072-073: The Anatomy of a Goalkeeper with Dr. Anthony D’Antoni

Combining a long and decorated medical career with experience and a passion for coaching goalkeepers, Dr. Anthony D’Antoni is uniquely suited to discuss the anatomy of the modern goalkeeper. The Weill Cornell Medical School professor and Spanish American Football Academy Director of Goalkeeping examines the key elements of human anatomy and how they affect the health and safety of goalkeepers.

In Part I of the interview, Dr. D’Antoni explores the feet, the ankles and the spine. In addition to anatomical understanding and injury prevention, he also addresses the often-neglected topic of footwear, including the biggest mistakes he sees players and parents making when they purchase boots.

In Part II, Dr. D’Antoni continues his trek up the human body, moving on to the hands and wrists, and eventually the skull and the brain. Among other things, he makes the case for the diamond hand position for youth keepers (as opposed to the ‘W’) and the argues that soft headgear should be strongly considered.

It’s a unique episode, as the human body of the modern goalkeeper provides the context for an in-depth look at a number of health and safety issues. I hope you enjoy it!

Special thanks to Dr. Anthony D’Antoni for joining me!