How to Coach Goaltenders Understand the save sequence. The shot release, along the path to the goaltender’s body, and result in or off the goaltender’s body. Give your goaltender time to prepare for the save response, the actual save response, and the consequence of the save response (IE rebound or smother). Build the team respect for the goaltender. Shots to the head are NOT funny. Goaltenders do not just stop pucks! Goaltenders should be involved in team concepts, both offensively and defensively. Team success depends on solid consistent goaltending. Even the best team cannot defend against poor goaltending. Provide challenging practice sessions that involve save technique and team skills. Ensure that practices reflect game like situations and that your goaltender understands all team concepts. Have your goaltender “Think like a skater and play like a goalie”. Realize the pressures on a goaltender. These pressures come from Coaches, teammates, parents, opposing players, the other goaltender, etc. These factors do affect and influence your goaltender’s play. At any level teammates can be cruel, be able to recognize and alleviate these moments. Goalies also have to not blame the team, fans, coaches, etc... (See or ask me for “Goalies Accept Your Responsibilities” article) Remember - How your goaltender reacts to the game influences how your team reacts and vice versa. Help your goaltender become efficient in all skills and movements. There should be no predictable weakness. Prepare the goaltender with confidence, focus, and with their decision making abilities. Help the goaltender understand their range as well as why they do something. Help the goaltender to be versatile/agile when moving, as well as when they are stationary position. They must be able to use save selections while in the basic stance or in movement. Help the goaltender to remain on his feet as long as possible. Goaltenders must go down, but it is the timing is what matters the most. The goaltender should not make the first move however they should be the first in position. Help the goaltender learn how to block in order to close any holes. Help the goaltender to scramble effectively. Help the goaltender with their rebounds and on improve on placing or controlling the puck. Rebound priority should be: 1) Control at body 2) Over the glass 3) to the corner 4) away from shooter 5) back to shooter. Help your goaltender overcome obstacles. Provide constructive criticism followed by acknowledgement of positive points in the goaltenders development. Help your goaltender be productive when moving the puck. Eliminate unnecessary turnovers. Transition priorities should be: 1) leave it for a team mate 2) make a good pass 3) clear the zone 4) cover it if there is traffic 5) dish the puck to a safe haven if other options are not there. In a game there is only one puck. A goaltender must learn to follow (track) the puck and be able to read the release from the shooters stick. The save starts with tracking of the puck; from the release the goaltender selects his save selection and positions accordingly. Give your goaltender the chance to follow this progression and to see the repercussions of his choices. Rapid fire shooting does not allow your goalie time for two of the three progressions he has to make in a game. Incorporate movement and eye-hand drills in every warm up. Expect your goaltenders to do all skating and puck handling that your players do in practice. Make sure anybody that you invite to work with your goaltenders has information that is well thought out and presented.   IN CONCLUSION Develop an open exchange with your goaltender, they are out on the ice all alone during the game and do not get the “bench coaching” the skaters get. So you will need your time with them as well. Help your goaltender to be strong and secure, so that he can accept the responsibility of the position.