PATRICK MORRISON: Is it time to go?


WITH the majority of county competitions now entering the final stages of their season, now is the time when certain players will begin to think about what retirement would hold for any them – especially players who have been heavily involved in the game for a prolonged period of time. Usually, the post-season is a […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Put your feet first


By Patrick Morrison WHENEVER I am coaching, one of the most common questions I am asked is ‘what is the most important aspect of being a goalkeeper?’ My answer is always the same. There is no one aspect that is more significant than any other as mastery of the position needs a competent level of […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Effective communication


By Patrick Morrison WHAT is effective communication? Communication is any form of information that is relayed between two interfacing entities. Whether it be audible, visual, hand signals or even just body language, if it sends a message to be received it is deemed as communication. Goalkeepers are in that precarious position where play develops in […]


Patrick Morrison: First line of attack


By Patrick Morrison STEVEN Pressfield’s 2004 novel, The Virtue of War, follows the life of Alexander the Great and his story is told through the eyes of a Hellenic-Persian scribe who was serving under him during his campaigns into India. In the novel there is a quote from Alexander himself which states: “Always attack. Even […]


PATRICK MORRISON: It’s championship season


IN American sports, they split their competitions into two parts with the first part being called the ‘regular season’ and the second part called the ‘post-season’, more affectionately known as the ‘Playoffs.’ Every team in each sport (Baseball, Basketball or Gridiron) will have realistic and attainable goals for their franchise. The better teams, as well […]


PATRICK MORRISON: The six areas of of goalkeeping


By Patrick Morrison GOALKEEPING is a very specialised position. A goalkeeper must have a good basic skill set just like every other position on the team, but they also need to develop specific goalkeeping traits, skills, and movements to be able to play the position competently. Like any sports person that is truly serious about […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Look for inspiration


I HAVE been writing these goalkeeping columns for over three years now and I regularly have emails, texts and social media messages from players, coaches, parents etc. in relation to goalkeeping. One of the most commonly asked questions I receive would be: “Where do I get my inspiration from?” The short answer for this is […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Back to basics


By Patrick Morrison DURING the past few seasons, we have really seen an increase in the number of goalkeepers that are confident in joining the outfield play. And there has been something of a phenomenon, especially from a goalkeeping point of view, there has been an explosion of press about the position. Some were excited […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Deepening of the well


By Patrick Morrison WE all know the importance of the goalkeeper position and how it has become one of, if not the most important positions on the field of play. With that said, the goalkeeping position should then also be one of, if not the most important position to develop for your club and county. […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Playing a game of angles


By Patrick Morrison I REGULARLY receive questions and queries both through email and while I am out coaching across the country about any tips or pieces of advice I can give in regard to a goalkeeper’s positioning. The questions come from goalkeepers of all different age groups, from clubs, players and coaches alike, and from […]