September 8, 2022
The Art of Goalkeeping
At its core – soccer has one fundamental rule: you cannot use your hands. It is a sport based on your ability to control the ball with your feet.
Unless you choose to become a goalkeeper.
As a goalkeeper, you are the individual player who breaks the core rule of the game. You step into a role that plays as the disrupter – the piece added in to create chaos in an otherwise simple game.
Through our different training group levels here at Sogility – we have the ability to train goalkeepers from the very beginning of their careers all the way to the highest levels of college & pros.
Intermediate Group – The Foundations Phase
In our intermediate groups, goalkeepers are still relatively new to the position & emphasis is put upon our fundamental technique. This is the foundation phase, where goalkeepers learn the essentials necessary throughout their goalkeeping career.
Junior Advanced – The Progression Phase
Once a goalkeeper has mastered the “basics” and understands the foundations, our Junior Advanced Class is the next step in their development. In this phase, high emphasis is put on goalkeepers thinking for themselves & becoming comfortable in understanding game situations.
Advanced – The Realism Phase
In our advanced classes, goalkeepers are both physically & mentally mature enough to be introduced to higher levels of training. Within these sessions, goalkeepers are given more responsibility in regards to serving the ball & creating training environment standards. At this point in their career, goalkeepers understand their strengths & weaknesses and, through our advanced group training, are taught how to create their goalkeeping identity.
Article Info Credit:
Bobby Edwards: Sogility Director of Goalkeeping – Westfield
Bobby Edwards has spent his entire life dedicated to learning the position & the trials and tribulations that come along with it. Edwards played four years of professional soccer and now holds the positions of IFA MLS NEXT Academy Director of Goalkeeping and Assistant Goalkeeper Coach Indy Eleven. Stepping into the coaching world after his experiences has allowed him to share his knowledge with the next generation of great goalkeepers.
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At Sogility, our trainers are more than coaches, they’re mentors, motivators, and role models who help athletes discover their potential. This month, we’re excited to spotlight one of our dedicated Sogility Westfield trainers: Allan Ramirez. A Unique Soccer Journey Allan’s soccer story begins in Mexico City, where he was born and developed an early passion for the game. Unlike many players who rise through traditional youth club systems, Allan’s path looked very different. He only played one year of high school soccer and never played travel or club soccer growing up. Instead, he sharpened his skills in local adult leagues at a young age. His determination and love for the sport propelled him forward, eventually leading him to play semi-pro for multiple seasons and earn opportunities to try out for professional clubs. Allan’s unconventional path is proof that there is no single way to pursue the game, and that passion can take you far.
Holiday breaks can disrupt a player’s rhythm, but they can also be the perfect time to reset, refocus, and make meaningful progress. With the right approach, players can return to winter training sharper, stronger, and more confident—without sacrificing time with friends and family. At Sogility, we believe the holiday period is one of the most underrated training windows of the year. Here’s how to make the most of it. 1. Schedule Quick, Efficient Sessions Training during the holidays doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Short, intentional sessions are not only easier to fit into a busy schedule, they’re incredibly effective for skill retention. Try aiming for: 3–4 sessions per week 20–30 minutes each Focused work on technique, speed of play, and ball familiarity These bite-sized sessions help maintain sharpness without burning players out. A few minutes of ball mastery or first-touch work done consistently over the break can have a huge impact once formal training resumes. Pro Tip: Pair a quick technical session with a simple fitness component—such as sprints, agility ladders, or core work—to stay game-ready as you enjoy holiday meals and downtime. 2. Take Advantage of Indoor Time Winter weather isn’t always friendly to outdoor training, but the holidays provide excellent opportunities to get creative indoors. You don’t need a full field to develop high-level skills—just a ball and a small space. Great indoor activities include: Focused work on technique, speed of play, and ball familiarityBall mastery (toe taps, inside–outside touches, sole rolls) Footwork ladders or cone patterns to develop agility Quick wall passes to improve first-touch and reaction speed Target passing using laundry baskets, tape squares, or furniture as safe targets Indoor training is especially helpful for developing control, coordination, and quick feet, skills that translate directly to better performance in small-sided play and high-pressure moments. Bonus Idea: Parents and siblings can join in, turning quick sessions into fun family challenges. This keeps training lighthearted and enjoyable during the holiday season. 3. Keep It Fun The holidays are a time to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the joy of playing soccer. Keeping training fun during the break helps players stay motivated and rediscover their creativity. Try adding: Trick-shot or accuracy competitions 1v1 games with friends or siblings Freestyle or juggling challenges Fun play builds confidence and improves problem-solving skills on the field—the type of creativity coaches love to see. Remember: When players enjoy the game, their technical development accelerates naturally. 4. Use Technology to Track Progress One of the biggest advantages of holiday break training is the ability to measure improvement in a short window of time. At Sogility, our tech-enhanced training stations are built for exactly this. With these tools, holiday break doesn’t just maintain your level, it elevates it. Players return to team training with sharper touches, quicker reactions, and increased confidence. Holiday Advantage: Most players slow down during winter break. Using tech-enhanced training gives you a competitive edge heading into winter and spring seasons. Final Thoughts: Make the Holidays Your Growth Season The holiday break is a valuable opportunity, not a setback. With short, targeted sessions, indoor creativity, fun-focused play, and Sogility’s training technology, players can make meaningful progress while still enjoying the season. Final Thought Whether you’re preparing for tryouts, winter league, or spring soccer, staying active during the holidays ensures you return with momentum, not rust.
All You Need in the Game: Master Essential Skills for Better Performance At Sogility, we know that mastering the essential skills of soccer requires more than just physical fitness — it demands speed, precision, sharp decision-making, and mental toughness. That’s why we offer Circuit Training , a revolutionary program that combines cutting-edge technology with innovative drills to prepare players for the fast-paced, high-pressure challenges of real-game play.