Yann Danis 2024-07-17 Yann Danis 2024-07-17

5 Essential Skills Every Young Goalie Should Master!

For young goalies, mastering key skills is essential to standing out on the ice. From perfecting your glove positioning to building mental toughness, this blog covers five crucial techniques every goalie should focus on to elevate their game. Whether you're working on your butterfly or improving footwork, these tips will help you become a more confident and effective player.

As a young goalie, developing your skills is crucial to becoming a standout player on the ice. Here are five essential skills that every young goalie should master to elevate their game:

1. Glove Positioning

Proper glove positioning is fundamental for making saves. A high glove, tilted forward to face the puck, allows you to react quickly to high shots. Ensure your glove is always in front of your body, enabling you to catch or deflect pucks effectively. Regular practice will help you develop muscle memory for this crucial technique.

2. Butterfly Technique

The butterfly technique is essential for stopping low shots. This technique involves dropping your knees to the ice while keeping your pads together and your upper body leaning forward. It’s important to remain patient by reacting to the shot and not just going down before the puck leaves the shooter’s stick. Practicing the butterfly not only helps with saving low shots, but also with maintaining balance and control in the crease.

Andrei Vasilevskiy - Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern USA Today Sports

3. Puck Tracking

Being able to track the puck is vital for any goalie. Focus on keeping your eyes on the puck at all times, regardless of the players around you. Use drills that involve different types of shots (glove, blocker, chest etc…) and focus on tracking the puck all the way through. Also make sure to keep your eyes on the puck on all rebounds. This skill will enhance your reaction time and ability to make saves under pressure.

Sergei Bobrovsky - Credit: Wilfredo Lee AP

4. Footwork

Agile footwork is critical for goalies. You need to be able to move quickly and efficiently within the crease. Practice lateral movements such as t-pushes and shuffles and getting back into position after making a save. Incorporating agility drills into your training routine will significantly improve your overall movement on the ice.

5. Mental Toughness

Goaltending can be mentally challenging. Developing mental toughness helps you stay focused, confident, and resilient during games. Practice visualization techniques, set personal goals, and learn to manage your emotions on the ice. A strong mindset can make all the difference in high-pressure situations.

Conclusion

Mastering these five essential skills will set a solid foundation for your goaltending career. Consistent practice and a commitment to improvement will help you become a more confident and effective goalie. Remember, every great goalie started as a beginner, so stay dedicated and keep pushing yourself to elevate your game!