All new older keepers to the academy begin in Intermediate for a skills assessment.  More advanced goalkeeper techniques are introduced to athletes coming from the young keepers group, as well as tactical issues of the game are now covered in training.  Intermediate is for older goalkeepers that possess the knowledge of proper, basic goalkeeping technique but need further training repetition to perform proper technique consistently, in high intensity scenarios. 

Training Focus
Physically improve:

• speed
• quickness of first step
• body mechanics to optimize body movement 

Goalkeeper technique:

• forward smother
• basket catch/high contour
• gathering high balls
• tipping/boxing
• low collapse dives
• mid range dives
• distribution (throwing/bowling/punting/back passes)

Tactical topics:

• positioning for crosses
• decision making to tip, box or catch
• 1v1 breakaway technique
• positioning in goal when facing shots from angles and shots from distance
• footwork variations to use in a variety of scenarios, to move as efficiently as possible to make a save