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Every goalie has their own style of play. What I recommend and say in my column is what has made me a successful goalie. I recommend you watch different goalies play and adapt what works best for you!

Good Luck!

August 2003

Question:
What do you do for a pre-game warm-up, and how do you mentally prepare yourself?

Date: Aug 16, 2003
Name: zach harris
Grade: sophomore
School: Fairport High School
State: New York
Years in Net: 4

Answer:
[Bill Daye] Zach, my pre-game warm up is the same warm up I use every single time. I take a lap to loosen my muscles, sometimes I use a continuous warm up to get loose. I stretch a little and then hop in the goal. 10 shots at about 1/2 - 3/4 speed at all the spots: stick side high, off stick high, stick side/off stick hip, stick side/off stick low and then bounce shots. After I've developed a nice sweat and I get loose, I then take 10-15 mixed (high/low shots) at full speed.

I prepare myself mentally by focusing on what I need to do to be successful and give my team a shot to win. I go over the shooters on the opposing team in my mind trying to get a feel of where and how they like to shoot the ball. For me this was easy because we know our opponents in the MLL. It may be a little more difficult for you though. The most important thing do after my warm up is to try to read the playing surface. How is the ball reacting off of the turf or grass? This helps me when attacking the bounce shots and knowing how the ball will react. My frame of mind isn't as intense as you would think it is. Although I'm psyched to play I still have to be in control and keep the game at a relatively slow pace. Very similar to a QB, if you're too pumped the game moves to fast, if you control your emotions, you can keep the game at a moderately slow pace and see the ball.

Question:
When a goalie stops a shot with legs, arms, shins or heaven forbid back, what should one do to their damaged muscle structure so that they don't ruin their performance later?

Date: Aug 21, 2003
Name: Lance Kuehn
Grade: junior in college
School: St. Olaf College
State: Minnesota
Years in Net: 2

Answer:
[Bill Daye] Lance, I am a big fan of weight lifting primarily for this reason. The bruises that develop from constantly getting hit with the ball can be quite painful. Developing and strengthening your muscles can aid in the treatment after a game or practice. Having developed muscles prevents the bruise from getting to deep to the bone; this can be quite painful and take a long time to heal (kind of like getting hit directly on the thumb). After games/practices, ICE, ICE and more ICE! Taking care of the bumps and bruises will extend your career, no doubt.

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