So the off-season has begun for so many goalkeepers out there. College, youth, and many competitive players find themselves with so much free time during the summer season. Well there's a quote I'd like to try and reiterate which I read in High School:
"When you are not training, remember, someone somewhere is training, and when you meet him he will win"
Now I could of hacked this up a little bit, but you all get the point. Right now if you're not doing the best you can to improve your game, someone out there is. When you go back to practice or tryouts or whatever, you want to make sure you worked harder than the other guy or girl. This is your new summer mission.
I have always thought that it is hard to really improve throughout a season. Of course you can make small gains week in and week out (both skill and confidence wise) but the off season is where you set the base.
This summer try to work on things you normally can't. If you need to improve your strength in jumping, then do some plyometric exercises to get your spring a little bit better. If your footwork needs some work, then get out and do some footwork drills. If you simply need to get better, call some older players who need a goalkeeper to shoot on and let them know you're available.
It is not the time to play Call of Duty and socialize with friends online. Trust me, I have enough 20 and 30 year old friends who do that to this day. It is time to set your goals and go after them.
"If not now, then when? If not you, then who?"
Take responsibility for your goals and dreams and get out there to make them happen. Summer is a great excuse for your competitors to relax and get comfortable in their free time. For the ones who are serious about achieving their goals, the time is NOW.
While other people are daydreaming, let's be proactive in trying to make ours come true.
May the posts be with you.....
Joe Cannon
