Need some help - my son's first time in goal this weekend.

[Drew'sDad]

Guys,

My son (9 years old) will be in net for the first time this weekend for his team's indoor league. He's never even practiced at goalie before. I'm hoping you guys can give me few things (maybe 3 to 5) I can work with him on before hand and he should remember during the game. The more basic the better.

Thanks

[akalata]

A few things.
1. Stepping to the ball. It cuts down the angle on the shot.
2. Playing correct angles. Enables him to look big in the cage, and it makes like there is less of the net to shoot at.
3. Not stepping away from the ball. Throw tennis balls at him and have him step.
4. Don't let him get down on himself. If he gets scored on, big deal, it happens to the best of us. Tell him it isnt the worst thing that could happen and encourage him as much as possible.

[marleydog]

just roll along with it :-) no pressure

[BCGoalie56]

you say indoor league? he won't have to move around as much as field lacrosse, but playing box goalie is still tough.
Tell him to think big, constantly think big.
Also as a box goalie, it's very important to be quick, weight training will help this, and quick hands are a must.

[kgoal95]

Is it Box or just indoors if it's indoors he should get some shin pads just so hes not scared of the ball work on stepping to the ball and last but not least PASSING with a goalie stick!

[Drew'sDad]

8 on 8 indoor, no bounce ball with full size goals.

Thanks for the help so far. Lots of good stuff.

[kgoal95]

8 on 8 indoor, no bounce ball with full size goals.

Thanks for the help so far. Lots of good stuff.

No bounce balls acually are stiffer and hurt alot more than regular balls.

[kingwolf]

you say indoor league? he won't have to move around as much as field lacrosse, but playing box goalie is still tough.
Tell him to think big, constantly think big.
Also as a box goalie, it's very important to be quick, weight training will help this, and quick hands are a must.

while these are some good points this kid is nine and probably playing goalie because he is needed dont talk about weight training. Besides that stepping to the ball constantly,walking the line would help alot maybe shoot on him with tennis balls so he gets his confidence up. Goalie is a mental position so cheer your son on when he does something good. Finally clearing and passing will be very important no reason to cause unforced errors

[Laxer317]

i haven't read all the previous posts, but make sure he knows not to let the results of his ability discourage him. playing indoor is impossible for me, and it looks as though i suck everytime i step into the box, but the lighting's off for goalies, plus a myriad of other factors that make it an especially difficult time for the goalie. also, considering he hasnt even practiced and i still suck indoor (this is my fourth and final year on varsity), it'll probably be that much tougher..

[montylax6]

Definetly work on stepping to the ball. That's one of the most important things. Also work on positioning. There should be 5-6 positions around the goal (more if you are young). First and last are with your body agaist the pipe. The rest are just a small step to either side. With good positioning goalie is a lot easier.

[ATK.19.90]

No bounce balls acually are stiffer and hurt alot more than regular balls.

Don't tell him that, if he's only 9.