028-029: Challenging Conventional Wisdom with Trifonovs & Rodriguez

Despite living on opposite sides of the country, Anton Trifonovs and Abdel Rodriguez have worked together for years, training goalkeepers, producing Kronis gloves, and now developing and implementing a tactical goalkeeping educational system. This week, they join me to discuss regional and international differences in goalkeeping and goalkeeper training.

For this two-part episode, Anton and Abdel compare the styles of training in Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia and South America, as well as addressing differences in the Eastern U.S., Western U.S. and Mexico. Along the way, they challenge conventional notions of the “right” way to prepare young keepers, as well as the proper path for maximizing a goalkeeper’s potential.

In Part II, the guys argue that field play is not necessary for proper development, foot skills and soccer IQ, and they encourage players to start developing in goal as soon as possible. They also address the importance of communication and organization – an area of the game the consider the biggest deficiency in modern U.S. goalkeeping.

Anton & Abdel were also kind enough to offer a free pair of premium Kronis Aurum goalkeeping gloves to one lucky listener. Be sure to use the link above to sign up for a chance to win.

We cover a lot of ground in the 60 minutes, divided into two episodes, and there’s even more in the Outtakes segment below. I hope you enjoy it!

Special thanks to Anton Trifonovs and Abdel Rodriguez for joining me!