Weight Training and Goalkeeping

Many goalkeeper coaches will advise top-level goalkeepers against serious weight training. The reason is that it can result in excess bulk, which slows down the goalkeeper, and it also can decrease flexibility when not done correctly. For goalkeepers it is especially important to have flexible latisimus dorsi or "lats", in order to achieve full arm exension.

The stretch that this goalie achieves depends on the flexibility of the muscles in his arms, chest and back.