6 Goalkeeping Items Every Goalkeeper Coach Needs
- Brandon Miller
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Every goalkeeper coach knows that the right equipment can make or break a training session. Whether you’re running elite clinics, working with youth goalkeepers, or guiding your club’s keepers through their season, having reliable tools on hand helps you deliver high-quality, efficient, and safe training.
If you’re serious about developing confident, technically sound goalkeepers, you’ll want to keep these six essentials close by. Below, we break down what every coach should have in their kit bag—plus why each item matters.
No item is more iconic—or more important—than a pair of high-quality goalkeeper gloves. As a coach, you’ll likely keep spare pairs for demonstrations, warm-ups, or when a player forgets theirs. Having multiple sizes and styles ensures you can accommodate different ages and hand shapes during sessions. These are right at the top of teh list for goalkeeper coach needs.
When choosing goalkeeper gloves, look for durable latex palms that provide grip even in wet conditions, breathable backhands for comfort in summer, and wrist closures that are easy for young keepers to adjust. Some coaches also keep older pairs for drills where gloves get extra wear, like diving on turf or hard ground.
Why you need them:
Demonstrate proper catching technique.
Help goalkeepers feel confident during training.
Provide backups when gloves rip or are forgotten.
As a coach, you may not always be in the net, but you will spend hours on the field demonstrating, striking balls, and running sessions. A comfortable, supportive pair of cleats is essential for injury prevention and mobility. Self-care is extremely important to longevity as a coach.
If you coach on multiple surfaces, consider keeping a set of firm ground (FG) cleats and turf shoes. Firm ground cleats work best on natural grass, while turf trainers or artificial ground cleats are better for synthetic fields and summer heat.
Features to look for:
Cushioned insoles for comfort.
Durable studs or turf nubs for grip.
Lightweight design for easy movement.
Every great session starts with the right ball. A well-made soccer ball maintains its shape and true flight, making training more realistic and effective. Coaches should invest in at least 10-12 quality soccer balls so drills can flow without constant retrieval.
Match-quality balls are especially important for keepers to practice handling, distribution, and shot-stopping under game-like conditions. Cheaper training balls often have unpredictable bounce or lose air quickly—issues that can frustrate players and reduce the session’s value.
Pro Tip: Label your balls with your name or club initials so they don’t get mixed up at the fields.
Why you need them:
Consistent feel for accurate distribution drills
Realistic bounce and spin for shot-stopping
Enough quantity for efficient reps
Goalkeeper training can be intense—especially in the summer heat. Coaches need to model good hydration and make sure players have access to fluids and quick recovery snacks. Keep a cooler or insulated jug filled with water or electrolyte drinks on hand for breaks.
Nutrition matters too. Whether it’s fruit, granola bars, or recovery shakes, having a few options available helps keepers stay energized and focused. Young players, in particular, may forget to bring snacks or water, so a prepared coach makes a big difference.
What to keep on hand:
Large water bottles or jugs
Electrolyte powder or tablets
Healthy snacks like bananas or protein bars
A great goalkeeper coach is always learning—and always prepared. Bring a clipboard or digital tablet with session plans, progress charts, and notes. A portable whiteboard is excellent for illustrating positioning and tactics on the fly.
In addition to planning materials, consider having a library of books and video resources to reference between sessions. One of our favorite recommendations is The Last Line: A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Goalkeeping. This book is great for helping coaches understand the role of the modern goalkeeping coach in today's game. Sharing modern techniques, mental training strategies, and professional examples helps keep your coaching fresh and effective.
Must-have resources:
Clipboard or tablet with drill diagrams
Whiteboard for visual instruction
Access to video analysis tools
No goalkeeper training kit is complete without a rebounder or portable training tools. Rebounders are especially valuable because they simulate unpredictable deflections and improve reaction time. Coaches also rely on cones, poles, and agility ladders to set up drills that challenge footwork and positioning.
These tools make sessions dynamic, engaging, and game-relevant. Whether you’re working on distribution accuracy, handling under pressure, or quick recovery, portable equipment helps you create realistic scenarios in any environment.
Equipment essentials:
Rebound nets or angled boards
Cones and markers for footwork drills
Agility ladders for speed training
Having the right gear isn’t just about convenience—it’s about showing your goalkeepers that you’re committed to their development. With these six essentials in your coaching toolkit, you’ll be ready to lead effective, professional, and inspiring sessions all year long.
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