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This important book warns and informs how important the last line of defence is in water polo and any other sport and how much there can be learned from different sports. In analysing developments of sport, it is very clear that the role of the goalkeeper is becoming an increasingly decisive factor of success. 

I recommend this unique book to both those seeking the competitive edge or anyone just interested in better understanding goalkeeping and goalkeepers in any sport. The passion for goalkeeping shines through!” 

Ratko Rudić, 4 x Olympic Champion water polo coach, ISHOF Hall of Fame

Every lay person or a professional coach alike can find in this book things to help them understand how and why the position of a goalkeeper is so unique and important. The book has opened some new perspectives even to me as an elite goalkeeping coach and I will definitely use them in my work with goalkeepers. In short – this very readable book is an ideal mix of experience, knowledge and above all the love of working with and understanding goalkeepers.

Aljaž Pavlič, EHF Master Handball Coach

I have long believed the goalkeeper is the most important player in the team. In games where scoring is low the goalkeeper’s influence on the result is seminal. Tomaz’s book provides a further confirmation of this view. His understanding of what is great goalkeeping and what it takes to make great goalkeepers is clear.

In field hockey I had four crucial expectations of the goalkeeper. Firstly make sure you save all the saveable shots. Secondly, control rebounds and blocks so the opposition doesn’t get another chance. Be decisive and assertive in your actions and finally be mobile and communicate with teammates.

This book covers all of these matters and does so much more. It goes to the technique, tactics, movement and psychology of the custodian. Even the literary, historical or contemporary references reinforce important messages from the Greek Stoic Epictetus to Conan Doyle to Bruce Lee. No matter what your sport this book is a beauty which can be easily read and is full of knowledge and advice. Every coach should have it on their shelf or on their laptop.

Ric Charlesworth, dual Olympic Champion field hockey coach, coaching consultant and writer

A book about goalkeeping in general applicable to all sports with goalkeepers. Until reading this book I would have said impossible – Tomaz has proved me wrong (happily). This is a book for anyone interested in goalkeeping. Whether a fan, a player, a goal keeper, a coach, or anyone else interested in a sport with goalkeepers. As a goalkeeper for 25 years, a goalkeeping coach for over 10 years and a state junior selector for 10 years this one book explained much of my tacit knowledge, gave many pointers for further research alll while being accessible and enjoyable. I very much recommend this book. 

Keith Frampton, Victoria Hockey

As a mother of a 15 year old, I’ve realised that I can’t influence his choice in being a goalkeeper as opposed to a field player. Thank you Tomaz, your book has given me insight into his need to identify as a goalkeeper and the story he wants to write.

Daele Dobson, mother

Finished the book. Definitely comprehensive through many levels of analysis, suggestions, principals and just plain “street smarts”. I am not sure if Tomaz would agree with me, but this book speaks to many sporting individuals who may or not be in a team environment. To list a few: Tennis, Golf, Curling, Baseball, etc. As Tomaz stated, the goalie is an individual connected to at team sport. With that said, his analysis, suggestions, all point towards the athlete that “runs their own business” within a team environment. I might be off the wall this these comments but I highly recommend “The Love of Goalkeeping”. I’m probably going to have to read it again to absorb more of the info provided.

Bottom line, this speaks far greater than us “circle of goalies “. There was nothing like your guidance during my days, quite the opposite. Best of luck!”

Craig Wilson, USA Water Polo legend, Member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame

Everything written in this book is without doubt relatable to the ongoing challenges of coaching the next generations of goalkeepers. It’s a fascinating position with so many components to bring together and assist in performance when it all matters – game day!  

I have also been delving deeper into the position and hoping to come up with some more finite equations that may help the goalkeeper of the future. It has become a very intellectual position as it has evolved with the game over the years. Human traits, patterns of behaviours and breaking the cycle of bad habits to form new ideas to allow them to grow and flourish. How goalkeepers play and train now is very different to the traditional days. But there is room for both (then and now) in my opinion. Let’s learn, together!

