Setting Goals for the Season: A Balancing Act Between Aspiration and Process

As the new hockey season approaches, many young athletes are gearing up with excitement and anticipation. One of the best ways to harness that enthusiasm is by setting goals. However, while goals are essential for direction and motivation, focusing solely on them can sometimes lead to undue pressure and disappointment. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of setting goals, how to strike a balance between aspiration and process, and the ways to motivate yourself and stay focused on hard work throughout the season.

The Importance of Setting Goals

Setting goals is vital for growth and accountability in any sport. Here are a few reasons why establishing clear objectives is important:

1. Direction and Focus: Goals provide a road map for what you want to achieve during the season. They help you hone in on the skills you need to work on and give you a sense of purpose.

2. Motivation: Having something to strive for can be a tremendous source of motivation. Whether you want to improve your save percentage, enhance your puck-handling skills, or earn more playing time, specific goals can keep you inspired throughout the season.

3. Measurement of Progress: Goals offer tangible benchmarks that allow you to assess your progress. By regularly evaluating your achievements, you can see how much you’ve grown over the season.

The Dangers of Obsessing Over Goals

While setting goals is constructive, it’s crucial to avoid becoming overly fixated on them. Here’s why:

1. Pressure and Stress: When you place too much emphasis on hitting every single goal, it can lead to anxiety. This pressure can be counterproductive, making it harder to enjoy the game.

2. Neglecting the Process: Overemphasizing outcomes can divert your attention from the learning process. Remember, growth happens in the day-to-day practices, drills, and games, not just in the end results.

3. Discouragement: If you set unrealistic goals or miss the mark, it can lead to feelings of disappointment. This negativity could impact your performance and your love for the game.

Finding Balance: Goals as Motivation, Not an Obsession

To make the most of your goals, it’s essential to keep the right perspective. Here are some strategies to find a healthy balance between aspiration and process:

1. Focus on Daily Improvement: Instead of fixating on the larger goal, concentrate on the smaller steps you can take every day. This might include committing to weekly practice sessions, focusing on your technique, or dedicating time to physical fitness.

2. Embrace the Journey: Remember that every practice and game is a chance to learn and grow. Celebrate your small victories and progress along the way, as these moments contribute to achieving your larger goals.

3. Adjust Goals as Needed: Life in sports can be unpredictable. If you find that certain goals are no longer realistic, don’t be afraid to adjust them. Flexibility is key to maintaining motivation and enjoyment in your sport.

4. Use Goals to Inspire: Let your goals serve as a source of inspiration rather than rigid targets. Keep them in the back of your mind to remind you of what you're working toward but allow yourself the freedom to adapt your focus based on how the season progresses.

Conclusion

Setting goals for the season is undoubtedly important, but equally significant is your approach to achieving them. By using goals as a motivational tool while focusing on the daily process of improvement and hard work, you can foster a healthier mindset that allows you to enjoy the game while striving for excellence. Remember, the journey is just as valuable as the destination—so lace up your skates, embrace the process, and let your love for hockey guide you this season!

Top Strategies for Young Goalies to Manage Pressure Like a Pro

Pressure is a Privilege - Billie Jean King

This is one of my favorite quotes and I think it is especially true for goaltenders. Being a goalie comes with its unique set of challenges, and one of the biggest hurdles we face is dealing with pressure. Whether it's the intensity of a close game, the expectations of teammates and coaches, OR simply knowing that if we make a single mistake, we cost our team a goal. The weight of all this pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some strategies that I learned and used throughout my career that I think can help young goalies as well.

Focus On The Now: Instead of getting caught up in future outcomes or past mistakes, focus on the present moment. Concentrate on the task at hand, which is the next shot, by focusing on tracking the puck, your positioning, your mindset and body language. By staying in the moment, you can maintain clarity and composure under pressure.

Control What You Can Control: Understand that there are certain aspects of the game that are beyond your control, like how well the other team plays or a referee’s decision. Instead of fixating on these external factors, focus on what YOU can control—your attitude, effort, and preparation. The only thing you can control is how you are preparing yourself for the next shot. By focusing your energy into areas within your control, you can feel more empowered and confident in your abilities.

Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful tool for managing pressure and boosting confidence. Take some time before games to visualize yourself making key saves, controlling rebounds, and leading your team to victory. Imagine yourself performing at your best and handling pressure with poise and determination. Visualizing success can help you mentally prepare for challenging situations and build resilience in the face of adversity.

Be positive!: Maintain a positive mindset, even when things are not going your way. Understand that mistakes are a natural part of the game. Pros make mistakes all the time and you will too! Just remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of dwelling on failures, focus on the lessons you can learn from them and use them to make yourself better. Be resilient by bouncing back quickly from a goal or a bad game and maintain confidence in your abilities.

Relax your body: Try to work on relaxing your body through deep breathing. This can be done before or even during a game if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed. Focusing on your breathing has been proven to help calm your nerves, reduce tension, and promote a sense of focus and concentration.

Don’t Go Through It Alone: Reach out for support when you're feeling overwhelmed by pressure. Talk to your parents, coaches, teammates, or a sports psychologist about your concerns and feelings. Sharing your experiences with others can provide perspective, validation, and encouragement, helping you feel less alone in your struggles. You are NOT the only one going through this so do NOT feel embarrassed to express your thoughts with other people.

Remember, pressure is a natural part of being a goalie, and learning to manage it effectively is a valuable skill that will serve you both on and off the ice. By staying present, focusing on what you can control, visualizing success, maintaining a positive attitude, focusing on your breathing, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate pressure with confidence and resilience. Keep working hard, stay true to yourself, and trust in your abilities—you've got this!

The Reverse VH Technique for Young Goalies: Weighing the Pros and Cons

In the fast-paced world of ice hockey, goaltending is an art that demands skill, agility, and quick decision-making. As the sport evolves, so do the techniques used by goaltenders to defend their nets. One such technique that has gained traction is the Reverse VH (RVH) technique. But when it comes to young goalies, is this technique a game-changer or a potential pitfall? In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of young goalies using the Reverse VH technique.

Understanding the Reverse VH Technique

The Reverse VH technique is a goaltending strategy employed primarily when a goalie is hugging the post on the short side while the puck is in the corner or along the boards. This technique involves the goalie dropping down to the ice on their post-side knee, with the opposite leg extended along the goal line and the skate blade against the post. The other leg remains bent, creating a sort of "V" shape, hence the name "Reverse VH."

Pros of Young Goalies Using the Reverse VH Technique

Enhanced Short-Side Coverage

The Reverse VH technique provides young goalies with an extended reach, allowing them to cover more of the short-side net. This can be particularly advantageous when facing quick, close-range shots, giving them a better chance to block or redirect the puck.

Quicker Recovery

In situations where the puck is behind the net or along the boards, transitioning to the RVH stance can enable young goalies to recover to an upright position more quickly. This agility and speed are essential for responding to sudden passes or shots.

Improved Post Integration

Using the RVH technique effectively requires goalies to become more adept at using the goal post as an extension of their body. Learning this technique at a young age can help goalies develop a strong sense of spatial awareness and body positioning relative to the net.

Cons of Young Goalies Using the Reverse VH Technique

Physical Strain

The Reverse VH technique places a significant amount of strain on the goalie's hip and knee joints. Young goalies who are still growing and developing physically might be more susceptible to injury if they are not using proper form or overusing the technique.

Dependence on Technique

While the RVH technique has its merits, young goalies should not become overly reliant on it. Overusing the technique could lead to predictability, making it easier for opponents to exploit its weaknesses and find ways to score.

Learning Curve

Mastering the Reverse VH technique requires time and practice. Young goalies might struggle initially with the mechanics and timing required to execute the technique effectively. This learning curve could impact their performance in high-pressure game situations.

Making the Right Choice

When it comes to incorporating the Reverse VH technique into the arsenal of young goalies, careful consideration must be given. Coaches, trainers, and parents should work together to strike a balance between harnessing the advantages of the technique and mitigating its potential downsides.

The decision to introduce the Reverse VH technique should be based on the goalie's physical development, skill level, and ability to adapt. A holistic approach that focuses on a well-rounded skill set, including traditional goaltending techniques and the Reverse VH, will equip young goalies to face the challenges of the game with confidence and agility.