Meet the Coach
Meet Helmut Wiebe: 20+ Years Developing Elite Goalkeepers
From the fields of Paraguay to the training grounds of Vancouver, Helmut is now coaching in Winnipeg, bringing over 20 years of elite goalkeeper experience. Since launching HW Goalkeeping in 2002, he has coached goalkeepers from grassroots to elite youth levels. In 2011, he expanded his coaching into the BC Soccer Premier League, working within British Columbia’s top youth environment to help develop high-performance keepers. The goalkeepers he has mentored consistently move into elite pathways, earning places with the BC Provincial Teams, the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, Vancouver FC, Vancouver Rise, the National Training Centre, and university team placements across Canada and the United States.
Helmut’s mission is simple: to help goalkeepers grow, excel, and fall in love with the game—just as he has for his entire life.
Coaching Experience:
- Founder and Head Coach, HW Goalkeeping (since 2002)
- South Delta United, Head of Goalkeeper Development (2016–2025)
- Coastal FC, Head of Goalkeeping (2019–2024)
- Whitecaps FC Goalkeeper Pro-Series Camp (2014–2018)
- Tsawwassen Soccer Club, Head of Goalkeeper Development (2007–2016)
Note: Some roles were held concurrently, reflecting ongoing commitments to multiple clubs and programs.
Certified through:
Canada Soccer – C License
BC Soccer – Goalkeeper Diploma
United Soccer Coaches – GK Levels 1–3
NCCP Multi-Sport:
Head Way in Sport • Rule of Two • EAP • Make Ethical Decisions • Respect in Sport
Our Coaching Philosophy
At HW Goalkeeping, our philosophy is to create a training environment that is both challenging and enjoyable. We believe in developing complete goalkeepers—not just technically and tactically, but also physically, mentally, and in their lifestyle habits.
Our sessions are more than just drills; they’re opportunities to learn, think, and grow. Each exercise connects to the real demands of the game, encouraging decision-making, game awareness, and leadership while building confidence, resilience, and a genuine passion for the position.
Every session is structured yet personalized, ensuring each goalkeeper is guided toward reaching their full potential. Our motto, “Confidence in Goal. Skills for Life.” reflects our commitment to helping goalkeepers succeed on the field and in life beyond the game.
The Perfect Goalkeeper?
By Helmut Wiebe
Passion is the basis for every success! Keepers are passionate people and therefore they are driven, of great character, and eager to learn.
Goalkeeping is a continual quest for self-improvement.
The GK must be the best trained player in the team.
Qualities we want to teach All of Our Goalkeepers
Comfort with Ball
- Ability to be a soccer player.
- Ability to deal with balls back into their feet.
- Ability to distribute with hands and feet over short and long distance (Every Gk at every age should be taking their own goal kicks.)
Presence in Goal / Leadership
- Ownership of 18 yard box.
Shot Stopping Ability
- Ability to make saves look simple with focus on proper footwork, limit rebounds.
Technical
-Good ball handler
-Ability to deal with all shot stopping situations
-Ability to deal with crossed balls
-Effective in 1v1 situations
-Good distributor of the ball
The Technical Factors of Kicking /Striking the Ball.
- Goal Kick, Punt, Drop Kick, and Sidewinder (A Goalkeeper should master all four techniques).
- Throwing the Ball
- Playing out from the Back
- Counter Attacking
Tactical
Out of possession skills
-Positional understanding to defend the goal and the space
-Ability to read/asses situations to make quick decisions
In possession of the ball
-Positional understanding in support play
-Ability to recognize opportunities to play quickly vs. when to build up
Key Factors of the Goalkeepers Supporting Role
- To be in the correct starting position when the ball is in:
The Attacking Third
The Midfield Third
The Defensive Third
- To be “in line” with the ball.
- To be aware of the distance between himself and his defenders.
- To be ‘Reading’ the play and ‘Seeing’ the picture early (Anticipate the deep pass)
- To be on his ‘Front Foot’, ready to go forward to intercept the ball.
- To make good early decisions whether to go and clear the ball or stay and protect the goal.
- To be aware of the positions of his defenders, the opposition forwards and also runs from the midfield.
Dealing with the back Pass
Key Factors
- Angle and distance of support.
- Goalkeepers availability/Ready to receive.
- Assess angle and distance of the opponent.
- Communication (Verbal and Visual)
- Are you being pressured, do you have time?
- The quality of the defenders back passes.
- Gks composure on receiving.
- Decision: One or Two Touch - No Risk.
- Quality of the Gks pass: Timing, Weight, Accuracy.
- Control and pass away from opponent.
- Variation in technique: Side Foot, Drill, Drive.
- Teammate should make good passing angle.
- Gks re-adjustment to support the pass.
End Product: short pass, long strike, make the right decision.
Footwork
Good Footwork is the Foundation of Solid Goalkeeping.
“You can't save what your feet can't get you to”.
Principles of Footwork
-Alert and Alive.
- Stay square to the ball.
- Get your body behind the ball.
- Multi directional movements, balance.
Set Plays
“When the ball is dead, the keeper comes alive”.
Goalkeepers Task on Set Plays:
Organize the team...
Free Kicks
Setting up the Wall
How many players do I need in the wall.
Have your defenders hold a high line to give you more working space.
The Penalty
“The pressure lays solely on the shooter”
-Anticipate, don't guess!
Communication
Commanding goalkeepers breed confidence in the team.
How do we teach the young goalkeeper to communicate?
- Simple to more complex
- Focus on getting your Gks to communicate five things first:
“Keeper” telling your teammate that your are coming for the ball.
“Away” tell teammates that they need to clear the ball away because you are holding your ground in goal.
“Step” - “Push-up” telling the defenders to squeeze up the field.
“Man-on” telling a teammate when they are under pressure.
“Turn” telling a teammate when they have time and can turn the ball.
When to Communicate
Once they realize what to say, now we need to focus on having them understand when to say it.
This actually is more important than knowing what to say…
It must always be early!
Early information is critical for successful communication.
Keys to good communication
Clear
- Players can understand the Gk and respond
Specific
- Assign Responsibility
- Don’t just cheerlead
Tone
- Demanding - Creates urgency
- Calm – Relax
Importance of Communication
- Prevents Shots and Goals
- Increase Confidence
- Maintains Team’s Shape/Avoids Counter
An added advantage: Through sharp and specific coaching, the keeper remains concentrated.
Character
-Drive/desire to keep the ball out of the net
-Bravery/courage to put body on the line
-Ability to concentrate
-Good decision maker
-Aggressive
-Confident
-Motivated
-Focused
“ Strive for perfection, settle for excellence”
Our Impact
HW Goalkeeping aims to instill qualities such as comfort with the ball, strong presence in goal, and exceptional shot-stopping abilities. We focus on technical proficiency, tactical understanding, and character development. By teaching effective communication, decision-making, and a relentless drive, we hope to shape confident, skilled, and passionate goalkeepers.
