What To Look For In A Hockey Goalie? 7 Key Qualities You Can’t Ignore

As a coach, general manager, or a scout looking for a new goaltender, it’s important to know what to look for in a hockey goalie. The position is arguably the most critical on the ice, and a team’s success can heavily depend on the performance of their goaltender.

There are seven key qualities that you cannot ignore when scouting for a goaltender. These qualities are essential for a goaltender to have in order to be successful at the position. Whether you’re looking for a goalie for your beer league team or scouting for a junior hockey team, these qualities should not be overlooked.

Reflexes, positioning, mental toughness, communication skills, athleticism, flexibility, and angles are all vital components that make a great goaltender. In this article, we will discuss each of these key qualities in detail, so you can have a better understanding of what to look for in a hockey goalie.

So, if you’re a coach or a scout, or just a hockey enthusiast, keep reading to find out what qualities make a great goaltender and what to look for in a hockey goalie.

Reflexes and Agility

One of the most important qualities to look for in a hockey goalie is their reflexes and agility. Hockey is a fast-paced game, and the goalie needs to be able to move quickly and react to shots from any direction. Their reflexes need to be lightning-fast so they can make split-second decisions on whether to catch, block, or redirect the puck.

Agility is also a crucial trait in a goalie. They need to be able to move laterally from post to post and be able to get up and down quickly. They also need to have good balance and be able to shift their weight quickly to adjust to shots from different angles.

Top goalies have exceptional reflexes and agility, allowing them to make acrobatic saves that seem impossible to the average player. A goalie who possesses these skills can be a game-changer for any team and can help lead them to victory.

Quick Reaction Time

1. Training: Hockey goalies need to have quick reflexes, and this requires training that improves reaction times. Reaction drills, such as hand-eye coordination exercises, are essential for developing quick reaction times. Goalies must also practice staying on their feet, staying square to the puck, and tracking the puck all the way into their glove or blocker.

2. Equipment: A goalie’s equipment plays a critical role in their ability to react quickly. Lighter equipment can help goalies move more quickly, making it easier to get into position and react to shots. Additionally, well-maintained equipment ensures that it functions correctly and does not hinder a goalie’s movement.

3. Mental Game: Quick reaction time is not just a physical skill; it’s also a mental one. Goalies must be alert and focused at all times to react quickly to incoming shots. Visualization and mental preparation can help goalies stay sharp and ready to react to anything that comes their way.

Having quick reaction time is crucial for a hockey goalie, as it can be the difference between making a save or letting in a goal. By focusing on training, equipment, and mental preparation, goalies can improve their reaction times and become more effective on the ice.

Ability to Move Laterally with Ease

When it comes to a goaltender’s agility, their ability to move laterally with ease is crucial. A great goaltender can move from side to side and post to post with quickness and efficiency, making it difficult for opponents to score. To excel in this area, goalies must focus on footwork, as well as proper balance and edge control.

Goalies with excellent lateral mobility can also cut down angles and make saves with ease. It’s important to note that a goalie’s lateral movement isn’t just limited to side-to-side movement. They also need to be able to move forward and backward efficiently, which requires strong quads, hamstrings, and glutes.

One way for goalies to improve their lateral movement is through regular off-ice training. Exercises like lateral lunges, box jumps, and plyometric drills can help increase a goalie’s agility and explosiveness.

Proper Angles and Positioning

One of the most important qualities a hockey goalie must possess is proper angles and positioning when defending their net. A goalie who knows how to position themselves correctly in relation to the puck and the opposition will be better able to make saves and prevent goals. Here are five key points to keep in mind:

Square to the Puck: The goalie should always be square to the puck. This means that their body should be in a direct line with the puck, which helps to cover as much net as possible.

Play the Angles: Good goalies know how to play the angles. This means that they anticipate where the opposition is likely to shoot and position themselves accordingly. This can reduce the amount of net the shooter has to aim at.

Stay Focused: It’s easy to lose focus during a game, but goalies who can maintain their focus for the full 60 minutes are more likely to make the key saves that can win games.

Read the Play: A good goalie reads the play and anticipates what is going to happen next. By doing so, they can position themselves in advance and be in the right spot to make the save.

React Quickly: Goalies need to react quickly to changing situations. If they are not in the right position, they need to be able to move quickly to get into the right spot and make the save.

Correct Stick Positioning

One of the key factors that determine a goaltender’s ability to make a save is their stick positioning. A goalie who has the correct stick positioning will be able to make more saves and control rebounds effectively.

The position of the stick is crucial when making saves. If the stick is too high, there will be gaps between the arm and body, and if it’s too low, it can be difficult to control rebounds. Therefore, it’s essential for goalies to find the right balance in stick positioning.

Another important aspect of stick positioning is the angle of the blade. Goalies need to angle the blade of the stick correctly to direct pucks to the corners and away from the net. It’s crucial to have a good understanding of the game situation and make quick decisions on where to position the stick.

Furthermore, stick discipline is also important. A goalie should avoid making unnecessary movements with the stick as it can create openings and make it difficult to control rebounds. Therefore, goalies need to be disciplined in their stick movements and make sure they keep the stick in the right position at all times.

Overall, stick positioning is a critical skill for goaltenders, and it takes time and practice to master. A goalie who can position their stick correctly will be able to make more saves and control rebounds effectively.

