Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Generic Pre Ice Preparation for Goaltenders


Generic Pre Ice Preparation for Goaltenders

Practice

You must arrive with enough time to conformably dress, complete this routine and be ready to play. Begin by putting on all gear BELOW the waist. This must be done by yourself with the possible exception of skate tightening.




For younger ages, parents should not be present once dressing is complete.


For older (over 12) ages, parents should not be present unless tightening skates.


15 minutes prior to ice time, goalie(s) should begin their 10 minute pre ice stretching routine. If 2 goalies are present, they should mirror and encourage each other during drills.


Once stretching routine is complete, put on C/A, throat guard, mask and gloves. The next 2 to 4 minutes should be spent focusing on clearing your head and focusing on your job and technique. Listen to the coaches ‘plan’ and hit the ice. Do a quick stretching routine, on the ice, BEFORE stopping any shots.


Remember, work at YOUR own pace, focus on every 2nd or 3rd shot, and make them YOUR saves. If players are shooting high or making dekes, just ignore them and let them score or skate by.

Games

You must arrive in enough time to properly dress, prepare for the game, focus and stretch fully. This is usually 30 – 45 minutes before game time. If you are a social person, the first 10 – 15 minutes will usually be spent ‘hanging out’. Parents should not be present at this time. Goaltenders may want to dress slowly or just be in the room at this time.


30 minutes prior to game time, start dressing, if not already started. Begin by putting on all gear below the waist. This must be done by yourself with the possible exception of skate tightening.
Parents should NOT be present from this point on.



20 minutes prior to ice time, both (if 2) goalies should begin their 10 minute stretching routine. If 2, one mirrors and encourages the other. (Possible team rule – if stretching is not completed on time, goalie will not play that game).



Once stretching is complete, put on the remaining gear and spend 2 to 7 minutes clearing your head and focusing on the game, technique and visualization, you must be mentally ready to play.



Listen to the coach’s game plan and lead your team onto the ice.



Do a quick stretching routine on the ice, BEFORE stopping any shots.



Stop enough shots to be comfortable with the ‘feel’ of the puck.



If players are shooting high or making dekes, just ignore them and let them score or skate by. This is YOUR warm up. (Possible team rule – if players are trying to score or shooting at the head, fine or bench them)

If NOT Starting



Take warm up shots against the boards in the centre ice area or alternate with your partner in the net.


Be a cheerleader on the bench



If in a ‘split’ situation. Watch the clock and be ready to enter the game ½ way. (Possible team rule – do NOT switch if a goalie has a shutout) (Goalies from 8 or 9 years old, should be playing full games)



You must stretch at least 5 minutes on the bench, before entering at mid game. If immediately placed into the game, you must quickly stretch on the ice as play is in progress.



Keep your mind in the game at all times, you may be entering the game at any second, be ready and focused.



Things to Remember



A coach may ‘pull’ you at any time. Do not take it personally.



Often it may be just for a few seconds to discuss a situation or problem or even to get the team a rest.



The coach may just want to slow the game down.



It may be because the team needs a ‘shakeup’



Occasionally you may be having an ‘off’ game. Forget it and relax, it happens. Learn from your situation and move on.



Try to keep track (written is good) of goals that you let in. See if a pattern develops. This will help show you what to work harder on in practice.



NEVER, slam your stick or blame anyone for a goal. If a goal goes in, think about it for 5 seconds, analyze why it went in, and then forget bout it, until after the game. After the game re analyze WHY you were scored on and try to learn from it and improve because of what you will have learned.



Remember, even a perfect play by YOU can still result in a goal against you. You can’t and won’t stop every shot!!



It is a game, have fun and enjoy it, even if you lose. The world won’t change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pre Ice Stretching



3 sets of each stretch, alternating sides
Hamstring and groin – toes up
Hamstring and groin – toes down
Back stretch – do not over extend
Arm rotations
Neck stretch (left, right, forward – NOT back)
Pelvis and hip rotations
Skate on bench, knee down
Splits (do not overextend)
Squats
Knee bend against wall
Toe touches
Add your own

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

i like to get to the rink about an hour before we play so I can take my time dressing and relax. Being 53 it takes us old guys a little longer. As far as stretching, I like the way they have it it this article.

...Bruno...