What makes a successful water polo goalkeeper? Drawing on decades of coaching experience and research into goalkeeper psychology, this article explores the physical and mental qualities that separate great goalies from the rest. From confidence and composure to positioning, decision-making, work ethic, and defensive leadership, learn what coaches should look for when identifying and evaluating goalkeepers.

KAP7 and the CIF Central Section have extended their partnership through 2031, continuing a shared commitment to providing California student-athletes with the championship-quality equipment trusted at every level of the sport.

Zero saves. One goal against. To the untrained eye, it appears as though U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese essentially did nothing in the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opening game of the World Cup. Yet, as with most complex activities—sports or otherwise—much nuance exists. To the trained eye, a goalkeeper’s job entails considerably more than the average 3-4 saves they make in a typical game.