The 5 Things EVERY Goalie Needs To Do | Pro Goalie Advice

Summary

Dr. Jamie Phillips, a former professional goalie and physical therapist, shares five essential tips for aspiring goalies hoping to make it to the NHL. These tips include finding a great coach, hitting the gym to build strength, watching full hockey games to improve hockey IQ, auditing your own performance through game footage, and getting your eyes checked to improve tracking. Dr. Phillips emphasizes the importance of being proactive in your development and using expert guidance to maximize your potential as a goalie. For more actionable advice, he offers a 30-day tip guide for improving your game.

Takeaways

• 😀 Find a coach who can help guide you through your development. Coaches are essential in speeding up your growth as a goalie.
• 😀 Skating with multiple goalie coaches at first is beneficial. Different coaches offer different perspectives, and you can find who suits you best.
• 😀 For goalies 13 and older, hitting the gym is crucial. Building strength, speed, and power is key to becoming a better athlete and a more resilient goalie.
• 😀 Watch full games (NHL, AHL, junior leagues) to improve your hockey IQ. Don't rely on highlights; study the game in-depth.
• 😀 Audit your own performance by reviewing footage and assessing where you can improve, like your strengths and weaknesses. Being critical of your own game is vital.
• 😀 Goalies in leagues without a dedicated goalie coach must be their own coach, learning how to self-assess and adjust their game.
• 😀 Tracking the puck is a fundamental skill for goalies. If you struggle with it, consider getting your eyes checked by a sports optometrist.
• 😀 Get your eyes checked regularly. Visual deficiencies can affect your performance, and addressing them early can improve your game significantly.
• 😀 Many goalies overlook the importance of vision training. Seeing a specialist can fix issues like tunnel vision or poor depth perception.
• 😀 If you're struggling with tracking, don't ignore it. Vision therapy from an expert can help you regain better puck tracking and overall performance.

Q & A

Why is finding a coach so important for goalies?

A coach provides essential guidance and feedback, helping you navigate your development as a goalie. Coaches can help you skip the trial-and-error process by sharing their expertise, allowing you to improve more efficiently. Whether in person or remotely, their input is crucial for skill development.

Is it okay for goalies to train with different coaches?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine, especially when you're starting out. Training with various coaches allows you to find the right fit for your learning style and helps you get different perspectives on your game. It’s important to occasionally skate with new coaches to get fresh feedback.

What is the main benefit of hitting the gym for a goalie?

Hitting the gym helps you build strength, which is critical for resilience, injury prevention, and overall performance. A strong, well-conditioned body enables you to make quick, explosive movements and endure the physical demands of goaltending.

What’s the role of athletic development in a young goalie’s career?

For younger goalies, playing multiple sports is key to developing a broad range of athletic skills. Athletic development at an early age lays the foundation for becoming a well-rounded, strong athlete, which is critical for success in goaltending as you progress.

Why is watching full games important for goalies?

Watching full games, not just highlight clips, helps goalies develop their hockey IQ. By observing how plays unfold, understanding team strategies, and analyzing positioning, goalies can improve their decision-making, anticipation, and overall understanding of the game.

What is the biggest issue with relying on TikTok or condensed game highlights?

Relying on TikTok highlights or condensed games doesn't give you the full picture. These formats skip over the important details of play development and the nuances of positioning and strategy, which are critical for improving your game as a goalie.

What does it mean to audit your game as a goalie?

Auditing your game means reviewing your performance critically. By rewatching footage, identifying areas where you struggle or excel, and analyzing your statistics (e.g., save percentage), you can pinpoint areas for improvement and adjust your training or approach accordingly.

How can a coach help with auditing a goalie’s game?

A coach can offer an outside perspective on your performance, helping you spot weaknesses you might miss. They can analyze your game, suggest adjustments, and provide actionable feedback to enhance your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

Why is tracking the puck so important for goalies?

Puck tracking is one of the most crucial skills for a goalie. The ability to track the puck accurately enables you to react faster and make more precise saves. Even if you’re weak in other areas, strong tracking can help mask those deficiencies and improve your overall performance.

What is the benefit of getting your eyes checked as a goalie?

Getting your eyes checked can help identify vision deficiencies that may be affecting your ability to track the puck. Poor vision can lead to difficulties like tunnel vision or depth perception issues. Correcting these problems with the help of a specialist can significantly enhance a goalie’s performance.