Philosophies of Goaltender Play and Training
"The nice thing about (pre-game routines) is that I think that the reason we have them is to calm our other fears. If you don't focus on putting your left skate on first, you may focus on playing a bad game. Which is more controllable? The left skate's a whole lot more controllable than what your opponent is going to be doing, so you focus on those things that you have in your hands."
As MTN has stated before, each goaltender has a unique set of physical and mental traits that will dictate their own playing style. However there are some goaltending philosophies that can be integrated into all styles.
Simple: Position
yourself so that you will be faced with the simple save. The first save is the
most important in any attack sequence. A controlled first save will lead to
better puck control and recovery.
Versatile:
The goaltender wants to be in a position that allows them to respond in either
direction or to changing circumstance.
Compact:
Do not allow the puck to go through or under your body.
Patient:
The goaltender must be in a position that will force the attacker to commit
first. In each attack there is an optimal position, reaching this position,
limits net access which allows the goaltender to have patience in their save
response.
Puck Handling: The goaltender that understands this part of the game can kick start their team’s transition game and be a deterrent for opponents dumping the puck into your zone. Being able to properly understand how to play and handle the puck makes for a more complete goalie.
Agility and quickness:
the Goaltenders ability to start and/or change directions, while staying
under control and balance is integral to the goaltenders success. By replicating
patterns used while performing the goaltender position one can improve their
athleticism.
Lower Body Power:
Having an explosive lower body should be a major concern to the elite goaltender.
Being able to be in the optimum save position requires a powerful first save
or skating move and stop. This increases the goaltender’s ability to regroup,
recover, and/or make multiple save or skating moves. The more efficient the
goaltender can make the save staying in proper balance position the more successful
they will be.
Abdominal/Torso
strength: This part of the body is the center of gravity for all
related athletic and goaltender movements. The quicker and more physically efficient
the goaltender is at making saves, while staying in a proper balanced position,
the more success they will have.
Foot Quickness:
A combination of foot quickness and dexterity drills, coupled with movement
patterns and transitional drills should be a part of every goaltenders training.
The goal is to have the goaltender improve their foot speed as well as be able
to transition from one direction movement to another. Foot speed plays a major
role in virtually all positions.
Flexibility:
Injuries often happen when the goaltender is in an extended or awkward position.
Proper flexibility will improve a goaltender’s strength through a greater range
of motion. Greater flexibility will improve the goaltender’s ability to scramble,
to close holes, and to cover a greater area in front of the net in a quicker
more balanced manner.
Hand/Eye Co-ordination: All athletic performances have a co-ordination between limbs and eyes. This is never more critical than for a goaltender, which must stop a three-inch puck traveling at 80 mph or more.
Skill development: This concept is nothing more than taking specific skills and implementing them in the goaltender’s on ice or off ice practice and game routines.