Most goalies are extremely picky when it comes to buying equipment and they should be. With pucks being fired at over 100 miles an hour the equipment should be protective and functional. If a goaltender is not confident in their equipment they will become puck shy and "pull up" every time they see somebody wind up. Goalies have the advantage nowadays to buy equipment that fits their unique style.

Pads - Pads are the most difficult to decide on. There are three different styles that you can choose from: stand-up, hybrid, and butterfly. The way the pads close when you go down determines what style they are. There aren't too many stand-up style pads being made anymore because the style itself is fading fast and is just about obsolete. Hybrid and butterfly pads are the most common and can be very different. In my opinion hybrid pads are easier to skate and move around the crease in, but do not close the five-hole as well as butterfly pads. On the other hand butterfly pads close the five-hole and get down to cover the bottom part of the net better, but are often worn loose which makes moving around the crease or playing the puck a little more difficult. The other thing to determine when buying pads is the length of the pad. Most goalies are going with taller pads to fill more net. The trade off is it is harder to skate, and if the pads overlap when you go down it can be extremely difficult to recover with speed. The most important thing when deciding on pads is to make sure the knee is near the center knee roll on the pad no matter what the length of the pad is.

Pants - Should fit well with the pads so there is no knee open when you butterfly. I like them big and baggy but not too long.

Blocker and Glove - Most blockers are pretty similar with the only difference being an offset palm. Make sure the palm is not too big, which will make holding a stick more difficult. There also may be some minor differences in size, weight, and shape. Gloves vary more in size and shape and are becoming increasingly larger. Gloves were always the toughest for me to decide upon because they were often too big for my hand. If the glove is too big pucks will bounce out and it will also be difficult to shoot the puck. If the glove is too small you will be giving up blocking area. I think that the number of straps on a glove can be the key to finding a good one. Gloves with more straps near the wrist will help keep the glove on the hand when catching and shooting the puck. Bigger pockets will also help keep pucks in your glove.

Armpads - Armpads are also becoming bigger and most brands nowadays have great protection. When buying armpads you should find a set that are protective, fill up space, and that you can move in. If they're too big and bulky you will be slower and won't be able to play the puck well.

Skates - There's not a big difference with skates. Stick to the name brands and make sure they fit right. I think the protection is adequate with most skates and the biggest different is the quality of the boot itself, which could make all the difference in the world. I know many goalies that wear skates a half size bigger so when you take a shot on the toe it doesn't hurt as much.

Mask - There are several styles and brands of masks. The mask should fit well so there isn't as much shock when you get hit and so they stay on your head when you get run by a forward. You should also make sure that there is enough throat and collarbone protection by using a mask with a longer chin piece (which may get in the way when looking down), a hanging throat guard (which rattles and fogs up and can be annoying), or a neck guard to be worn under the armpads. Don't forget that the most important part of the mask is the paint job.

Stick - The stick is the goalies most important piece of equipment. It should be the proper size so there's not a big six-hole (the spot between the elbow and armpad on the stick side). I think most young goalies use sticks with paddles too big causing a six-hole and the goalie to stand too upright. Hopefully with these tips you can buy equipment that will offer good protection, but more importantly will help you stop more pucks. Colors can also make a difference in having confidence in equipment. Just tell your parents when they don't want to buy new equipment; "look good, feel good, play good" and hopefully they'll come through.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

It's that time of the year when coaches have the task of picking their goaltenders for the upcoming season. What should a coach look for when evaluating a goalie? There are several things to look for and several things that the goalie can do to get noticed. While many of these items may be tough to pick out in a three day tryout, the most important ones should stand out.

Fundamentals - The goalie should have good fundamentals. Proper stance, good efficient skating, proper save selections, quickness, and good angles. In the long run this is the goalie you want. Be careful of the goalie that has to make several "unbelievable" saves. This usually means that the goalie is often out of position. Although athleticism is a trait you want, it is often tough to play consistently over a long period with just reflexes and athleticism.

Quickness/Athleticism - The quicker and more athletic the goalie is the better chance they will have to stop the puck. They will have the ability to get square to the puck faster and will have the movement time to be able to stop the puck. This may seem a bit contradictory to my previous statement about fundamentals, but a quick, athletic goalie may be able to become more fundamentally sound with proper coaching. Just as a slower goalie may be able to become quicker if they work on it. Deciding between the two will have to come down to who stops more pucks at the tryout.

