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Goalie Commandments

Philosophy of Youth Hockey

Hockey Parents Make a Difference

 

THE MIND
A goalie’s psychology is the most important aspect of playing and training the position. But yet, it is by far, the most overlooked. A goalie may smile at success, but cries internally or externally from failure. It is common to feel like the world, or game, is on their shoulders. In addition, a goalie can get psyched up and lead a team to victory, or psyched out and lead a team to defeat.

You can find virtually zillions of books and videos on goalie physical training, but very few on goalie psychology. Ian McDonnell’s Technogoaltending series Vol. 2 “Psyche-up/Shut Out” is an excellent place to start. I used his series the first year that I embarked on training my son as a goalie. It helped him to find his zone, learn how to deal with goals scored on him, and many other physiological techniques. And, just like the physical portion of training, the psychological end must be constant. The material was reinforced at practices, games and at home. It makes for good reading material at night before the goaltender goes to bed.

Of all the positions, a goalie can be most influenced by his psyche. It is very important that a young goaltender learn to find his zone. It is equally important that the coach/parent learns how to help get the player into his/her zone and psyche both before and during games. Each goaltender has a different set of buttons that must be pushed to get them playing at an optimal mental level. Sometimes the goalie simply can not get into his/her zone. When this occurs, if there is no back up goalie, the coach must assist the goaltender to get through the game both physically and mentally. This can only be accomplished if the coach knows the goalie’s physiological buttons and can get the team to compensate, without them knowing, for the goalies off day.

The goalie must be able to perform the mental skills, like the physical skills, instinctively. In addition, another positive offshoot of learning goalie physiology is that many of the techniques apply to everyday life, school and eventually business work ethics.

KNOW YOUR NET
A goalie must learn to have eyes behind their head to locate the goal at all times. This can be accomplished with many different drills & techniques. The one golden rule is that the goalie find the net with their stick or glove every time they leave it. A net finding drill should be incorporated into every practice. In addition, before the start of every game the goalie should ritually perform a net location sequence to determine where the net is in relation to the ice surface. Every rink is different and the goalie needs to size up the rink in relationship to the net.

READY, READ, REACT, RECOVER, REPOSITION
The fives “R's" from Ian McDonnell’s Technogoaltending Vol. 1 “Cobra In The Crease”. (Self explanatory)

GOAL SCORED - ANALIZE AND FORGET
“If I get scored upon by a bad goal, or any goal, right before the next face-off I visualize the goal. Then I visualize what I should do instead and it takes about 20 seconds. After that I forget about it right away.” - Dominic Roussel. Paraphrased in a mite/squirts terms (from my son’s eight year old mouth), “Think about it for 20 seconds, and think what you did wrong so it doesn’t happen again; and, after the 20 seconds, you stop thinking about it like it never happened.”

CROSSTRAINING
Goaltending uses every mental and physical part of the anatomy to its absolute fullest potential. However, if a goalie were to practice - in goal -12 months a year, they would burn out from the intensive pressure. Therefore, participating in other sports is both essential and beneficial. Read the article from Tony Raffo for more information on this subject.

REST
The goalie position, again, is very demanding both mentally and physically. The goalie needs both mental and physical rest in several forms. A good nights sleep before the game or practice. Rest after playing numerous games consecutively. Rest at the end of the season. Rest when he/she appears mentally or physically exhausted.

STRETCHING and STRENGTH TRAINING
Stretching both on and off the ice should become a regular routine for a goalie. The goalie must become a “Gumby” in the net if they expect to excel. Ignoring stretching, on or off the ice, will also increase their chances of getting hurt. In addition, a goalie must learn to perform splits, half butterflies, etc., and stretching is the key to achieving these skills. There are several books and web sites that can guide you in this area. VERY IMPORTANT, never stretch cold! Always warm up the muscles first.

Strength training is important for all positions, especially goal. But the goalie must move their heavy gear into the most awkward positions & recover to a standing position in split seconds. The stronger the goalie the quicker they can react. Young goalies can do exercise type strength training such as pushups, sit ups, pull ups, squats with light weights etc. See my section on Physical training.

