Goalkeeper Coaching in Norway - Developing confidence, individuality, and performance

Goalkeeper coaching is a fascinating part of handball — even if it doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. Having previously collaborated with Andrine Kolloen Johnsen — one of the experts who helped us shape our goalkeeper interface — we were eager to catch up with her in her role as goalkeeper coach for Reistad IL in Norway. She shared her approach to coaching and the methods she uses to help her goalkeepers develop and perform their best.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your background in handball? What is your current role at the club?

My name is Andrine Kolloen Johnsen, I’m 24 years old and I currently work as a goalkeeper coach at Reistad IL. I started playing handball when I was about ten years old and have always played as a goalkeeper. Throughout my career, I’ve represented only Reistad, progressing from youth levels all the way up to the 1st Division — the second-highest level in the Norwegian league system. Even though I decided to retire two seasons ago, I quickly realized that handball is still a big part of who I am. I still play a bit myself — just for fun and with friends.

After stepping away from competitive play, I reached out to the club to see if there was a need for a goalkeeper coach. It turned out to be the perfect way to share my experience and stay involved in the sport I love, while helping young and ambitious players develop their skills.

Last season, I coached several youth teams, which made me realize how much I truly enjoy this role. It’s a job that not only gives me a lot of energy but also challenges me to keep growing and developing as a coach. This year, I mainly focus on the men’s 2nd Division team at Reistad IL, while also contributing to the training of younger goalkeepers across the club.

Can you tell us a bit about your team and club?

Reistad IL is a handball club based in Lier, just outside Drammen in Norway. The club has a strong tradition of developing players from a young age, with teams at every level — from youth handball to senior teams for both men and women.

The club also has a long and meaningful history. It was founded in 1942, during the Second World War, under the name Sporty. At that time, organized sports were banned by the German authorities, so a group of young people from Reistadlia started the club in secret to keep the sporting spirit alive. Since then, Reistad has grown into a well-established handball club, known for its strong community values and focus on player development.

Today, our men’s team competes in the 2nd Division. We are a relatively young yet still ambitious team. The players have adapted to the challenges of this level very well with five points after three played matches. Being with the team brings me so much joy, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a group where you can see players develop and improve from one training session to the next.

How would you describe your goalkeeper coaching philosophy? How do you adapt your coaching to different goalkeepers?

My goalkeeper coaching philosophy is largely shaped by my own experiences as a player. I’m still relatively new as a coach, and since I only recently retired from playing, I try to share as much of my personal experience with my goalkeepers as possible.

There are two main aspects I focus on. First, I believe that being a goalkeeper should be enjoyable — it should bring energy and motivation. I don’t concentrate solely on what is “right” or “wrong”; instead, I aim to guide goalkeepers in discovering and developing their own style. Of course, I correct their technique when necessary, but I also encourage them to understand and embrace their individual strengths. Just like outfield players have different playing styles, goalkeepers should also have the freedom to develop theirs.

To achieve this, I try to make training varied and engaging. Open communication is crucial, and I see the bond between the goalkeeper and the coach as essential for progress — it’s truly a collaboration, not just instruction.

Second, I push my goalkeepers hard. Goalkeeping is not a resting position — they should feel that they have worked, trained, and developed after each session, not just stood in the goal. Even though the physical demands may differ from those of outfield players, I emphasize the importance of effort both in and out of the goal. Hard work is essential, and I expect my goalkeepers to take their development seriously while still enjoying the process.

With this approach, I adapt my coaching to suit each goalkeeper individually. I believe it’s essential that all goalkeepers feel included and like an important part of the team. There is no single “correct” way to be a goalkeeper, and I place a strong focus on helping each player further develop their strengths, while also addressing areas where there is room for improvement. By encouraging goalkeepers to focus on and grow both their strengths and areas for development, I believe I can tailor my coaching to meet the needs of each individual player.

What tools or methods do you use in your goalkeeper training?

In my goalkeeper training, I use a variety of tools and methods to develop both the technical aspects of goalkeeping. This includes exercises that focus on reflexes, positioning, footwork, and shot-stopping.

I also place a strong emphasis on individualized feedback. Each goalkeeper has different strengths and areas for improvement, so I adapt drills and exercises to suit their needs. For example, some sessions may focus more on agility and reaction time, while others emphasize reading the game and communication with the defense.

This season, I’ve been using Steazzi for goalkeepers, and it has quickly become one of my most important tools. It’s been a real eye-opener, giving me a clear picture of each goalkeeper’s strengths and areas to work on. It also adds a new dimension to training and has really improved communication, because we have something concrete to talk about when discussing their development and performance.

What stats do you find most useful when analyzing goalkeeper performance? Are there any goalkeeper-specific stats you think are undervalued?

After systematically using Steazzi, I’ve found many of the statistics to be very useful. If I were to highlight one feature, it’s the ability to see where shots are coming from and the number of saves relative to shots faced. This provides a great way to communicate with goalkeepers during games, as it illustrates the key events of the match in a simple and clear way. In matches, simplicity is often best, and I feel that goalkeepers gain a lot from seeing this type of statistics.

What are your goals this season—for yourself and the team?

For the team, our aim is to have the strongest season possible. At the start of the season, the main goal was simply to stay in the 2nd Division and secure our place in the league for next year. Now, however, we can likely set our sights a little higher and focus on achieving more than just maintaining our position.

For me personally, as a goalkeeper coach, my goal is to keep developing, remain curious, and continue learning from other experienced goalkeeper coaches.

It was a real pleasure hearing Andrine’s thoughts on goalkeeper coaching and player development at Reistad IL. Thanks to her for sharing such valuable perspectives with us. Her dedication and curiosity are a great reminder of how much passion drives progress in coaching.

Stay up to date with the team’s progress by following Reistad IL on Instagram.