Attitude - This covers a number of things including coachability, work ethic, and ability to get along with teammates. If the goalie thinks they know everything and are not open to any suggestions they will have a difficult time advancing. Even goalies in the N.H.L. learn on a daily basis and are always trying to improve their game. Work ethic is huge; goalies that do not work hard will only make it so far with their natural abilities. Goalies that work their hardest on and off the ice regardless of natural talent will prevail in the long run. Work ethic is also contagious and the other players will often work and play harder if they see that their goalie works hard. As for getting along with teammates; the goalie does not have to be the life of the party, but should be able to get along with teammates to get their respect. This adds to team unity and will help locker-room chemistry which can be a problem at all levels.

Size - With the current trend many coaches think bigger is better. This is not always true. Although a bigger goalie will fill more net than a smaller goalie, this does not mean that they're better and should be chosen. You also have to look at the other skills I talked about such as well as the most important aspect; who stops more pucks.

Mental Toughness - The goalie has the most pressure on the team, if they are not mentally tough they can not carry the weight of the team. The goalie has to be "thick skinned" so they can take responsibility for every goal that goes in; even when they know it wasn't their fault. There is nothing worse than a goalie blaming teammates for goals. It also helps when the goalie gives credit to teammates for any team or individual success. This does not mean that the goalie is not confident. If the goaltender is confident and knows that they're good, they do not have to tell everybody because they already know it too.

Big Game Ability - This could have been classified in mental toughness but I feel this is so important that it needs its own category. You want someone who "rises to the occasion" and not someone who "folds under pressure". Some may think that this would be difficult to see in a three day tryout, but I disagree. If the goaltender was supposed to be good and doesn't play well in a tryout where they know they have to, then that could be some indication of how they play under pressure. Unless you've already seen them play great under pressure several times I would be wary of taking a goalie who claims they had a bad tryout.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

The importance of communication between the goaltender and the rest of the team is often overlooked. This skill can be detrimental to the success of a team. The goalie should be the quarterback of the team because of his view of the ice. He can direct the defense on what to do with puck when there is a heavy fore-check. He can also alert players when there is an open opponent.

Communication between you and your teammates should not be confused with blaming teammates for not picking up a loose man, screening you, or tipping the puck past you accidentally. This will happen regardless of the level you play at. The best way to deal with one of these situations is to not point fingers and take responsibility for the goal; after all it was you that let it in. As hard as this may seem it will be more beneficial in the long run when your teammates play hard for you because they know that you're a team player.

There are some simple ways that you can effectively communicate with your teammates without adding too much complication. By using phrases such as "boards" or "net" you can tell your defensemen which way to turn with the puck so they don't get run over. You can also notify them of open players or if you're screened. Directions should be kept simple because of the crowd noise, speed that plays develop, and because your normally dealing with defensemen.

Between whistles is another place where you can help out your team. You can tell your teammates a tendency that the other team has so they know what to look for. You can even tell where to shoot if your team is having a hard time scoring and you recognize a weakness in the other goalie. This should all be done in a positive manner so it doesn't seem like your criticizing.

You should be aware of your team game plan, breakout, fore-check, and penalty kill to know what to look for to help out your teammates. It also helps to do some research on the team you're playing against to know who the scorers are or find out what type of team you're playing against. You should be communicating both on and off the ice to improve team play and get maximum results from yourself and your teammates.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

Confidence can be one of the most effective tools a goaltender can possess. High confidence can make a good goalie great. On the other hand low confidence can make a great goalie average or worse. Goalies are unique characters. I've seen this with almost every goalie I have played or worked with the past 15 years, including myself.

So how can a coach improve a goalies confidence? That's not always so easy. The coach must have a grasp on the type of personality that the goalie has. Some goalies play better when yelled at, most play worse. By the coach simply saying, "play with confidence" will not miraculously give the goalie some added confidence. That's like telling the goalie to control their rebounds or don't let in any more goals. The goalie already knows they should control rebounds and don't want to give up goals, but they need to know how.

