How should goalies and parents pick and choose a goalie stick?
One of the issues I have noticed recently with the new breed of goaltending is the lack of strong stick skills. It seems to me that goalies either choose to block pucks with their pads or hold their sticks improperly. When looking a little closer, one of the problems seems to be with the size or lie of the stick. With all of the money invested in a child’s goalie equipment it would be a shame for him/her to struggle because of an improper stick.
I usually get asked “IS MY SON’S STICK TOO SMALL/TALL and if so HOW CAN I TELL?”
When buying a goalie stick, an inexperienced parent should bring along a coach or a knowledgeable friend to help pick out a suitable stick. Either way, when sizing up a goalie with a new stick, s/he should either be standing on his/her toes or be wearing their skates at the store. This is the step that constantly gets overlooked when buying a stick and is the root of the “size” problem. A goalie’s blade needs to be resting comfortably between 6 – 10 inches away from the goalie’s foot; the entire blade should also be touching the ground. If the toe is up, generally the stick is too tall and causes the goalie to lean or slouch. If the heel is up, then generally it is too small and forces the goalie upright.
Pick a stick that is the right fit for the individual. More specifically, pick one that feels good in your stance and feels comfortable. An ill fitted goal stick not only causes a “5 hole” problem, but also creates a hole inbetween the goalie’s elbow and body. An improper stance generally is caused by the stick, so once you find a stick that fits, try to keep using the same pattern for consistency. Finally do not ever cut a goal stick. A goal stick already comes perfectly balanced. By cutting the stick, the shaft will be too heavy down low, and the goalie’s hand will be holding the stick too high. This will cause the goalie problems.
Make sure you are purchasing a stick that fits the goalie and not one for any another reason. Picking a proper stick is the first step to stopping the puck and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Now getting the goalie to use it during games is another issue completely.
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.