A COACH and TEAM VALUES THE GOALIE AS GOLD
A team who will “dive” for the goalie is a winning team. The coach and team should never, not even once, say a bad word to, or about, a goalie. Of course, the goalie should never be reprimand or insulted by his fellow teammates. Only positive words to a goalie. When a goal is scored against, it is the team’s fault - collectively; Why did the shot even get off? After a goal is scored, only positive remarks to the goalie are allowed like “we’ll get it back”, “I should’ve got that player”, “we let you down”. Even if the goalie is marginal, you should stick by the rule. This positive reinforcement will make your goalie better and make the players perform as one cohesive team. You, as the coach, must set the example and strictly administer this policy.

PRACTICES ARE MORE THAN JUST SHOOTING PRACTICE
Shooting at a goalie is just one of many parts of developing a goalie. A well-balanced practice should consist of the following drills:

• Skating - every practice
• Form and technique - every practice
• Positioning and knowing the net location - every practice
• Psychology - every practice
• Rebounds - every practice
• Passing
• Stick handling
• Playing the puck out of the net
• Goalie shooting the puck
• Game play
• Stopping shots

As indicated, some of the skills should be practiced at each and every practice session. A minute or two is all that is required for the skills which are known well, however, always reinforce them to keep the goalie sharp. No less than ten minutes should be dedicated to skating - no matter what the time allotment is. I incorporate some basic goalie skills with skating to accomplish both tasks at the same time (see the skating drills I have devised to teach skating and positioning at the same time). In addition, the drills must be conducted in a fun and challenging way to get the most out of your goalie. Young goalies do not fully appreciate the concept of practicing hard to reach personnel goals which have been set. For them, that is a concept that has not been fully developed (mentally) yet. Their motivation for practicing hard includes having fun, knowing it will help their team win and also to achieve certain simple, personal achievements. As mentioned in my other sections, the player must leave the ice dripping with sweat and brimming with a smile.

DEDICATED COACH FOR BOTH PRACTICES AND GAMES
The goalie needs a mentor, consoler, motivator, and guide. The goalie, during practices, needs a coach to just watch them as they perform all of their exercises. During games, they require a coach who will watch over their game play, as well as someone to go to for guidance. A dedicated coach fills this position.

HARD SHOTS ON GOALIES
Coaches, please do not take shots on goalies that are harder than the players at their level can. It doesn’t make them tougher or better, just black and blue or broken. Even worse, it may bring tears to their eyes in front of their teammates.

EAGLE EYE / OWL EYE
The two metaphors below help to demonstrate and animate the goalie mind set during a game. It is easy for the players to remember and fun too.

When the puck is in your defensive zone (behind your blue line) the goalie is to have EAGLE EYES. An eagle is a predator with sharp focused vision and able to catch fast moving animals. Goalies keenly observe the fast action in the zone and must catch fast moving pucks.

When the puck is out of the zone (outside the blue line) the goalie is to have OWL EYES. An owl is a wise bird who watches and studies the world around them. When the puck is out of the zone the goalie wisely watches the game constantly observing and trying to anticipate the next play.

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Philosophy of Youth Hockey

Courtesy of  USA Hockey

Enjoyment and recreational benefits are the major focus of new guidelines for youth hockey issued by the Board of Directors, USA Hockey. More than seventy-five percent (75%) of over 29,000 registered teams play in the age classifications 17 or Under, prompting the Youth Council of USA Hockey to emphasize the educational and recreational values of ice hockey.

USA Hockey recommended guidelines for youth hockey encourage a non-competitive environment in which children and youth can learn the basic skills without the distractions that are often associated with an over-emphasis on winning. Mastery of the fundamental skills and the fun of playing are essential to the development of a lifelong interest in hockey. Programs must be conducted to accommodate the number of new players who wish to play hockey and to reduce the number who become disenchanted and drop out.

These voluntary guidelines are directed at children's programs, but adults must implement them if they are to influence youth hockey programs. Coaches, officials, parents, administrators, and rink operators must all do their part to ensure that the USA Hockey philosophy and the following guidelines are upheld:

THROUGH MIDGET AGE

• Team schedules should include at least two practices for every game.
• The recommended maximum number of games per season is:
  (A) 15 games for Mites,
  (B) 20 games for Squirts,
  (C) 30 games for Pee Wees,
  (D) 35 games for Bantams, and
  (E) 45 games for Midgets.
  