Here are some steps the coach can take when they sense their goalie is lacking confidence. Positive feedback can go a long way, especially after a bad game. Most goalies are harder on themselves then the coaches are and telling them they had a bad game is like telling Al MacInnis he has hard slap shot. It's not always what you say to the goalie but how you say it. If they were having some problems tell them a positive, then a negative, and end with another positive. This way the goalie knows what they can work on and still leave the rink with some dignity. Other ways could be to develop some drills in practice that the goalie is good at or gives them a chance for success. 3 on 0 drills are probably not the best idea.

Here are some ways goalies can help themselves if they are low on confidence. Practice harder, stay on the ice longer, and work hard off the ice. If the goalie knows they are well prepared they will have an added boost of confidence. Another way is for the goalie to be "thick-skinned". They cannot get rattled after every coach's comment or after every time they give up a goal. Goalies are going to give up goals and coaches will be mad, so the goalie should realize this and no matter how bad they had been playing they should focus on each shot. Remember goalies, the success of the team rests on your shoulders; you have to forget about the past and move on to the future.

Every goalie is different and some play better when yelled at and some roll over. It's the coach's job to figure out what type of goalie they have and what should be done to get the goalie back on their game. Hopefully coaches will take this into consideration the next time they think about yelling at a goalie during the game or playing musical goalies after every soft goal.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

Consistency is what every coach is looking for in their goaltender. They want them to make all of the routine saves and the big save at key times. Giving up a soft goal at a crucial part of the game will deflate the team. So how can the goaltender become more consistent? There are several steps goalies can take to improve their play and avoid having mental lapses leading to soft goals.

Practice Like You Play - Every practice should be viewed as if it was a game. Experimenting with a new skill is good for long term advancement, but should not be confused with a lack of concentration or seriousness. Many goalies fool around and try to make diving saves and unnecessary poke checks just to have fun in practice. This is a waste of time and leads to bad habits. Proper angles, save selections, recovery, and crease skating should be worked on every practice at every level. This will improve muscle memory and so the save is automatic during a game. It also eliminates getting caught "in between saves". Goalies should also hate to give up goals in practice. They don't have to break sticks every time they do, but should use it as motivation to try harder on the next shot. Don't be a spectator and watch the puck go in without attempting to save it.

Work Ethic - Everyone knows the importance of hard work for improvement. Goalies should work themselves as hard as they possibly can. Cutting corners and cheating drills in practice will show up in the long run. I've coached many goalies that work themselves to the point of exhaustion. It's no coincidence that they're the ones that improved the most in the shortest amount of time. Make the most out of the ice time by practicing crease drills when the play is in the other end during practices. Coaches can't always design practices where the goalies get a lot of work so goalies have to learn to work on their own.

Game Preparation - Find a routine that works. At the college and pro level players normally have the same ritual every game day. This helps to get in the right mindset. Most pro players will eat a pasta or rice dinner earlier in the day, take a nap, shower, have a snack, and arrive at the rink early to prepare equipment, warm up and stretch, and get treatment if needed. For youth players you will probably not have the option to prepare this way so will have to find another way to prepare consistently. Finding the right snack that doesn't upset your stomach, warming up with a tennis or soccer ball, stretching in the locker room, listening to enjoyable music, and mentally visualizing situations where you make the save are all things that even youth players can do to better prepare themselves.

There are several ways to become more consistent. By working your absolute hardest at every practice on not only making the save, but on proper technique and controlling rebounds you will become more consistent. Game preparation does not start when the puck drops; it should begin with mental visualization the night before and continue with a positive and confident mindset until game time. Don't be known as just a practice player, be considered a gamer.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

Goaltending today is much more complicated than simply stopping the puck. Sure that's the bottom line, but you need the physical, mental, and emotional skills to do it consistently and effectively. There are several pieces of the puzzle that have to be in place in order to be a top notch goaltender.

Physical Skills - These can be taught, reinforced, and repeated to achieve the proper muscle memory. Most young goalies want to see pucks all the time and think that's the only way to improve. Without the proper fundamentals a goalie's reflexes and anticipation will only carry them so far. Skating, save selections, and recovery can be improved at every level. Many older N.H.L. goalies are lacking in these departments and are starting to be beat out by younger goalies who have been training in the latest techniques from a young age. Be a perfectionist with your crease movements, butterfly's, butterfly slides, and recovery. You can always get more efficient, learn to fill more net, and improve quickness. Full speed proper repetition is the key with the addition of ice training and flexibility.

