Welcome to this week’s Goalie Training Pro live Q&A! As always, we covered some critical insights into goalie training, off-season preparation, and hand-eye coordination drills. If you missed it live, don’t worry—we’ve got all the highlights right here!
Exciting News: Turning Pro Coaching Program Opens Soon!
With the off-season approaching, we’re opening up spots for the Turning Pro Coaching Program. In the past, this program required a 12-month commitment, but we’ve reduced it to just three months to make it more accessible. This program provides a structured, periodized training plan that takes the guesswork out of your off-season training. Every workout is designed based on your schedule, level, and injury history, ensuring optimal results when you hit the ice next season.
To be accepted into Turning Pro or the Game Winning Goalie Formula, you must complete an interview to ensure it’s the right fit. If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, act fast—these spots fill up quickly!
Training Advice for Young Goalies
A parent asked about the best training program for their 12-year-old goalie. While some young players might already be big and strong, it’s important to train them according to their age, not just their size or skill level.
For goalies aged 10-13, we recommend the NextGen Goalie Academy. This program focuses on developing proper movement mechanics, stability, and mobility—key foundations for future success. It’s designed to build a strong base, rather than overloading young athletes with advanced drills meant for professionals.
Hand-Eye Coordination Drills for Home Training
Hand-eye coordination is essential for goalies, and you can train it effectively at home. Here are some of our favorite drills:
- Use a lacrosse ball – It bounces off the wall quickly and provides a solid impact when caught.
- Look away before catching – Throw the ball against the wall while looking away, then track it mid-air.
- Behind-the-back catches – Start with your glove behind your back and bring it around to make the catch.
- Corner rebounds – If possible, throw the ball into a corner so it bounces unpredictably.
- Rising shots – Throw the ball at the wall so it hits the floor first, mimicking an upward puck trajectory.
- Number recognition drill – Write numbers on lacrosse balls and call them out as you catch them.
Pro Tip: Keep your sessions short! 10-15 minutes of focused hand-eye work is more effective than an hour of unfocused training. High-quality reps matter more than quantity.
The Role of Guitar Playing in Goaltending?
A goalie coach asked if playing guitar improves goalie skills. While guitar playing helps with focus, discipline, and fine motor control, it’s not a direct substitute for hand-eye training. If you want to improve catching ability, focus on drills specific to goaltending rather than relying on unrelated activities.
As always, if you have any questions for Maria, please reach out to help[at]goalietrainingpro.com. And remember, training smarter is just as important as training harder.
See you on the ice!