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Author Stephen McKichan B.S.Ed
Demonstrating proper stick
involvement and blade angle.
GOALTENDING
Essentials
THEMOST DIFFICULT POSITION INALL OF SPORT.....
The game has changed dramatically in the last decade, even the last 5 years. Goalies and their coaches are on a
constant quest to find better ways to keep the puck out of the net. This is Essential Goaltending.
It has been said that goaltending is the most
difficult position in any sport to learn. The actual
task of the goaltender is quite simple: Keep the
puck out of the net. As anyone who has ever
played goal knows, it is in reality frustrating, painful
and routinely embarrassing.
Why would anyone in their right mind subject
themselves to this physical, emotional and
psychological abuse? Is it the cool equipment? Is it
some chemical imbalance? Is there some sadistic
urge to place sensitive parts of your anatomy in
front of frozen projectiles? I don't think anyone will
truly ever know. I can tell you, however, that when
you actually make the save of the game, there is no
better feeling in the world. All that pain vanishes.
I guess we sort of touched on why someone
plays goal but the purpose of this book deals with
the " how to play " question. It is designed for
those individuals who have made the mistake
(I mean choice) to play goal.
Everyone knows that goaltenders are neglected
in most practices, are seldom given accurate useful
feedback from their coaches and usually have to
learn from trial and error.
Ideally this book will allow goaltenders to take
advantage of the experience of others who have
already learned the hard way.
Hockey great, Pat Stapleton, once told me,
"To be successful, study success."
Find
someone who you think is successful at
what they do.
It could be an NHL goalie or it
could
be the local junior goaltender.
Study everything they do. Develop your own
style and always continue to study the position.
You'll never reach a point where you stop learning!
GOOD LUCK!
Modern
Comprehensive
Technical Goaltending
Instruction