Changing to goalie in HS

[david8072]

I was an attackman and now our school doesn't have enough goalies. So I am changing to goalie this year so I really need some questions answered.

How aggressive should I be?
What are all the rules surrounding goalies? (I didn't really pay attention to them)
what shots will I see most?
How can you read a persons shot?

And if you have any other tips let me know.

[Flaxflax]

Check out the Goalie Forum on this site. Then google "the ball stops here" by Bill Pilat and buy the DVD.

[david8072]

sorry didn't see Goalie Forum

[UDWall]

The biggest thing with being a goalie is style.

You will never find two goalies that play exactly alike.
It takes along time and lots and lots of practice to find your own style that works for you.

The best thing to do is expose yourself to as many different styles as possible and build your own game off of pieces of other player's game.

But to answer your specific questions:
1. A common misconception is the high level of athleticism a good goalie must have. In the beginning of your career i would suggest you play close to your crease. However, as your game progresses you can become much more active on clears and in the physical defense. Who knows, maybe one day you will be able to relive your attack dreams and score a few goals(got a hat trick in one game with a shut-out 2 years ago. It was a good game.)

2. The biggest rule that concerns a goalie is pertaining to the crease. Once you are in possession of the ball and you leave the crease, you cannot enter it again.

3. In high school the majority of the shots you will see are going to be down low. But never anticipate the shot, always react. You will also see a heavy amount of shots coming from within 5 yards, but that really depends on your team.

4. The best advice on this is to just watch the ball. If you can see the ball at all times, you will then see the stick, then the player. Just never take your eye off the ball and you will be able to react to anything.

Also, if i could recommend equipment i would get a brine eraser with 12 diamond mesh and some sort of krypto alloy. I play with a CU31, but they stopped making them. I have a Cascade CPX with a clear neck guard. I am switching from my Warrior Superfreaks to Brine Kings. I have an older model brine chest protector that is very small and very thin. I like to maximize my mobility. Please whatever you do, do not buy any form of goalie pant or any chest protector that covers past your shoulders.

I hope this helps, let me know if i can help you out with anything else....

[laxcagmom]

Go to this site. It real good and full of information: from stringing your head to what to wear & great drills.
www.
lacrosseforum
.com

Almost the same web address as this site but without the "s" on forum.

Good luck!