Mental Skills - This is often gained through trial and error with experience. It can also be improved by awareness. During practice be aware of the shooter's body language, when he stops moving his feet, and what hand shot he is. Is he far enough away from you so he can put the puck over you if you butterfly? Are you paddling down on a long shot? Is there someone on the back door for a pass or rebound? Have you readjusted to a change in puck angle? Can you use a reacting save or do you have to use a blocking save? These are things that the goalie must realize. Work on them in practice so they become automatic in the game. Don't mindlessly stop pucks in practice. Focus on your position, using the proper save selection, directing the puck where you want it, and recovering with the correct leg.

Emotional Skills - Do you give 100% every day on and off the ice? Do you play well in big games? Most of this cannot be taught, but realization that there are other goalies working harder out there can sometimes lead to self motivation. Preparation leads to confidence. Confidence leads to more consistent play. Consistent play leads to moving up the ranks.

As everybody knows goalies are getting better and smarter. Why else do they want to make the nets bigger, stop goalies from playing the puck, and make the equipment smaller? They haven't gotten better by accident; they have been training with the proper techniques which are making them better. There will continue to be a trend of younger goalies taking veteran spots in the N.H.L because they have been getting better coaching from an earlier age.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

Over the past 10 years or so of working with goalies from mite through elite high school I have noticed some common problems with positioning. First of all goalies tend to play too deep in the net. When a goalie drops too early and gets beat up high it is often because they are simply too deep in the net. If they dropped but were out farther they would often make the save off the shoulder. The second tendency I have noticed is that the goalies may start out far enough but panic when the shooter comes down and they back themselves right into the net. This is especially common on breakaways. The third common problem is the goalie "arrives late" for the shot which causes them to sprawl to make a save disregarding all fundamentals they have been taught. In my mind this is caused by a lack of anticipation and goalies having dull skates that causes them to slip when they push and slide when they try to get set.

How do we correct these problems? Usually goalies play too deep because they are afraid off a back door pass or they "get lost" with where they are in the net. A good drill is to have the goalie follow you as stickhandle around the zone. When you come at them they should back up slightly (not too fast or too deep). When you go out high they should come out farther. Remember on bad angles goalies do not have to come out as far. Whenever their angle is off stop and have them get into the right position.

For the problem of backing in to early have goalies come out extra far and tell them when to start backing up. On a breakaway they should be moving backward at about the top of the crease when the player is ready to shoot or deke. If the player shoots they have a good angle and if the player dekes they have momentum to push across in a 1/4 turn half butterfly diagonally across the crease. A goalie should never let a player score a goal from inside the crease.

For anticipation the goalie should be aware of where opposing players are on the ice. Goalies are often taught to watch the puck at all times. This would be like playing with blinders on. When a pass is coming the goalie should glance ahead of the puck to see where the intended target is and then refocus on the puck. This way they know when to expect a one-timer or maybe even a pass back. The player's body language will determine what he wants to do with it.

The days of dull skates are over. Goalies are getting skates sharpened deeper and deeper. This way they can push hard and stop quick to be ready for the shot. Goalies may struggle shuffling initially with sharp skates, but as they used to it and their legs get stronger they will get much quicker. A good starting point is to get skates sharpened at 1/2" hollow. As goalies are used to this they can go deeper like 3/8" or 1/4" when they are really advanced. For the record 1" is flat and 3/4" is a slight hollow. With the sharp skates the goalie can get in the right place at the right time to make the save.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

Goalies have to be quick, flexible, have the ability to get their pads down in all situations with no holes, and recover quickly with the correct leg to maximize their efficiency and consistency. To improve all of these items the goaltender must have the proper training regimen including: proper repetitions performed at FULL SPEED, proper technique when performing the skill, flexibility work everyday regardless if there is a practice or not, and work ethic which comes from inside and can not be taught. Goalies have to work hard everyday regardless of who is watching them. Full and half butterfly slides are a skill that no goalie can be successful without.

