Son is a goalie

[CrazyKidzInNet]

Hey, My son just started playing goalie in a middle school state league. I've been a Ice hockey coach/ player for years, i don't know a whole lot about LAX. So i need some help in helping him. We've played in 4 games and he is doing well including a shut out. Coaches from other teams have complimented him, saying he is extremely talented. what can i do to help him... practice/ equip/ drills/ anything else? I appreciate any pointers

[CBgoalie8]

theres a thread on drills that will help alot....in practice tell him to just keep getting use to getting hit with a ball cuz its gunna happen alot more...have him work on quickness...foot drills, hand eye coordination drill because your gunna need that alot more once you reach the high school level

[CrazyKidzInNet]

Thanks, I'll work with him on the footwork. His reflexes are good and he is fearless when it comes to getting hit with the ball. We had double header this last weekend and he had 38 saves vs. 8 goals. he has the bruises all over his knees so i put soccer shin pads on him. I know some people look down on it, but i'm a Dr. and he is only 12 years old. No reason to be hammering at his growth plates.

[OldGoalie]

Here's a great website and book to help you:

http://members.aol.com/westonlax/Player.htm
http://members.aol.com/westonlax/book107.htm

Jon's a great resource for both goalies and goalie coaches, and is very helpful by phone and email as well.

[PuLsE_SpEeD]

Thanks, I'll work with him on the footwork. His reflexes are good and he is fearless when it comes to getting hit with the ball. We had double header this last weekend and he had 38 saves vs. 8 goals. he has the bruises all over his knees so i put soccer shin pads on him. I know some people look down on it, but i'm a Dr. and he is only 12 years old. No reason to be hammering at his growth plates.

I know your concerned, but mobility is a big part of being a goalie, personally, i believe that some thick sweatpants offer good protection with significantly improved mobility...your son sounds like he'll be d1 in about six years

[Jjaylax09]

while he is still young enough to learn things correctly, and has not picked up many bad habits yet (hopefully) now is the time to sculpt him into a great goalie... dont be daunted by the way that sounds, because it is the little, simple things that make a great goalie...

start him off in a routine of just a few steps:

1.) playing angles... he needs to become extremely comfortable in the cage and must know it like the back of his hand... you can start by setting up cones on his arc (above and below) and while you rotate around the cage make sure he is staying between the cones

2.) Stepping to the ball... one of the most underdeveloped aspects of goaltending IMO and yet one of the most vital to stopping the shot... take a bucket of tennis balls with you and tell him to drop his stick in the net... then start throwing the tennis balls at the corners, and forcing him to step to the ball and block it with his hands... you can then step this up by having him hold just a shaft (no head on it) and repeating the process and then finally stepping it up to a full stick and shooting with lacrosse balls

3.) Stick placement on saves.... teach him the pendulum, and make him go through the motion 1001 times.... then have him stand in goal as you call out a shot placement (ie "top right") he must get his stick (and therefore his body) into position.

4.) Talking... teach him to be vocal because communication is the key to a productive defense... the calls should be so automatic that he doesnt have to think about them in a game... this will come from simple reinforcement from you... "talk" is all you should have to say to get him to start chattering

5.) Passing and Catching... repetition is the mother of preparedness and he must be prepared to make any throw/catch at any time... teach him that the wall is his best friend and he should spend 30 minutes to an hour a day throwing and catching with BOTH hands (a goalie that can throw and catch with both hands can be deadly on clears)

6.) Vision... vision cannot be taught, it can however be learned... immerse him in lacrosse, go to games (any level) watch film, and read about it (what a plug for the forums !!!)... this will all help him to have field vision so that way when game time comes, the general can drect his troops


all of these things should be hammered into that 12 yr. old head of his until they become second nature, because a goalie does not have time to think on the field, he can only react... post any more questions or comments you have and i will get to them ASAP



-Jacob Jay

[NAHSLAX15]

All the advise listed before me is very good but i would like to throw in my teachings. i know personally the Pilat brothers. maybe so old school style but still the best coaching ever. look in to Bill Pilat's "Ball Stops Here" video. that has everything you need on there. plenty of drills and tech. stuff. this website has it:

http://www.slingitlax.com/basthevi.html

[CrazyKidzInNet]

Thanks for the advice and training ideas. I have been working the angles with him. We are going to an adult league game this weekend... his coach is playing. I'll stick to the basics today and if and when hes has it all down, I'll ask about some more advanced skill progression. Once again thanks for all the feedback.

[madds2010]

i know your son is only twelve but every college coach looks for a player to be two handed. Personally i believe goalies should be no different. Plus being able to go to your off hand when under pressure is an unique advantage and no attackman expect it.