Are you a hockey goalie that struggles with flinching in the face of a fast-moving puck? If so, youre not alone.
Flinching is a common reaction for goaltenders, especially when they face a shot that moves quickly and unexpectedly.
However, there are strategies available to help reduce or even eliminate this reflex.
In this article, we’ll explore the top strategies for helping hockey goalies combat flinching, including the speed of the shot, routine drills to build confidence, stance and positioning before the shot, visualization techniques, breathing techniques, and positive self-talk.
Read on to find out how to stop a hockey goalie from flinching and put an end to this frustrating reflex.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The best way to stop a hockey goalie from flinching is to practice and build confidence in their ability.
Goalies should focus on proper technique and positioning, and make sure to stay in the correct stance when the puck is shot.
Regular practice and drills can help a goalie build muscle memory so they can react more quickly and confidently.
Finally, mental preparation and visualization can also help a goalie stay confident and focused during games.
The Speed of the Shot
In order to effectively stop a hockey goalie from flinching, they need to become comfortable with the speed of the shot.
The speed of a shot can vary greatly depending on the type of shot and the skill of the shooter.
Slap shots and wrist shots are usually the fastest shots, while backhand shots and snap shots tend to be slower.
It is important for goalies to be aware of the speed of the shot so that they can properly react and position themselves for the save.
Goalies can improve their reaction time to the shot by practicing drills that involve high-speed shots.
Goalies should start with slower shots and gradually increase the speed as they become more comfortable.
Goalies should also practice drills that involve shots from different angles and distances, as this will help them prepare for a wide variety of shots in a game situation.
Additionally, goalies should focus on their hand-eye coordination when practicing drills, as this will help them anticipate the shot and make the save easier.
In addition to practicing drills, goalies should also work on their stance before the shot is taken.
Goalies should be well balanced and ready to move in any direction, as this will help them react quickly when the shot is taken.
Goalies should also practice keeping their eyes on the puck and not flinching when it is shot, as this can throw off their balance and make the save more difficult.
By practicing proper stance and positioning, goalies can be better prepared for the shot and stop themselves from flinching.
Routine Drills to Build Confidence
Practicing routine drills is one of the most effective ways to stop a hockey goalie from flinching.
Drills help goalies become more comfortable with the speed and power of the shots they may face in a game.
They also improve goalies’ confidence in their ability to make the save.
One example of a drill that can help goalies stop flinching is the follow-through drill.
In this drill, the goalie stands with their arms outstretched in the butterfly position.
The coach then shoots or passes the puck at the goalie.
The goalie should focus on following through with their arms, legs, and body to make the save.
This helps them become comfortable with the speed of the shot and the physicality of making the save.
Another drill that can be beneficial is the quick shot drill.
In this drill, the coach takes shots at the goalie from various angles.
The goal is for the goalie to react quickly and make the save.
This drill helps goalies practice their reaction time and become more comfortable with making quick decisions.
Finally, goalies can practice the multi-shot drill.
This drill involves the coach taking multiple shots at the goalie from different angles.
The goal is for the goalie to anticipate where the next shot is coming from and make the save.
This drill can help goalies become more comfortable with the speed of the shot and improves their ability to anticipate and react to the puck.
By practicing these drills, goalies can become more comfortable with the speed and power of the shots they may face in a game.
This can help them stop flinching and become more confident in their ability to make the save.
Stance and Positioning Before the Shot
When it comes to preventing a hockey goalie from flinching, one of the most important things to focus on is the goalie’s stance and positioning before the shot is taken.
In order to prevent flinching, goalies need to be in the right position to anticipate and react to the shot.
This means that goalies should be standing with their feet shoulder width apart, with their stick and glove hand held out in front to protect the body.
Additionally, goalies should keep their eyes on the shooter and be ready to move in any direction if the shot changes direction.
The key to a successful stance and positioning is to practice, practice, practice.
A goalie must become comfortable and confident in their stance and positioning in order to effectively stop a shot.
This means that goalies should practice drills and exercises to help them become more comfortable in their stance and positioning.
For example, a goalie can practice using a net to block shots from different angles and distances, or drills that involve quickly changing direction while tracking the puck.
The more comfortable a goalie is in their stance and positioning, the less likely they are to flinch when a shot comes their way.
Lastly, goalies should pay attention to their body language and facial expressions.
Keeping a confident and determined expression on the face can help build confidence and deter flinching.
Additionally, goalies should not tense up or anticipate the shot too soon, as this can cause them to flinch when the shot is taken.
