In this this weeks Goalie Training Pro Live Q&A video, Maria Mountain, from GoalieTrainingPro.com, addresses all your burning questions about improving your performance as a goalie.
Tracking the Puck:
One of the key topics discussed in the video is the importance of properly tracking the puck. Maria emphasizes the need to follow the puck with your eyes, head, and entire focus, ensuring a strong visual attachment to the shot. She suggests practicing drills like catching the ball off the wall, which can help develop this crucial skill.
Flexibility vs. Mobility:
Another insightful discussion revolves around the difference between flexibility and mobility. Maria explains that flexibility refers to the passive range of motion in a joint, while mobility is the ability to actively control and utilize that range of motion. She encourages goalies to work on both aspects, as they are essential for optimal performance and injury prevention.
The Splits Debate:
The video also addresses the age-old question of the importance of the splits for goalies. Maria shares her perspective, stating that while the splits may look impressive, many top-level goalie coaches don’t consider it a necessary skill. Instead, she suggests focusing on improving butterfly flare, hip stability, and dynamic single-knee balance, as these are more directly relevant to a goalie’s on-ice performance.
Tackling Tight Muscles:
When it comes to dealing with tight muscles, such as the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and hip flexors, Maria provides valuable insights. She emphasizes the need to address the root cause of the tightness, rather than just stretching the affected areas. Her recommendations include techniques like using a lacrosse ball for self-myofascial release and targeted exercises to improve muscle activation and function.
In a special announcement, Maria shares an exclusive discount opportunity for her popular goalie training programs. Starting on Friday and running through the end of Monday, all standalone downloadable programs, including the NextGen Goalie Academy, Varsity Goalie Academy, and Beer League Boot Camp, will be available at a 20% discount with the coupon code “GOALIELOVE20.”
As always, if you have any questions for Maria, please reach out to help[at]goalietrainingpro.com
That’s all for today. Thanks for stopping by. Catch you here next time!