a futsal goalie must have quicker reflexes and be more vigilant of defending down low than up high?

Foot saves are vital in futsal, both for effectiveness and safety

No, more attention isn’t given to defending low shots than high ones. But because futsal is played in a smaller area, it means shots give goalkeepers less reaction time compared to an 11-a-side goalie. Therefore, futsal is very much a quicker game, which means quicker decisions have to be made that have an instant effect on coverage of the goal. For this reason, I think a goalkeeper’s job ­– be it futsal or 11-a-side – is a tough one, but for very different reasons. With both methods of goalkeeping there are techniques that are employed to help a goalkeeper do his/her job successfully.  So if the futsal goalkeeper practices techniques such as blocking shape, the three-movement split save or any other futsal goalkeeper-specific technique, it will aid in reducing the area in which an opposition player can shoot at the goal.

Yes, futsal is a quicker game that attracts very skillful, nimble players. The very nature of the small court intensifies the speed of the game, making it action-packed with lots of drama. The low-bounce ball adds to the speed of the game because the ball is at players' feet. The weight of a futsal ball encourages more quick skills, producing fast-paced passages of passing movements and shooting. However, the weight of the ball does not dictate placement of a shot – what the player does with the ball dictates that.

The consensus of opinion from the goalkeepers’ union and from experience of futsal goalkeeper coaching is that low shots are the hardest to save.  Goalkeepers coming from the 11-a-side game find it very difficult to deal with these shots because they want to dive. Now if you can imagine, there are very many shots that offer little reaction time to a futsal goalkeeper. An 11-a-side goalkeeper will normally choose to dive to save the shot, which on a low, hard shot is not beneficial since the ball will have hit the net before the dive is completed. This will leave egg on the face of the goalkeeper, not to mention bruised limbs.

The goalkeeper in futsal should use legs or feet to save low shots for a number of reasons. One is that it is the quickest and most efficient way of moving into the line of a shot. Second, the goalkeeper can remain on his/her feet for rebounds and follow-up shots. Third, the goalkeeper is not hitting the hard surface on a regular basis, avoiding constant impact injuries. As a coach I would introduce a saving low shot game plan, very simple but certainly one that gives the goalkeeper a template to work from!

The point I'm making is that the hardest technique to conquer for a futsal goalkeeper is defending the hard low shots and using good blocking techniques. With a breakdown of technique and movements, i.e. the three movements of a split leg save, the coach can help the goalkeeper to gain an understanding of the successful method and the scenario in which to use it. Over time and with practice, this technique can be developed.

Q: In watching highlights from the best leagues and FIFA tournaments, I've noticed that many futsal goals are scored on set plays from kick-ins.  There isn't as much time for a goalie to set up the defense as would be the case in a free kick. Is there a rule of thumb for a keeper in that situation? Would it be similar for corner kicks?

When it comes to set pieces, offensive or defensive, most of the preparation and organizing will be done in training, as you rightfully mention there is very little time to set up set-pieces off the cuff. It’s important that every player and goalkeeper knows their responsibility the instant the ball goes out of play for a restart. Therefore, getting this right in training is paramount!

Communication is the key since a call will be made by a field player or goalkeeper to set up for a set piece in a number of ways. Spain have over 30 offensive set piece plays that they have rehearsed, so needless to say the only way that all the players can instantly move into a the correct position and time and synchronize the movements is through training. As matches go on, a coach may tinker with the set-ups, but there is almost certainly a template that a goalkeeper will focus on.

From a goalkeeper’s point of view, line of vision is important when setting up for a set piece, since we know that with its fast pace, futsal can produce a shot in an instant. Often you will see on a defensive corner a player a yard off the touchline blocking the cross-goal pass but allowing the goalkeeper complete sight of the ball. The goalkeeper must have a defensive set up that nullifies many direct attacking options, i.e. a direct shot or pass to the far post while also ensuring that players are marked etc. The goalkeeper also needs to see where the ball is moving, as well as being aware of the off-the-ball movements in order to react to scenarios appropriately. It all highlights the importance of positioning, communication and vision. There is a lot to consider is a very short period of time.

 Q: Finally, from your CV, it would seem that you make your living coaching futsal. Is that true? What's your typical day like? If coaches here in the U.S. and Canada would like to contact you, what's the best way? Would you entertain offering a clinic for coaches in North America?

Sadly not, but I would love it to be my sole job and purpose in life as I am absolutely passionate about futsal! My “day job” is being a firefighter for Wiltshire County Fire Services, which keeps me very busy. I work four days continuously, then have four days off, which allows me to coach futsal. Essentially I have two jobs!

A typical day working with a domestic Brazilian Club team entails a theory-based session based on goalkeeper techniques, followed by an hour’s session of practical goalkeeping. The goalkeepers will join in with team training for another hour and then the session breaks for lunch. On return, there will be a team meeting based on tactics that could involve looking at DVDs of opposition teams and also of the home club’s individual and collective performances. This provides targets for the goalkeepers/players to concentrate on that can be taken into practical training for the afternoon.

The goalkeepers again spend an hour working on goalkeeper-specific technical work, then join in again for the team training. At the end of the day, there would be an evaluation/review session to ensure both goalkeepers and coaches are moving in the right direction. The essential goal is to create targets for the goalkeepers to strive for to improve and develop. This would be a continual process.

Q: Any interest with sharing your techniques with coaches in North America? If coaches in the U.S. and Canada would like to contact you, what's the best way? Would you entertain offering a clinic for coaches in North America?

Yes, I would love to do clinics to spread the word of futsal and futsal goalkeeping.  It's a great game that everyone can enjoy! If I ever have the opportunity to work in North America and Canada, I would be a very lucky man and very grateful for the opportunity. It would truly be an honor and privilege. Feel free to contact me at rewreading@yahoo.co.uk.

Next month: Andy Reading discusses his training New Zealand goalies, and preparing the four most advanced keepers for a series of friendly games with Australia.