070-071: Coaching the Young Goalkeeper with Joe Velazco

When it comes to impacting the lives of his goalkeepers, Joe Velazco recognizes that the right early training is important, and those first few sessions can be critical. The owner and director of the Impact Goalkeeper Academy tackles an often-request topic, and one that many young coaches struggle with: the best development practices for youth and pre-teen keepers.

Big Joe has been working with keepers of all ages – while specializing in youth goalkeeper development – for almost 20 years. His southern California academy accepts all ages and experience levels, and has produced collegiate talent up and down the west coast.

In Part I of the interview, Joe addresses some of the big-picture issues in youth goalkeeper development, including the best ages to start playing the position, the right reasons to try it out, the importance of continuing to develop as a field player, and the positive – and negative – impact that parents and coaches can have.

In Part II, Big Joe breaks down some more specific topics in early GK development, including the first steps in effective communication and positioning, and the most common areas where young keepers struggle.

Along the way, Joe talks about his coaching journey, and shares some of the early fears and mistakes that he overcame – and that most young coaches share. He covers a lot of ground across two full episodes. I hope you enjoy it!

Special thanks to Big Joe Velazco for joining me!