Danny Milosevic, Socceroos, Leeds United FC, Perth Glory FC

There are a number of books which discuss the role of the goalkeeper from one specific sport’s perspective. ‘The Love of Goalkeeping ‘ is a brilliantly written and unique book that connects perspectives and explores the many similarities of the goalkeeping position within a variety of sports.

Dave Whalley, Blackburn Rovers FC, DWG Football Academy

This book gives you an understanding of how the mind and body of a goalkeeper work and explains how important the role it is in any sport. It reminds you how goalkeepers have to work not just on their skill but also their mindset, ability, communication, leadership and most importantly, their presence in goal. After reading this book, you will have a greater appreciation of who the people on the last line of defence are. 

I think this book will inspire a lot of up and coming keepers to improve their craft, current ones to keep at it and past keepers may come back to it in some capacity.

Abdul-Raouf Mohamed-Isa, futsal goalkeeper

A few years ago at an international water polo coaches conference, we collectively wrestled with the equation Goalkeeper + Players = Team. In my view the numbers we came up with say it all about the importance of goalkeepers: Goalkeeper (50%) + Players (50%) = Team (100%). 

Goalkeepers may be ‘weirdos’ as the quoted poet in this book lovingly calls them, but they need a lot of work with and necessary attention. From this point of view, this is a very valuable book. As the title suggests and the contents confirm, the book demonstrates not only a significant investment of knowledge and experience but the love it was written with. Congratulations and thank you!

Dr Igor Štirn, University of Ljubljana – Faculty of Sport

Loved every word!

Danielle Woodhouse, Olympic water polo gold medal goalkeeper

I have always preferred to save a goal, rather than score one. Your book gives me hope that my dreams and goals can be nurtured and that I can continue to learn from all sports.

Cooper Dobson, water polo junior goalkeeper

I have always noticed in sport that there is something different about goalkeepers in team sports. But I had never considered the common threads that bring all goalkeepers together across those sports. “The Love of Goalkeeping” is original work that contributes something new to the field. The writer has researched widely and has an intimate understanding of what goes on in the goalkeepers head, their unique contribution to their chosen sport and how to bring the most out of a keeper. Easy to read and accessible even to those who don’t know much about goalkeeping. It’s probably about time someone wrote a book for those people crazy enough to get in a cage and have projectiles hurled at them at high speeds! 

Anna Mills, water polo player and partner of a goalkeeper

Thanks Tomaz for your work on the book I loved it. I read it throughout the season and the mindset chapter really stuck with me. This year been a big game changer for me as I never put any thought into the mind whilst playing as a young goalkeeper, the book definitely aided me to an enlightened approach with my new style of play this year coming into my first year as a senior goalkeeper. Keep up the good work for us local goalkeepers ❤️

Ben Ratajczak, NPL Goalkeeper, Gwelup Croatia Football Club

One of the major problems and challenges faced not only by athletes, but by coaches as well, is how do we both understand and maximise the value or outputs of our labour? Many coaches understand the value of having a reliable goalkeeper, but lack the knowledge and understanding of the underpinning philosophical principles that need to be understood and applied to see maximal results realised on the field. 

The philosophical principles outlined in Tomaz’s book really cut to the core of what goalkeeping is really about. If all young athletes and coaches understood these principles early on in their careers, it would help them to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ we should apply ourselves whether in a competition or training environment.

Thank you for sharing the love Tomaz!

Luke Quinlivan, Australian Water Polo international and coach

“I’ve read your book. It’s really good!”

Tony Franken, former Socceroos keeper, Fotball Australia National Goalkeeping Coach

A book for everyone – goalkeepers to field players, legends to newbies, water polo to any sport. Really is a book for all!! Great work Tomaz and contributors/editors!!!!!

Paul Oberman, former Head Coach Australian Stingers Womens National Water Polo Team