Coaches Tip: Goalies Are Not Targets!
How often have you heard goalies referred to as “targets” or referred to them as such yourself? The term carries a definitively negative connotation which implies the goalie has little use other than to take up net and be hit by pucks and while it is only said in jest the truth is that this is often the way they are treated at team practice.
If you agree that every team needs solid goaltending in order to be successful and understand that confidence is a necessary ingredient in your goaltender's development then make sure your goalies aren't being abused in any of the following ways at your team practices:
Head Shots - Shots intentionally directed at the goalie's head should not be tolerated. Aside from the fact that they can be extremely dangerous, the goalie will not be able to perform at his best or focus on bettering his game if he must worry about deliberate attempts to hit him in the head. Being hit in the head may be a part of the position but getting hurt in practice on a deliberate attempt is entirely unacceptable.
Slap Shots In Close - Too many players like to blast slap shots at the goalie in practice from close range. Again, while it is part of the position, your players should understand that your goalies can get seriously hurt as the result of a slap shot from close range where they don't have time to react. Besides, allowing your players to take slap shots from inside the hash marks will only encourage bad shooting habits since to wind up that close to the net in a game usually results in the player getting checked, his stick tied up or a blocked shot.
Verbal Abuse - “You suck”, “You couldn't stop a beach ball” and cries of “Sieve!” are all common examples of verbal abuse that goalies must endure. If they hear it often enough it will erode their confidence and affect their play so make sure you, your coaching staff and players don't do it.
Two Shots At One time - Once again, a goalie injured at practice is no good to his/her team at game time. Make sure your players understand the importance of having a look at the net before shooting the puck so that the goalie doesn't have to worry about being hit with a shot in the back while attempting to stop another.
3 on 0's - Done properly they are an excellent way for forwards to learn how to break out of their zone and an excellent way to simulate 3-on-2 situations where the forwards cross at the blue line, make the drop pass and crash the net for rebounds. Unfortunately they far too often turn into tic-tac-toe passing plays on the goalie's doorstep that result in frustrating, confidence eroding goals-against. Not only is this detrimental to the goalie's development but also the forwards' since they are rewarded for making that extra pass that rarely works come game time. If you are going to run 3-on 0's then make sure you encourage your players to shoot the puck and head to the net for rebounds.