Mental Toughness and Focus

Mental toughness is a key attribute for a successful hockey goalie. Hockey is a physically and mentally demanding sport, and goalies face a lot of pressure to perform at their best. It’s essential that they remain focused and composed, even when the game is on the line.

Resilience is also critical for goalies. They will inevitably face setbacks, such as letting in a goal they feel they should have stopped or dealing with injuries. A mentally tough goalie will be able to bounce back from these setbacks, learn from them, and continue to perform at a high level.

Focus is another crucial aspect of mental toughness. Goalies must be able to maintain their concentration and remain in the moment, even when the game is fast-paced and chaotic. They need to be able to shut out distractions and focus solely on the task at hand: stopping the puck.

Ability to Stay Calm Under Pressure

Mental toughness is one of the key traits that distinguishes a good goalie from a great one. Being able to stay calm and focused even in high-pressure situations can make all the difference in a game. This is especially important in hockey, where the game can change in an instant.

Goalies who can keep their cool under pressure are more likely to make good decisions, stay in position, and make the saves they need to make. They don’t let distractions or mistakes get to them, and they’re able to bounce back quickly from setbacks.

Developing mental toughness and the ability to stay calm under pressure is something that can be practiced and improved over time. Techniques like visualization, breathing exercises, and positive self-talk can all help goalies stay focused and in control on the ice.

Good Communication Skills

Clear and Concise: A good goalie is not only able to communicate effectively with their teammates, but they are able to do so in a clear and concise manner. They should be able to give directions or call out plays quickly and without confusion, allowing their teammates to respond appropriately.

Confidence: A goalie with good communication skills exudes confidence. They are able to take charge of their teammates, making decisions and directing the flow of the game with ease. This confidence can inspire the team to play harder and with more purpose.

Active Listening: Communication is a two-way street, and a good goalie is able to listen as well as they speak. They are receptive to feedback from their teammates and coaches, and are able to adjust their play accordingly.

Positive Attitude: A good goalie understands that communication is not just about what is said, but how it is said. They are able to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity, which can help to keep the team motivated and focused on their goals.

Leadership: Finally, good communication skills are an essential part of being a good leader. A goalie who can effectively communicate with their teammates can help to build a strong team dynamic, promoting trust and cooperation both on and off the ice.

Effective Communication with Defensemen

Coordination: The key to effective communication with defensemen is coordination. As a forward, it is important to know the positions of the defensemen and communicate with them accordingly. This will help you to anticipate the play and make quick decisions.

Clear Communication: When communicating with defensemen, it is important to be clear and concise. Avoid using vague terms and instead use specific instructions that the defensemen can act upon. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal.

Timing: Timing is also crucial when communicating with defensemen. It is important to give instructions at the right time, so that the defensemen have enough time to react and make the necessary adjustments. Communicating too early or too late can lead to confusion and mistakes on the ice.

Athleticism and Flexibility

Athleticism is a crucial aspect of being a successful hockey player. It involves a combination of strength, speed, and endurance. A player with strong athleticism can move quickly around the ice, react quickly to the play, and stay ahead of the competition.

Flexibility is also an important factor in hockey. Players need to be able to move freely and easily, without getting injured. Stretching regularly can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries. It also helps players to maintain good posture and balance on the ice.

Good balance is essential for hockey players. They need to be able to stay on their feet while making quick changes of direction, and while being bumped by other players. Balance is also important when making a pass or taking a shot on goal, as it helps players to stay accurate and on target.

Agility is another key aspect of being an effective hockey player. It involves quick and precise movements, such as skating around an opponent or making a sudden stop to avoid a collision. Players with good agility are able to change direction quickly and maintain their speed, giving them an advantage on the ice.

Finally, endurance is a critical aspect of being a successful hockey player. Games can be long and physically demanding, so players need to be able to maintain their energy levels throughout the entire game. This requires a combination of physical fitness, mental toughness, and good nutrition.

Strong Leg Muscles for Explosive Power

Powerful leg muscles are essential for hockey goalies as they need to make quick, explosive movements in order to defend the goal. Exercises such as squats, lunges, and plyometrics can help develop these muscles and improve a goalie’s explosiveness.

Building strength in the legs can also help with balance and stability, allowing goalies to better maintain their positioning and make saves more effectively. Along with strength training, it is important for goalies to stretch and work on flexibility to avoid injury and improve their range of motion.

Proper technique is crucial when it comes to building leg strength and power. Goalies should focus on maintaining good form and not sacrificing it for the sake of adding weight or repetitions. Working with a trainer or coach can help ensure proper technique and prevent injury.

Flexibility to Make Difficult Saves

Flexibility is crucial for goalkeepers to make challenging saves. Being able to stretch and reach for shots that seem out of reach can make all the difference in a game. A good stretching routine can help goalkeepers maintain their range of motion and prevent injuries.

Goalkeepers need to be able to adjust their body position quickly to make saves in unpredictable situations. Having agility and a strong core can help with this. Stretching the hip flexors, hamstrings, and glutes can improve overall mobility and flexibility.

Goalkeepers also need to be able to get up quickly after making a save. Balance is essential for this, as it allows the goalkeeper to get back into position quickly. Exercises like yoga, pilates, and balance drills can help improve balance and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions