Goalkeeper Training with Keith Partridge - 2026-27
Goalkeeper Training with Club Goalkeeper Coach Keith Partridge
CLICK HERE to register:
Program Overview
-
Intro to Goalkeeping (U10-12)
Targeted Goalkeeping (U13-18)
GK Academy (AAA + invites)
NOTE: UDFC GKs are encouraged to volunteer with this add-on programming to gain experience with coaching in this specialized environment.
Program Outcomes
- Individual skill development through application within individual, unit, and team tactical responsibilities and tasks with a bias towards individual and unit responsibilities.
- Specific Outcomes:
- Footwork leading to set position
- Basic to advanced handling techniques
- Jumping, lunging and power step development
- Diving techniques: Intro (low and collapse), Targeted (low, collapse and mid), Academy (Low, collapse, mid and high)
- 1v1 body shapes - small block (K shape), big block (spread), smother and variations based on player needs
- Recovery movements
- Goal kicks, long passes, short passes, as well as rolls and throws
- When and how to parry vs when and how to catch
- Development of tactical and leadership roles understanding.
- Physical preparedness for the demands of the position (ex: Agility, Balance, Coordination, as well as body weight strength and conditioning; through repetitions, activities and games.
Age Groups & Eligibility
- Intro - Engaged athletes from U10 through U12
- Targeted - Engaged athletes from U13 through U18 are separated into two training groups: U12/13 and U15-U18
- Academy - High performance athletes U15AAA to Senior (some AA GKs will be identified and invited to participate in these sessions)
Who is this for?
- Intro - Athletes that wish to begin their specialized development in the area of Goalkeeping.
- Targeted - Players who are engaged by the position, wish to achieve their performance goals, whether they are just beginning their journey as a GK or wish to push themselves to a higher competency compared to their age group.
- Academy - Players who are engaged by the position, wish to achieve their performance goals, demonstrate higher competency compared to their age group peers at the time of team formation process, want to access further developmental opportunities outside of UDFC.
Commitment
- Winter season:
- two 7 week blocks (14 weeks)
i) Back to basics (Nov and Dec):
Physical ABCs
Set position
Handling - scoop, basket, W catch
Low dives
High balls.
ii) Winter specifics (Jan and Feb):
1v1 body shapes
1v1 save selection
Reaction saves
Narrow angle shots
Double saves and Recovery
Delay, deflect and penalties.
Summer season:
- four 4 week blocks (16 weeks)
May - Footwork and Handling
Footwork leading to set position
Scoop
Basket catch
W catch
High balls
June - Plyometrics and Low Dives
Body weight jumping exercises
Collapse saves
Power Step and hand position
Negative step and rebound control
July - 1v1 body shapes and Recovery
Field geography and visual triggers
Small block (K shape)
Big block (spread save)
Smother (through balls and cut backs)
Save selection
Recovery and second saves
August - Distribution and Shot stopping
Passing and Throws
Possession - Support, pivot, and long ball
Punts and volleys
Shot stopping and rebound control
Coaches
This program will be run by the UDFC club GK coach and supported by other volunteers and mentees working towards coaching certification in the specialty area of Goalkeeper Coaching.
Our current club GK coach, Keith Partridge, has over ten years experience with GK’s from grassroots to the collegiate level in NS.
Our volunteers and mentees are active or former GK’s looking to gain experience and will be working with the club GK directly.
All United DFC Coaches will be properly qualified and on-boarded in order to ensure that we as a club adhere to the standards & principles set by Soccer Nova Scotia & Canada Soccer.
All coaches (staff, volunteers and mentees) will be screened and reviewed in order to ensure that they meet all of the requirements of United DFC & Canada Soccer.
Training Gear Purchase
Purchase GK Specific Gear here:
Connect with Keith Partridge keithp@udfc.ca for discount codes
Cost
