Ten Steps to Being A Better Goaltender

12/9/2009

Goaltending is one of the most challenging positions in all of sport. It takes athleticism, smarts, a dedicated work ethic and a genuine passion for the game to reach great heights. Here are 10 steps that will help you become a better goaltender [coach or parent]:

1. SKATING – Goaltenders must be exceptional skaters. Look no further than the NHL to see some of the best Martin Brodeur, Ed Belfour, Marty Turco and Jose Theodore. All are tremendous positional goaltenders because they are able to get to where they need to be to generate saves and they make it look simple in the process. Participate in all team skating drills regardless of how difficult they may seem.

2. GAME PLAN – The majority of goaltenders play the butterfly style today, though goaltenders like Dominik Hasek have introduced an inspiring alternative. Regardless of the style you choose, you need to have a game plan in mind – one that involves both your athletic ability and the knowledge to read and then react to the play. Goaltenders with sound technique are a coach’s dream, but in the end the most important thing is to stop the puck.

3. POSITIONING – Again, the NHL’s best rarely find themselves out of position. This is a skill they work very hard at day in and day out. The Washington Capitals, Olaf Kolzig believes that “boring is best”. He wants to look as if he is playing effortlessly and that his job is simple. If it appears like he is making spectacular saves he is probably had to do so because he was out of position or made an error causing him to have to ‘come up big’.

4. REBOUND CONTOL – Fewer rebounds means fewer chances for the opposition. Be a sponge – absorb as many shots as you can, catch all that are within reach and use your blocker and stick to turn pucks to the corners or over the glass away from danger. Refuse to give the opposition unnecessary second chances.

5. WORK ETHIC – The harder you work, the better you’ll be. It takes tremendous dedication and drive to be the best. Work diligently on and off the ice and make sure you participate in all conditioning drills along with the rest of your teammates. There are no shortcuts to success!

6. ATTITUDE – Bring a positive attitude with you every time you come to the rink. Goaltenders thrive on having confidence in their abilities and your state of mind goes a long way towards your effectiveness in the goal. It is important to get along with your goaltending partner and to be supportive when it is your turn to sit out. It is advantageous to be well liked by your teammates, as they will go that extra mile for you as a result. If they don’t like you, they may not play their best for you.

7. GAME PREPARATION – Goaltending requires that your mind and body be in complete unison. You need to be ready for all games and practices and this starts off ice with proper warm-up of your body and mind. It can be very helpful to use imagery when preparing. Simply close your eyes, tune-out all of the noise around you and imagine yourself in different game situations – always in good position, using proper technique to make saves and to control the rebounds. This will help your focus when you take to the ice, but it takes lots of practice to be able to prepare your mind effectively.

8. RESILIENCE – It is not easy being a goaltender, and takes a ‘thick skin’ at times as the focus will often be on you when goals are scored. Always remember that hockey is a team game and while you need to be accountable for your actions, you should rarely shoulder the entire blame when things go wrong. Nonetheless, you need to remain strong and maintain your confidence when things do not go as planned. The time to reflect on bad goals is after the game, and the best goalies are able to put their mistakes behind them immediately and refocus on the present.

9. WILLINGNESS TO LEARN – You are never too old to learn something new, and you will be a better goaltender by listening to advice, processing it, experimenting and being willing to try new things. You will constantly learn from different people and it is important to respect the knowledge and advice of all who attempt to guide you. You may not always agree with what you hear, but take the time to contemplate the lesson and respond accordingly. Watch your heroes closely, ask questions of your coaches and remember that you can always improve.

10. HAVE FUN – The only reason to play a game is to have fun! While the expectations may change at different levels of play, the experience should not. Many play for ‘wins’ and ‘losses’, but that is always secondary to the enjoyment achieved through participation. Remember, no matter how passionate you are about the game, there are always things more important like your family and school.