World-Champion-like Goalkeeper Training – Interview with Kim Sippel

In the coming weeks, we'll introduce you to the outstanding personalities behind the success of the Goalkeeping.com Academy : our most experienced, inspiring, and dedicated goalkeeping coaches. We'll start with none other than Kim Sippel – Socca World Champion, long-time captain of the German national Socca team, and passionate goalkeeping development coach. In our exclusive interview, Kim shares fascinating insights into his career, his training philosophy, and his work at Goalkeeping.com .

1. Hello Kim. Please introduce yourself briefly: Where are you from and how did you get into goalkeeping training?

I'm 36 years old and, as an active goalkeeper, I've celebrated my greatest sporting successes in small-sided football. For over a decade, I was part of the German national team and captained them for many years. The highlight of my career was winning the Small-Sided World Championship in 2018. At the same time, I played on the large-sided pitch up to the Regionalliga in Germany. Even during my active career, I was always active as a youth coach – it was always important to me to pass on my experience and knowledge to the next generation of goalkeepers.

2. What was your personal career path as a goalkeeping coach? Was there a key moment that inspired you to pursue this path?

I wasn't always completely satisfied with the goalkeeping training I received as a player. Therefore, I began critically questioning training content early on and developing my own ideas. This constant process of reflection gradually developed my individual training approach. Today, I particularly focus on inductive training , which supports and encourages young, talented athletes in their natural development.

3. What positions have you held as a goalkeeping coach so far? Which clubs or academies have you had the opportunity to coach?

I took my first steps as a coach at my hometown club, KSV Baunatal . Currently, I work for the German Football Association (DFB) , where I'm responsible for developing goalkeeping talent—a role that means a lot to me and where I can contribute my passion every day.

4. What licenses or training have you completed in the field of goalkeeping training? How important do you consider professional development for coaches?

For me, professional qualifications are an absolute prerequisite in modern football. I hold both a UEFA A License and a UEFA Goalkeeping Coach B License . Continuous training and personal development are essential to me – not only to stay up to date with the latest training methods, but also to continually improve as a coach.

5. What is your personal training philosophy? What makes good goalkeeping training for you?

For me, one thing is clear: the training method must always serve the training goal – not the other way around. Coaching should not disrupt the natural flow of movement, but rather support it. I believe that the body often finds the best solutions itself. My approach is to analyze the goalkeepers' inherent skills and abilities and develop them further based on this.

6. Do you have any particular priorities in your training? Are there any aspects or content that you place particular emphasis on (e.g., technique, game structure, mental strength)?

What's most important to me is the competitive nature, intensity, and enjoyment of training. When these three factors are right, technical elements and tactical content can be conveyed much more naturally and sustainably. For me, lively, challenging, and at the same time motivating training is the key to further development.

7. How do you adapt your training to the individual performance level of your goalkeepers? Do you prefer training with younger talents or with more experienced keepers?

I particularly enjoy working with young, talented athletes who are enthusiastic about their development. For me, the most exciting goalkeepers aren't necessarily the "finished" ones, but rather the talented, eager-to-learn ones —those who are open to new things, put in the effort, and are passionate about what they do.

8. What fascinates you most about goalkeeping?

As a goalkeeper, you are the final authority on the pitch—the difference between victory and defeat often depends on you. If you excel, you can be the decisive factor for your team. If you make a mistake, there are direct consequences. This balancing act between hero and tragic figure, the responsibility and mental strength it requires—that's exactly what fascinates me about goalkeeping.

9. Who do you think is the best goalkeeper in the world right now – and why? What makes him special for you?

As long as Manuel Neuer wears the gloves, he will remain my undisputed number 1. He embodies the modern goalkeeping game like no other – with outstanding positioning, game intelligence, footballing class, and a mental presence that is second to none. He has redefined and shaped the game of goalkeeping.

10. Do you have a personal motto or attitude that guides your work as a coach? "Laughing, learning, sweating, and playing." If a training session combines these four elements and the players leave feeling good, then it was a successful training session. This balance is important to me—combining performance with enjoyment.

11. Finally: What does working with Goalkeeping.com mean to you and what makes our Academy special?

For me, my collaboration with Goalkeeping.com has been characterized by trust, mutual appreciation, and true teamwork for many years. The positive energy within the team, the professional organization, and the shared vision make the Academy something truly special—both for us coaches and for all participants.

Dear Kim, thank you very much for your time and this fascinating interview! We're thrilled to have you as part of our team – and excited about everything we'll accomplish together!