Switching To Goalie

[GBaschski]

Yesterday night at practice, we were doing a full field scrimmage, and I picked up a ground ball at about the midfield line, and hit a fastbreak down the field. I had a couple guys trying to guard me, and I was running full speed. All of the sudden, as I stepped and put weight on my right foot, a searing pain ran up the right side and back of my calf. I don't really know what I did, but I know that I'm limping around when I walk, and I know that I definitely can't run the way I need to as a first line middie.
Disregarding my injury, I'm thinking about switching to play goalie for my team, since it doesn't require running around like center middie does. I love the position, and I played a bit in the offseason, but I didn't invest the time I needed to excel at the position. Our current goalie is mediocre, and, goalie skills aside, I'm a much better athlete than he is. Playing goalie, I wouldn't screw up my leg anymore and I could try out the position I love.
I'm good with moving the stick up to the ball and what not...the only problem I have is that I'm not used to getting balls flung directly at me at 50-60 mph. It's in my natural instinct to duck my head and get the heck out of the way. What would you seasoned goalies suggest to help me get out of this instinct and ready to stand and take it as I'm getting shot at?
Also, where can I get the cheapest throat guard and chest protector possible?

[waxon]

After you get hit the first time, you just learn to take it. Earlier in the season I switched from attack to goalie. I enjoyed it alot, but just switched back because I know I am not going to get any good time until maybe my senior year. Honestly I wish I could've stuck with it.

[nemesis562]

yeah i just started playing lacrosse this year and spent 5 months learning defense before the season started. i had my spot on varsity but are team was really lacking a goalie so i decided to step up. when you get pegged it hurts, but when your in the game and you see the ball fly off your shin, your happy becuase the ball didnt go in. your not thinking about the pain. just my 2 cents

[lax save man]

wat i would tell you to do is first get sout on alot. 40 to 50 times a day is not too much but still good. or you could pull a happy gilmor and go to the batting cage and break your self in that way. hahaha just playing dont do that.

[laxkeepermem]

i know, i know...girls shots dont come as hard as guys shots do...but that doesnt mean it still doesnt hurt. anyway...just think. when playing goalie, the only thing that could cause you any pain is the ball, not so much any other field players. the ball is so small compared to them, and nemisis has it right...when you see the ball going in any other direction besides your goal, and you made it go that way, you're happy as hell and not worrying about the pain. you dont really even feel it for a bit. another little thing that ive come to notice...the shots can bruise you. they cant hurt you.
i do this exercise as part of my warmup...i put my stick down and my hands behind my back and i get someone to shoot lightly on me. my only job is to get my body to split the ball. that way, you make sure you have you're body positioning down and you've already taken some shots to your body.
anyway...sry if that was kinda long. seems like, from what you've said, youll have no problem beating out the other goalie...just remember, the ball is not your enemy. its your best friend, man! its the little guy who's gonna help you make the crazy saves! welcome the little sucker with open arms!
hope that helped a lil bit
--mary

[GBaschski]

Hah, thanks for the help mem...Ironically, however, we had a big game on Thursday, and my coach played me at middie, injury or not, and I ended up playing one of the best middie games of my life, playing a lot better than anyone else on our team. And I schmoked a city select player.
My leg was killing me afterwards, but we played a tournament today and I was doing pretty good out there too, playing attack, middie and long pole middie.
I've wanted to play goalie since the winter season, but I've spent so much time practicing as a middie and putting so much effort into it this season, which is already half way over. I would love to play goalie, but I know that, unless our goalie gets injured, my coach won't let me. Besides, I feel that if I don't play goalie a lot for the remainder of this season, I won't have enough experience to beat out the other guys trying out next year.
Thanks for the help though, guys, but it looks like Basch is staying as a middie for now.

[laxkeepermem]

heyy congrats man. hope your leg gets better soon. do you know whats wrong with it yet?