By focusing on their stance and positioning before the shot, goalies can prevent flinching and become a reliable asset to their team.
With the right preparation and practice, goalies can become comfortable and confident in their stance and positioning, allowing them to react quickly and effectively to the shot.
Visualization Techniques to Anticipate the Next Shot
One of the most important techniques that a goalie can use to prevent flinching is visualization.
Visualization is the act of mentally rehearsing a situation before it happens, and can be a powerful tool for goalies as it can help them prepare for the next shot.
Visualization can help goalies anticipate the speed and trajectory of the shot, allowing them to adjust their stance and position quickly and accurately.
Additionally, visualization can help goalies build confidence in their ability to save the next shot, which can prevent them from flinching when it comes.
To practice visualization, goalies should begin by picturing the scene in their mind; they should visualize the players on the ice, the size of the rink, and the position of the shooter.
Once the scene is set, the goalie should then focus in on the shooter and try to get a sense of their speed and the trajectory of the shot.
Finally, the goalie should imagine themselves in the situation, practicing the movements they would need to make to save the shot.
Repetition is key when it comes to visualization, as the more times a goalie rehearses the scene in their mind, the more confident they will become.
Goalies should practice visualization both before and during the game, as it can help them stay focused and stay prepared for the next shot.
With practice, goalies will be able to anticipate the shots coming their way and prevent any unnecessary flinching.
Breathing Techniques
Breathing is a key factor to preventing a hockey goalie from flinching.
When a shot is taken, it can be easy for a goalie to panic and tense up, leading to a flinch.
To prevent this, goalies should focus on their breathing and practice deep breathing exercises to help relax their body and stay in control.
This can be done by inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.
Goalies should also practice breathing in for four counts and out for four counts, repeating this for several minutes until they feel relaxed.
Additionally, goalies can focus on their breathing while playing the game, taking a few breaths before shots and after saves.
This can help them stay focused and relaxed, so they can react to shots without flinching.
Positive Self-Talk to Boost Confidence
One effective strategy that goalies can use to stop flinching is to practice positive self-talk.
This involves repeating positive affirmations or mantras to yourself in order to boost your confidence and stay focused.
Positive self-talk can help goalies stay calm and focused in the face of a high-pressure situation, such as when a shot is coming their way.
This can help them remain in the proper position and make the right decisions when the puck arrives.
Goalies can use positive self-talk in a variety of ways.
For example, they can focus on the positive aspects of the situation, such as the fact that they are playing hockey and that it is an opportunity to show off their skills.
They can also focus on the things they have achieved and the progress they have made in their goalie training.
This can help them to stay confident and motivated in the face of a challenging shot.
Positive self-talk can also help goalies stay focused on their goals and objectives.
For example, they can remind themselves that their only goal is to make the save.
This can help them to remain focused on the task at hand and not be distracted by the other aspects of the game.
Additionally, positive self-talk can help goalies to maintain a positive attitude even when faced with a difficult shot.
This can help them stay confident and make the right decisions when the puck arrives.
Overall, positive self-talk can be an effective tool for goalies to stop flinching.
By repeating positive affirmations and mantras to themselves, goalies can stay calm and focused in the face of a difficult shot.
They can also stay motivated and focused on their goals, and maintain a positive attitude even when faced with a challenging shot.
With the right techniques and preparation, goalies can stop flinching and become a reliable asset to their team.
Putting It All Together
When it comes to preventing a hockey goalie from flinching, it is important to remember that it is a combination of techniques and strategies that will be the most effective.
Goalies should work on their stance and positioning before the shot is taken, practice routine drills to build confidence, become comfortable with the speed of the shot, practice visualization techniques to help anticipate the next shot, and focus on their breathing.
Additionally, they should use positive self-talk to boost their confidence while in the game.
By focusing on all of these techniques and strategies, goalies can form a plan that works for them and helps them to become a reliable asset to their team.
Knowing how to stop a hockey goalie from flinching is an important skill that will take time and practice to master, but with the right combination of techniques and strategies, goalies can become confident and reliable members of their team.
Final Thoughts
By understanding the speed of the shot, building confidence with routine drills, creating a stance and positioning that works best for you, and utilizing visualization, breathing, and positive self-talk techniques, hockey goalies can become more confident and stop flinching.
With the right preparation, goalies can become a reliable asset to their team and take their game to the next level.
So take the time to practice these strategies and you will be sure to see the results on the ice!