Goalies come in all shapes, sizes and styles. But regardless of age and experience there are several trends and core characteristics that good goalies possess. Regardless of your style or ability, age or level of play these still hold true:
1) Being "Set" and "Ready" for the shot:
Good goalies are in their stance expecting a shot at any time. Good goalies, unfortunately, expect breakdowns in their own end and are ready to defend them. When a quick play develops from a pass or a turnover, a good goalie is not surprised by it. He is able to read the situation and defend it with ease.
TEACHING POINT: When the puck is in the defensive zone the goalie needs to concentrate 100% and be ready to stop the puck.
2) Challenging and making saves at the top of the crease:
Good goalies force shooters to beat them with a better shot. They start at the top of the blue or make their saves there. Good goalies don't feel pressured by the attack and retreat to the goal line. Instead they challenge shooters to make the first move and react accordingly.
TEACHING POINT: Insist on having goalies stand their ground at the top of the crease and challenge shooters in practice.
3) Controlling Rebounds to the corners/ or "eating" pucks with the body:
Good goalies track the puck before it is received by the shooter and all the way in to their bodies. After a save is made, good goalies kick their rebounds to the side with their stick, or body. If the shot is able to be trapped, good goalies find a way to freeze the puck or "eat" rebounds. This is not a "sometimes" thing, this is an everyday thing. Good goalies control the game by controlling their rebounds.
TEACHING POINT: In practice make a concerted effort to work on controlling your rebounds.
4) Recovering after a save looks easy:
Good goalies are not only able to make the first save, but seem to be able to make the 2nd/3rd saves as well. This isn't just flexibility or athleticism; it is also technique and being able to be in a good save position all the time. Recovery is something that needs to be practiced over and over again. Good recovery puts the goalie in a position to succeed.
TEACHING POINT: Recovery needs to be practiced constantly and correctly. Make a concerted effort to work on it during every drill.
5) Type of goals that are scored:
Good Goalies do not allow soft goals to go in. A soft goal is one that should be stopped and are heartbreakers to a team. Good goalies make all the saves they are supposed to and sometimes the ones they are not; they do not allow goals to go through them (i.e. through their arms) rather via a great pass or off a rebound.
TEACHING POINT: Focus on each save one at a time: After a goal erase it from your memory and concentrate on your next save.
Practice habits make for better game goalies… as the saying goes, practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Monitor your goalie during games and practices and see if these characteristics hold true for your goalie. If there is something missing, this is what you need to work on.
If you have any questions about these training methods or regarding any future goaltending clinics contact me either by email me at goalie@greg-gardner.com or by phone at 716-286-8758.
