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Tips for Goalie

Goalie is a mysterious position, of which I have limited knowledge. If you would like to add something to this article or if something I said is wrong, Let me know and I'll fix it.

Stick Work

You have to be able to control your stick. You are at the disadvantage of having a stick with a face size much larger than that of any field stick. This makes throwing accuractely a chore and cradling almost impossible. But, the large face size benefits you when making saves. However, you have to be able to move your stick to save the ball. Have someone shoot on you (softly, with more attention to placing the ball in hard to save spots than on power) and make the save. Then, have someone else cut doen the field. Clear it to them. If done right, this could produce a nice drill for all, with you saving and clearing, the clearing man catching and passing and the shooter catching and shooting. Maybe have the shooter as an attackman and the clearing man a middie or defenseman.

Technique

Technique is important to making saves. You have to step to the ball, move the stick correctly and make the save. Don't ask me I don't know how your supposed to move or hold the stick, all I know is your supposed to step to the ball. So do that. Also, you should know where you are in relation to the goal without looking at it. This means feel those posts. To do this, maybe use the drill above and concentrate on doing everything the way you would in a game.

Communication

You are the captain of the defense. You have the best view of the field. A good goalie communicates everything he sees with the defense. Ball location, cutters, calling shots, passes, its all on you. So during full team practice, make sure you yell out everything you see.

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