• Starting times for games should be no later than:
  Mites and Squirts - 7 p.m.
  Pee Wees - 8 p.m.
  Bantams - 9 p.m.
  Midgets - 10 p.m.
  
• Any practice time scheduled before 3:00 p.m. should be set so that the earliest times are reserved for the older age classifications.
• Scoring records should be de-emphasized at the Mite, Squirt, and Pee Wee classifications.
• Awards should be inexpensive and based on significant achievements. The most gratifying award any player can receive is the joy that comes from skill development that contributes to team success.
• An opportunity to practice and play under the direction of a good coach is the primary prerequisite to skill development. Players should be given ample opportunities to develop to the limits of their potential, regardless of their abilities.
• The recruitment of players, on a wide-spread geographic basis, for the establishment of Youth Division "elite teams", whose purpose is to win games and championships and to satisfy the personal self-interests of adults and organizations, is discouraged.
• It is recommended that adult volunteers place a primary emphasis on the formal education of players, and a de-emphasis on excessive competition and professionalism in the youth age classifications.

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Hockey Parents Make a Difference

Courtesy of  USA Hockey

IN THE STANDS:
Parents can take the fun out of hockey by continually yelling or screaming from the stands. Parents should enjoy the game and applaud all good plays. The stands are not a place from which parents should try to personally coach their kids. Kids often mirror the actions of their parents; if they see mom or dad losing their cool in the stands, they'll probably do the same on the ice.

CAR & HOME:
Some parents not only spoil the fun for their kids at the ice rink, but also in the car, believing this is the perfect place for instruction. Parents should try to keep things in perspective. There's more to life than hockey, and the car and home are not places to coach. Parents are responsible for supporting and respecting the coach's decisions and abilities. It is unfair to put children in a position of having to decide who to listen to - their parents or the coach.

AT PRACTICE:
Parents should remember that if a child wants to improve, they have to practice - not just play. Even if a child is not the "star" player for a team, practice stresses the importance of teamwork, establishing goals, discipline and learning to control your emotions, all of which are important lessons children can use both in and away from sports.

AT THE RINK:
Hockey parents can help create a fun environment by making certain their children are wearing properly fitted equipment. Parents also need to stress fair play and risk management to help eliminate injuries.

INITIATION PROGRAM:
The USA Hockey Initiation Program has been developed to make certain that a child's first experience with hockey is positive, safe and fun. Parents should avoid pressuring or placing unreasonable expectations on their children, particularly at the Initiation Program level. No matter what happens on the ice, children need your support, so always strive to be positive.

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD:
There are many benefits that are derived from playing youth hockey. Boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to work together, how to sacrifice for the good of the team, how to enjoy winning and how to handle defeat. In the process, they also learn important lessons about physical fitness and personal health.

The degree to which your child benefits from his or her youth hockey experience is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. In order for your child to get the most out of a youth hockey program, it is important for you to show support and offer encouragement while maintaining a genuine interest in the team.

ALWAYS BE POSITIVE:
Parents serve as role models for their children, who often look to adults for advice, direction and approval. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model, and strive to be a positive role model. As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is show good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, referees, opponents and teammates.

Remember that your children are PLAYING hockey. It is important to allow them to establish their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards or objectives. The best way to help children achieve goals and reduce their natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. After all, no one likes to make mistakes.

If your child does make a mistake - and they will (remember, they're just kids) - keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of the overall learning process. Strive to be supportive and point out the things they do well. Make your child feel like a winner.

LET THE COACH COACH:
Avoid placing an exaggerated emphasis on winning. A recent survey indicated 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winner. The most important aspect of your child's youth hockey experience is for them to have fun while developing physical and emotional skills that will serve them in life. A healthy, risk-free environment that emphasizes the importance of fair play, sportsmanship, discipline and, most importantly, fun will be invaluable for your child as he or she continues to develop a positive self image.

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