There is a time and place for every save technique. The same save is not going to work in every situation. Goalies have to have the skills to use a full and half butterfly. Avoid being a one-dimensional goalie. There are many goalies that only use a full butterfly. Here are a few problems of goalies that do not use a half butterfly as well. 1) They do not react to pucks shot in the low corners; they just drop and unless they're at least 6 feet tall and wear 38" pads they are not going to be able to reach those pucks. 2) They cannot control rebounds as well because pucks shot to the corners if stopped are usually saved with the toe instead of the shin causing a rebound. 3) Their range is reduced because with a full butterfly the ability to drop off center and into the puck is eliminated unless the goalie slides.

Full butterfly's work well when the puck is shot low and right at you. They work well in traffic when you can't see the puck. They also work good when used on a blocking save such as a one timer in tight, where you would not be able to react to the puck. Half butterfly's are more versatile and quicker and can be used in all situations. Here are some good tips to use when performing half butterflies: 1) drop both knees to the ice hard. 2) Keep support leg under body so you have more range to react to the puck with the lead leg. 3) Drop off center and into the puck 4) When performing a pushing save bring your back leg with you. 4) Make sure there are no holes and you keep your stick between your legs.

There is often controversy on what leg to recover with. Some prefer recovering with the leg the save is made with and some prefer a back leg recovery. So which is the right way? The answer is it depends on the situation and the goaltender. You want to make sure you fill as much net as possible when recovering. You also want to get square to the puck immediately. If the rebound is right in the middle you should recover with both legs at a time, that's easy to decide, but more difficult to perform for a young goalie. This skill can easily be worked on in the basement with pads (I recommend having 100 for breakfast every morning before school). If the rebound is close to the leg that made the save I prefer a back leg push (while leaving the front pad down) into the rebound if there is going to be a shot. If the rebound is farther out I think it is quicker to recover with the leg that made the save and get square in one step. The biggest problem young goalies have is recovering with the same leg no matter where the puck is which will open up net when it's with the wrong leg. To be a complete goalie you have to have the ability to perform full and half butterflies, as well as recover with either leg depending on the situation. React to the puck and control rebounds instead of just blocking it.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

Staying focused can be one of the hardest aspects of goaltending. Especially in those games where you have under 20 shots or things just aren't going well. Although those low shot games can be tough, they still need to be played well. Look at Martin Brodeur; he rarely sees a lot of shots, but stills plays well almost every night. There are some ways to keep focus during a game regardless of how many shots you have faced, or how many goals you have given up.

Staying Positive - This can seem ridiculous when you can't stop a beach ball, but some games just weren't meant to be. It's happened to every goalie at every level, and will continue to happen. What can you do about it? Some games you almost have to laugh off. Not saying you should be content with giving up goals, but you can't beat yourself up about one bad game. The most important thing to consider after one of these games is how you're going to play the next game. Play well and it's forgotten, play poorly again and your relegated to bench duty.

Staying Sharp - If it's a low shot game you have to do something to maintain your focus. Mental visualization is huge. You have to imagine yourself having success and believe in it. If not it's pointless. While the play is in the other end do some crease drills and stretching to stay loose. Imagine yourself making the next save. Focus on the puck and the release, watch it all the way to your body, and use the proper save selection to make the save. Don't allow your mind to wander by thinking about the who's in the stands, how many goals you have allowed, or what your coach is thinking if you gave up a soft goal.

Stay Involved - Communicating with teammates about tendencies of the other team will keep you in the game. You should also continue to "direct traffic" while the play is in your end. Some goalies either fall asleep in a low shot game or get frustrated when they're having a bad game. Regardless of how the game is going you must support your teammates to make life easier on them. Be a rock and don't get fazed by the crowd, opponents, or your teammates.

Maintain Composure - Do not show you're frustration if you're having a bad game and don't get too high if you're having a great game. Showing you're frustrated will give the other team more confidence and will cause your team to panic. If you start showboating after a great save you're going to motivate the other team to work harder to score. Maintain an even keel no matter the score or how you're playing.

Off-Ice Activities - There are things that can be done off the ice to improve your focus on the ice. Mental visualization which I talk about a lot should be practiced daily. To get the full effect you must place yourself in the game situation by hearing the crowd noise, feeling your adrenaline pumping, and even feeling the sweat drip down your face. The more realistic you can make your mental visualization activity the more effect it will have. Meditation tapes can also be successful to help you get in the right frame of mind. Even reading books will help you to maintain focus throughout the entire game to avoid giving up soft goals.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

The NHL will have a new look this year developed to create more scoring. There will be less hooking, holding, interference, and the ice will be opened up without the use of the redline. There will also be a larger offensive zone. The goalies will also have to adapt to increased offensive chances, smaller equipment, more power plays (especially in the early part of the season) and less ability to handle the puck. Goalies will have to adapt.

