In today’s edition of Goalie Training Pro’s live Q&A session, Maria, an exercise physiologist and specialist in off-ice training for hockey goalies, shares her expertise and insights on the world of off-ice training for goaltenders. Maria addresses a wide range of questions from viewers, covering topics ranging from injury recovery to mental skills development and more.
ACL and Meniscus Injuries in Young Goalies:
The transcript starts with a discussion about a 10-year-old goalie who suffered an ACL and meniscus tear. Maria notes that these types of injuries are quite rare in young athletes, and are typically the result of a contact mechanism rather than a non-contact one. She explains that the surgical repair and rehabilitation process can be challenging for a young player, but the long-term prognosis is generally good if the rehab is done properly.
The Importance of Goalie Psychology:
One of the key topics covered is the mental aspect of being a goalie. Maria emphasizes that goalies need to develop resilience and the ability to bounce back from poor performances. She notes that when a skater struggles, the focus is often divided among the team, but when a goalie struggles, all eyes are on them. Developing coping strategies and the ability to learn from mistakes without taking them personally is crucial for young goalies.
Advice for Younger Goalies:
When discussing pre-and post-practice routines for U12 goalies, Maria takes a more relaxed approach. She cautions against treating young players like “little professionals” and instead encourages them to focus on having fun. She suggests simple warm-ups and cool-downs, but ultimately believes that the priority should be on enjoyment and development, not strict regimens.
Dealing with Challenging Goalie Parents:
One of the tougher questions addressed is how to handle “wacko goalie parents” who constantly lobby the coach. Maria acknowledges that this is a common issue in youth sports and recommends that coaches set clear expectations and boundaries with parents at the start of the season. She emphasizes that the focus should be on the players’ personal growth and love of the game, not on playing time or statistics.
Upcoming Varsity Goalie Academy:
Towards the end of the session, Maria teases an upcoming “in-season” version of her Varsity Goalie Academy program, which she is working hard to launch in early November. She encourages viewers to stay tuned for more details and discounts on this new offering.
If you have any questions for Maria, please reach out to help[at]goalietrainingpro.com
Well that just about wraps up today’s Q&A! See you next time!