Goalkeeper Technical Performance Analysis
Player Information:
Player: Samuel Toaldo
Date of Analysis: 2023-10-27
Analyzing Coach: Elite Goalkeeping Coach & Performance Analyst
Focus: Technical Handling Session
Scenario Synopsis:
Drill or Game Context: The video showcases a controlled, repetitive technical handling drill. A server delivers balls from a close range (approx. 8-10 yards) directly to the goalkeeper, focusing on isolated catching mechanics. No defensive pressure is applied.
Type of Distribution Faced: The services are of medium pace with consistent trajectories. They include rolled ground balls, driven shots to the mid-section (basket catch), and tossed balls to the chest and head area (contour catch).
Overall Technical Impression: The goalkeeper demonstrates a foundational understanding of getting the body in line with the ball. However, significant technical inefficiencies are noted in the set position, hand readiness for varied shot heights, and the mechanics of absorption ("soft hands"), which could compromise security under higher-paced, game-realistic conditions.
Biomechanical & Technical Analysis:
Ground Balls & Low Shots
Set Position & Readiness
Stance
The stance is adequate but often static. The keeper is not consistently on the balls of the feet, which can delay lateral adjustments. The forward lean is minimal.
Hand Position
Hands are correctly positioned low and in front, prepared for a low ball.
Movement to the Ball
Footwork
Footwork is sufficient for this drill's direct serves. The keeper correctly moves his feet to get his body centrally behind the ball.
Catching Technique (The Barrier)
Hand Shape
The "scoop" shape is attempted, but hand placement can be inconsistent.On some repetitions, the hands are slightly flat rather than forming a secure contour behind and under the ball.
Body Shape
The principle of creating a secondary barrier with the body is well-executed. The keeper consistently gets his mass and legs behind the initial hand contact point.
Execution (Rating: 3/5)
The keeper leads with the hands and secures the ball cleanly.The primary area for refinement is ensuring a consistent, secure hand shape on every repetition to eliminate any gaps for the ball to slip through.
Mid-Range Shorts:
(Thigh to Chest Height)
Set Position & Readiness
Stance
The keeper maintains an overly upright stance. Shoulders are not consistently forward over the knees, affecting forward explosiveness.
Hand Position
This is a key area of deficiency. The hands start too low (in the ground ball position) and must travel a significant upward distance to meet the mid-range shot.This creates a delay and an inefficient, looping hand path to the ball.
Movement to the Ball
Agility & Mobility
The keeper steps forward into the ball, which is a positive attribute.
Catching Technique (The Basket/W-Shape)
Hand Shape
The 'W' shape is not consistently formed or maintained through the catch.Hands appear somewhat rigid.
Body Shape
While the body is behind the ball, the catch is made too close to the torso.There is a lack of forward reach and absorption.
Execution (Rating: 2/5)
The keeper does not sufficiently "cushion" the ball. The arms remain too rigid, resulting in the ball being "stopped" rather than "caught." The hands should meet the ball further in front of the body, allowing the elbows to flex and absorb the pace smoothly. This current technique increases the risk of rebounds on shots with more power.
Chest to Height Shorts:
Set Position & Readiness
Stance & Hand Height
As with mid-range shots, the hands are set too low. They have to react upwards, which is inefficient. The keeper's weight is often on his heels, not in a forward-leaning, athletic position.
Movement to the Ball
Positioning
The keeper correctly steps forward into the line of the ball.
Catching Technique (The Contour/Overhand Catch)
Hand Shape
The contour shape ('W') is present but lacks security. Fingers could be spread wider to create a larger surface area, and the hands should more definitively wrap around the back hemisphere of the ball.
Execution (Rating: 3/5
The keeper meets the ball instead of waiting for it. However, the ball is often caught too close to the face/chest. The ideal technique is to make contact at full arm extension (with slightly bent elbows) and then retract the ball into the body for security. This maximizes reaction time and control.
High Balls & Aerial Crosses:
(Analysis based on high tossed balls within the drill context, not full-range crosses)
Decision Making & Communication
N/A for this drill.
Movement & Footwork
Approach
Footwork is simple and direct, appropriate for the short service distance.
Aerial Technique
Body Shape & Alignment
The keeper positions his body well underneath the ball's flight path.
Hand Shape & Position
The hand shape is a functional contour ('W')
The Catch (Rating: 3/5)
The keeper demonstrates a tendency to let the ball drop to face or chest level before making the catch. To dominate the aerial space, contact must be made at the highest possible point, with arms extended above the head and in front of the body. This is a critical habit for translating to game situations with opponents challenging for the ball.
Outcome Analysis:
Result of Action
All distributions shown in the video were caught and secured. There were no drops or fumbles.
Efficiency (Rating: 3/5)
While the outcome in this controlled environment was positive (100% catch rate), the underlying technical process was inefficient. The primary inefficiencies are the reactive, upward hand movement for mid-to-high balls and the rigid arm posture upon making contact. These technical flaws would likely lead to a lower success rate against faster or more unpredictable shots.
Key Strengths
Body Positioning: Consistently places body mass behind the line of the ball, providing a solid secondary barrier.
Forward Intent: Actively moves forward to meet incoming balls, a positive and aggressive mindset.
Ball Security (Controlled): In this specific session, demonstrated the ability to secure every ball served.
Summary and Recommendations
Primary Areas for Development
Adaptive Set Position: The single, low-hand set position is a significant technical flaw.
The keeper must learn to adjust hand height pre-emptively based on the developing situation (e.g., chest-height hands for a shot from 18 yards, mid-height for a 1v1).Absorption Mechanics ("Soft Hands"): The technique is too rigid. The keeper must develop the ability to cushion the ball by meeting it with hands forward and allowing the arms/elbows to flex upon impact, dampening the ball's pace.
Actionable Drills & Corrective Feedback
To Correct Set Position:
Corrective Feedback: "Your hands must be in a position to attack the most likely trajectory. For any shot not on the ground, your hands are starting too low, costing you time. Set your hands at your waist for mid-range balls and chest-height for higher balls before the ball is struck."
Drill: 'Set-and-Catch Mirroring'. The coach and keeper face each other. The coach calls "LOW," "MID," or "HIGH" and adopts the correct ready stance and hand height. The keeper must instantly mirror this position. The coach then serves a ball to that height. The keeper must hold the correct set position until the ball is served. This builds the muscle memory of an adaptive ready position.To Correct Absorption Mechanics:
Corrective Feedback: "Your arms are acting like a wall, not a cushion. You must meet the ball in front of your body, and as contact is made, your elbows must bend to draw the ball smoothly back into your chest. Think 'reach, stick, pull'." Drill: 'Rebound Board Reception'. The keeper stands 3-4 yards from a rebound board or wall. They throw the ball against the surface and practice receiving the return. The focus is exclusively on the biomechanics: extending the hands to meet the ball, and upon contact, flexing the elbows to absorb the pace. This can be done with varying ball pressures to train the absorption response under different loads. Progress to receiving serves from a coach, emphasizing the same "cushioning" action.