Evaluation as an important “weapon” for the development and evolution of the future handball goalkeeper
In summary
Goalkeeper is an underrated position, in the sense that many teams do not deal with individual training and investment in this position as much as they should, although we all know the importance of the goalkeeper in a team.
But how can we make an in-depth evaluation of promising young handball goalkeepers?
Determination of Evaluation Criteria
In order to “set up” an assessment, we need to know who we are assessing and how they can respond using specific criteria such as:
1. Physical condition: Flexibility, explosiveness, reaction speed.
2. Technical skills: Goal position from all shooting angles, save technique, passing accuracy.
3. Psychological characteristics: Concentration, perception, self-confidence, leadership personality that can guide the defense.
4. Tactical perception: Understanding and reading the game, positioning against opponents.
5. Potential for improvement: Willingness to learn, response to feedback.
“In order to “set up” an assessment, we need to know who we are assessing and how they can respond using specific criteria“
Conducting an Assessment
In order to be fair and objective, the evaluation must be conducted under certain conditions, such as:
1. Watching Matches or Trainings: We can watch the goalkeepers in real conditions, and record snapshots or mark important phases.
2. Evaluation tests: We can organize special tests (drills) that focus on specific elements that we need to monitor, e.g. reaction speed or saves from different angles.
3. Interviews and feedback: Within the framework of the evaluation, we must take into account the human factor and the psyche of our athlete, especially if we have in front of us a young person who is taking his first steps, discussing with him his goals, the approach towards his sport and his psychology.
Evaluation sheet
In order to have an easy-to-read evaluation sheet that can be easily completed by anyone, we first need to design a standard paper or digital file where we will record our observations, using a rating scale for each criterion. E.g. 1-5 or 1-10.
Writing an evaluation
As I mentioned above, in writing the evaluation we can note where each of us deems it appropriate and useful.
For example:
1. Goalkeeper description: name, age, physical characteristics (height, weight), perspective of physical characteristics (knowing parents), personality, etc.
2. Criterion analysis: by describing the strengths and weaknesses of our goalkeeper’s performance we can draw more conclusions.
3. Conclusions and suggestions: The goal of the evaluation is always to draw conclusions, but the most important are the suggestions – solutions.
Conclusion, on whether the goalkeeper has a prospect of becoming a good athlete or the next goalkeeper of the National team.
Suggestions for improving its performance. Through an evaluation we can design specific training sessions to the “measures” of our goalkeeper or even work in the field of psychological support.
“In order to be fair and objective, the evaluation must be conducted under certain conditions”
Data Recording
A very useful method that always helps the development and improvement of our goalkeeper, is the use of videos of matches and training sessions, while noting statistics and save percentages from the matches.
Presentation of ratings to other coaches
Above, I referred to strategic planning for development and finding talent, a fact that involves and concerns a large mass of coaches and athletes. As each of us understands, the evaluation is not about the one doing the evaluation, but the one who is evaluated, that is, the goalkeeper, but also the coach who is directly responsible for the improvement and development of his athlete. We can present our evaluation to them through videos, statistics, presentations such as Power Point, through discussions with other coaches for further evaluations, analyzing the results and statistics, and finally we can submit proposals and suggestions on how to continue for the evolution of our goalkeeper.
Demetris Tartios, Cyprus men’s national team goalkeeper coach, responsible for the strategic planning of the development of goalkeepers in Cyprus
A fantastic deep dive into the importance of proper evaluation for handball goalkeepers! 🏆🧤 The position is often overlooked, but having a structured assessment process—covering physical, technical, psychological, and tactical aspects—can be a game-changer for player development. The emphasis on objective evaluations, data recording, and collaboration with coaches ensures that young goalkeepers get the guidance they need to reach their full potential. Great insights! 👏 #Handball #GoalkeeperDevelopment #AthleteEvaluation