I think I will start every single hockey goalie mobility video or article like this from now on… STRETCHING IS NOT ENOUGH.
Just stretching can actually increase your risk of injury – that is a topic for another day.
Basically, no one really cares (most of all the puck) how stretchy you are. What makes you a valuable asset to your team (one that they would never want to lose) is how you can get into those outrageous positions and postures and THEN recover right back to your compact and loaded position – ready for the next save.
That is the difference between being flexible and being MOBILE. We only care about mobility, okay?
You must be able to use and control your hips the way a baseball pitcher uses and controls his or her shoulder. It’s the smaller ‘rotator cuff’ muscles that you need to get acquainted with and learn how to control.
This one is tough and it will give a bunch you a muscle cramp in your hip – – because you have no control and your muscles are literally spazzing out (like what you do when a player on the other team tries to push you and the puck into the net with his stick when the puck is clearly frozen).
Give it a go – and be sure to admire that nice tree in our front yard (we have nurtured it from a wee baby).
Give it a go – and be sure to admire that nice tree in our front yard (we have nurtured it from a wee baby).
Cheers,
Maria
PS – if you want to get my most current mobility stuff, then here is the program for you – it is very similar to the mobility programs I design for pro goalies. Check it out HERE. If transforming your movement on the ice is on your “To Do” list, then it is the place to start.