How does a goalkeeper get ready for a final?

The finals are here! How does a goalkeeper get ready for this types of matches? We have talked to Marcos Abad (goalkeeper coach for Elche CF) to learn more about how to prepare for a decisive match.

13 May 2016 - Written by Marcos Abad

Here are the dates all the teams are waiting for. The final stage of the season, where players give all they have left in order to reach the goals set at the beginning of the season.

It is “all or nothing”, decisive matches, European finals, promotions, playoffs, relegation. However… How about living this experience knowing that if you make a mistake it can end up badly?

Marcos Abad.jpg

Marcos Abad (left) warming up with Javi Jiménez (Elche CF)

That main character is the goalkeeper, the one directly responsible for the success of failure of an entire fan base, the club´s future, and the faith of his team mates… The importance of these decisive moments will play a key role in his development. What is the limit and which factors can we control?

You did it and you have done it again, actually, the best part is yet to come. However if you do not make it do not think about it as a failure, you achieved success, your success: giving everything you have. This is also winning, the rest is football.

It is the final stage of the season, technical and tactical knowledge must be connected to our competitiveness. It is an emotional time, a moment to adapt our optimal state to the decisive date. You must visualize in your mind everything that has taken you to this situation, and rely on your work and everything you have learned. 

 

EMOTIONAL PREPARATION

It is about isolating yourself from a negative context. Focus on your objective, eliminate our disturbing “music”: teams where I may go, titles and money I could lose, things I could do if…

The key is to focus on the present. Reach the present, touch it and enjoy it…

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Marcos Abad training with the Elche CF goalkeepers

You can do a lot so your corporal and mental harmony reaches its maximum level.

 

NUTRITION PRIOR TO THE MATCH

If we listen to a specialist such as Nestor V. Salar he would say that goalkeepers have different energetic and nutritional requirements than field players, due to the average amount of distance covered every match is less but also includes explosive movements that include a high level of muscular pain (jumping, stopping footballs, hits against opponents or dives that involve very aggressive movements).

The key is to focus on the present. Reach the present, touch it and enjoy it

Also, the goalkeeper is a key player, because from his position he can indicate his team mates to avoid dangerous plays by the rival team, that is why his state of awareness must be permanent. Due to that his energy reserves must remain as stable as possible, since they will allow him to achieve a better physical performance during these final moments, as well as a good maintenance of his cognitive function that allows him maintain his reflexes and a correct analysis of the plays (glucose for the brain). 

On the other hand, the end of the season coincides with the hottest and most humid months, that is why it is very important to avoid dehydration in order to also avoid muscular injuries (if the muscle is hydrated the chances of getting injured decrease) and an increase in fatigue perception, which would cause lack of attention. Following a proper strategy before, during and after the match concerning hydration maintenance and energy components is very important.

MArcos Abad 03.jpg

Marcos Abad training with the Elche CF goalkeepers

 

I CANNOT SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE THE GAME DUE TO BEING NERVOUS.

Getting a good night sleep can be key during these last nights. Trying to follow behaviours that facilitate a good rest can help us reach our best condition. Avoid electronic tools, cell phone, pc, tablets, or video games during the last moments of the day. Try to maintain a stable meal schedule to get to that day perfectly balanced can be of great help, also reading for a short period of time before going to sleep can be beneficial. These can act as relaxing strategies and help you get rid of the pressure. 

We do not know if we will ever live a moment like this in our lives, it may be the last one and I always advise avoiding asking yourself: what if I had done that…

We do not know if we will ever live a moment like this in our lives, it may be the last one and I always advise avoiding asking yourself: “what if I had done that…” Believe in your possibilities, it is time to reminisce your best matches, your best practice sessions, your best saves… You have done it and you can do it again, in fact, the best save is yet to come. However if you do not make it do not feel like you failed, you have achieved success, your success, the success of your dedication and having given it your all. This is also winning, the rest is football. 

 

MARCOS ABAD PEIDRÓ
Goalkeeper coach for Elche CF
Get to know Marcos Abad by watching the video report on Soloporteros TV.

 

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