I had the privilege to skate with the NHL referees at their training camp recently and although we weren't required to wear 11" pads, we could not play the puck in the corners and faced several power plays and odd man rushes. The pace of the game was fast and wide open without the extra stick work. I think the same will happen in the NHL this season. On a side note I would also like to add that NHL referees are a class act and take their job very seriously. The league has done a great job choosing the right people for the job, who are always in a high pressure situation critiqued by fans, players, and media.

Some goalies will have no problem with the transition. If they can skate well, have good fundamentals, and have the ability to read and react they may not notice much of a difference. The pad width difference of 1 inch will be different, but most of the concern is in the tapered look of tight jerseys coupled with smaller pants, arm pads, and gloves. Goalies who excel at handling the puck will suffer when they can't go to the corner to clear a puck. The biggest concern will be with goalies who are predominantly "puck blockers". The smaller equipment may hurt their ability to play percentages and butterfly on most plays utilizing their size and net coverage with larger equipment.

Only time will tell what the difference will be. Goalies are smart and are always looking for an edge. I don't think stand up goaltending will come back into the picture, but I think there will be an increased need for the goalie to be athletic and use a little more "reacting" saves compared to "blocking" saves. Size will still be important, but goalies that relied solely on size and equipment will have to alter their game to become more mobile.

Youth goalies will not have limitations on their equipment, but should not try and go overboard with large equipment, because if their goal is to make the NHL they would have to readjust to the smaller equipment. They should continue to work on proper skating, quickness, and save selections to be agile in the net. Blocking techniques should continue to be practiced, but the goalie should focus on release of puck more to react when time permits.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.

Goalies need quick reflexes, good balance, coordination, agility, and the ability to contort their bodies in unbelievable positions. With the expensive costs of ice-time, off-ice training is detrimental to improving young goalies physical skills. So what kind of activities should goalies be doing?

Explosive training - Goalies have to be explosive when moving up and down, side-to-side, and forward and backward. I think the best way to improve fast twitch muscle fiber response and muscle memory is to strap on the pads in the basement and practice proper save selections and recovery at full speed. To add some reflex and coordination work, throw a tennis ball off the wall and concentrate on proper save technique when making the saves. Other good explosive training activities are performing a variety of jumps (vertical, lateral, horizontal), jumping rope, and short sprints. These activities will make a goalie more explosive so they can "arrive early" to be in better position to make the save.

Resistance training - Goalies wear big and heavy equipment so they have to be strong enough to carry that extra weight. Goalies younger than fourteen should be doing pushups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, and stomach crunches all without weight. Older goalies can begin using weight concentrating mostly on legs, but still adding some toning exercises for their upper body to cut down on their percentage of body fat. Wrist curls with weight or squeezing a tennis ball will improve forearm strength to make handling the puck easier.

Coordination and reflex training - There are several activities goalies can be doing to improve coordination. Playing a variety of sports especially soccer, baseball, and all racquet sports will help improve coordination. agility, and reflexes. Video games are another good way to improve coordination and reflexes. Juggling and bouncing racquetballs off a wall is a good way to improve coordination when goalies are alone.

Flexibility - This could be the most important part of a goaltenders off-ice regimen. In today's game goalies have to be able to get their pads down while covering a majority of the bottom of the net. Goalies should be stretching for at least a half an hour a day focusing on groin, hip, and hamstring flexibility. Make sure that the goalies warm-up with a 5-minute jog before stretching to avoid muscle strains and maximize stretching gains. Goalies should not bounce and should be holding stretches for 10-30 seconds depending on their level of conditioning. A great time to stretch is when watching TV. A partner can be added to help the goalie stretch even further.

Off-ice training can be as effective as the goalie wants it to be. With hard work and determination any goalie can take their game to the next level.

For more information on private goaltender training or any other goaltending concerns call Bob @ (716) 308-9224 or email bjanny76@yahoo.com.