Content

Dear Michigan Rush Families,

Welcome to our Michigan Rush Goalkeeping Program.  I would like to introduce myself to all our Goalkeeping Families.  I am Coach Shuk and I am privileged to be championing the development of what I consider to be the single most important position on the soccer field.

To give you a brief a history of my experiences as both a player and coach: I was fortunate to have a modestly successful playing career as a goalkeeper. Winning back to back National Championships (U.S Amateur Open Cup) in 1999 and in 2000 while also being a part of the inaugural NPSL National Championship team in 2005 while playing with Detroit Arsenal. I also spent a short time playing professionally with the Detroit Wheels in the USISL.

As a coach I have been mentoring and training goalkeepers for close to 25 years at all levels ranging from players putting on their first pair of gloves to players representing  our country at the National Team level and in the professional leagues both here in the U.S.A. and abroad. I have fortunate enough to work and help guide goalkeepers such as Anna Sieloff (North Carolina/German Bundesliga/USWNT), TJ Tomasso (SMU/NE Revolution/AFCAA), Mitch Hildebrandt(OU/FC Cincinnati/Atlanta United), Adam Grinwis(UofM/Rochester/Orlando City), and Drew Sheppard(WMU/Bucks/Toronto FC)

You can expect an entirely different program moving forward here at Michigan Rush.  Our goalkeeping culture is going to evolve into a more comprehensive program; however I will need your support and flexibility.  We will have our traditional training days throughout the season, additionally there will be extra training opportunities scattered in on minimal notice that will be specific to either an age group or a topic that needs special attention.  You will also see me at several matches throughout the calendar year taking notes.

We will be taking our position as goalkeepers far more seriously. This means that training will not be a casual environment.  That be said, all goalkeepers are asked to wear long sleeves at training, this does not need to be a goalkeeper shirt with pads, just a long sleeve shirt that prevents possible cuts and abrasions.  Gloves should be taken care of with great attention; they are our most important tool.  I am happy to give advice on gloves regarding brands and types that best suit your son or daughter.  You would be surprised how many choices are available at very affordable prices if you know the proper sites to shop at.

I am always available to chat concerning your goalkeepers progress throughout the year.  Please feel free to call and set up a time to share a coffee and conversation.

·        USSF A License                                   

·        USSF Goalkeeper License

·        USYSA Youth National License

·        USSF Instructor

·        United Soccer Coach Academy Instructor

·        AFC Ann Arbor Goalkeeper Coach (NPSL)

·        Madonna University Assistant Coach

 

Sincerely,

Coach Jeff Shuk



Goalkeeper Philosophy


The basic premise of the goalkeeping philosophy is to simply keep the ball from crossing the goal line between the posts. In order to be successful in this philosophy, we must pay attention to the details of all our Goalkeepers within the club. Details as to simple catching of the ball, to making the save in the top corner, distributing the ball as first line of attack, as well as being the last defender, all must be addressed.

A combination of hard work ethics and a good technical education will provide our Goalkeepers with a solid foundation to become the best possible keeper that their natural ability will allow. Consistently keeping the ball from crossing the goal line between the posts defines a successful goalkeeper.
We have identified four (4) main technical areas where all Rush goalkeepers must excel:

 

1.    Shot Stopping

●     Handling

●     Angles

●     Technique in diving

●     Footwork

●     Bravery

●     Reading the game

2.    Dealing with Crosses and Serves

●     Timing

●     Bravery

●     Handling

●     Boxing vs. Catching

●     Range

●     Footwork

●     Reading the pressure on the ball

●     Organization

●     Communication

3.    Dealing with 1 v 1’s and Breakaways

●     Timing (patience vs. aggressive)

●     Bravery

●     Technique

●     Footwork

●     Reading the game

●     Starting position

4.    Distribution

●     Technique

●     Tactical application

●     Throws (sling vs. baseball vs. bowling)

●     Kicks (punt vs. drop kick vs. sidewinder)

●     Goal kicks

●     Dealing with back passes

Goalkeeper Training for Winter 22/23 is being held on Mondays, at Old Trafford Field located at Total Sports Wixom for the following times:
5:00 to 6:15 PM is for 9v9 and 11v11 keepers
6:15 to 7:00 PM is for 4v4 keepers
6:30 to 7:15 PM is for 7v7 and 9v9 keepers
7:15 to 8:15 PM if for 11v11 keepers

Contact

 
   

Email: [email protected]

HOURS

Rush National sponsor

Copyright © 2024 Michigan Rush  |  Privacy Statement |  Terms Of Use |  License Agreement |  Children's Privacy Policy  Log In