Goalie Training Tips for Novice and Atom Goalies

As a newer parent with a child interested in sports, I understand that knowing where to start is difficult when selecting the right program to help your child learn and improve upon his abilities.  But does facing more shots really help to make goalies better?

Even parents who have played hockey ask about when goalie training should start, and which kind of goalie training is the most beneficial.  So we’ve come up with a few helpful tips for goalie parents in their quest for obtaining goalie training for their children that they’ll enjoy without having to break the bank to get it.

Does More Shots Really Develop Better Goalies?

Receiving effective coaching allows students to gain an understanding of When to apply techniques, How to apply them, and most importantly, Why there is a need to apply them.  Being peppered with lots of shots however, won’t help goaltenders to become better in their role.

Think quality.  Not quantity.

Timing Is Everything

Simply put, the goaltender’s job is to stop the puck.  And the key to becoming a good goaltender is to maximize net coverage.  On the other hand, the most difficult part of the goaltender’s job is to be in the right place at the right time, and ready to react to shots.  Therefore, it’s more important for goaltenders to apply efficiency through accurate timing.  This will ensure that they’re placing as much mass between the net and the puck, making stopping the puck the easiest part of the process.

The best way to ensure accurate timing and readiness is with a Goaltender-Specific Power Skating program; they allow goaltenders to gain an understanding of proper goalie skating and angling techniques, while maximizing their efficiency.  By taking part in these goalie training sessions, goalies become more familiar with their angles, depth of their crease, balance, stability, and weight distribution.

Effective Goalies, Not Targets

Chances are limited during team practices to develop the goalie’s skating abilities in ways which benefit them in their position.  And receiving a lot of shots is rarely an issue due to the need to keep the whole team engaged.  So get your goalie doing something different to help them develop.  Not more of the same.

Visualization

In addition, Goaltender-Specific Power Skating features the benefit of removing the need to stop shots, developing the need for visualization as early as possible.  Why is this important?

Coach Compatibility

The relationship and compatibility with their goalie coach is an essential part of ensuring that your child will take as much away from their lessons as possible.  Although your child’s coach should ensure engagement through providing a fun and interesting learning atmosphere, positive and motivational feedback is crucial for coaches to ensure that your child remains eager to continue their learning and progression.

A Love for Fun

Finally, although there may be a need to obtain goalie training for your child, training must be fun.  Despite your great intentions for enrolling your child into training programs to help them to develop in their role as a goalie, they won’t take away as much from the training if they’re not engaged.  You know your child better than anyone, so don’t be afraid to communicate your child’s feelings with their coaches or program coordinators.

Our Programs

Interested in what Goalie Army Academy has to offer your child?  Check out our program options.  Or contact us to find out more.

 

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