Goalie Intangibles…
Being a good goalie goes far beyond stepping in the right direction or making the twentieth save of the night when your defense is struggling. Goalies are a rare breed; at least, good ones are. We’re the crazy ones, the ones that purposefully put themselves in harm’s way, and the first ones on the field and the last ones off.
We’ve all worn ugly purple bruises proudly as evidence of a game well played, and can recount the fastest shots in a pain-filled slow motion. But the real badges of courage aren’t as quickly earned or easy to display. To be a great goalie, you’ve got to master not only the skills, but the mental fortitude it takes to play this 90% mental 10% physical position.
First and foremost, goalies are the leaders of the defense. It’s their voice that calms the confusion during an action-packed play, and their reprimands that keep the defenders on the tip of their toes and the top of their game. Most goalies understand the role they need to play during the game, but in order to field a defense that will listen, their leadership has to start during practice. They’ve got to lead from the moment they pick up their sticks to the moment they leave the field.
It’s easy to goof off during practice, especially if your team doesn’t staff a goalie coach, but in order for your fellow players to take you seriously, you’ve got to take practice serious as well. If you let in easy shots during practice, your defenders won’t have confidence that you can stop the hard ones when game time rolls around.
If you don’t talk when you’re in the cage during practice (calling out ball position, slides, etc.), your defenders will be unused to hearing your voice and won’t respond to it while they’re under pressure during the game. Condition them to seeing you play your best, and they’ll have a reason to protect you. Direct them, respectfully and confidently, and they’ll respond with equal respect and obedience.
Drop by next week to hear more about what it takes to be a great goalie!
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