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Goaltending

How to Choose a Goalie Coach

Position-specific coaching is not a luxury purchase.

··2 min read

Most youth hockey teams do not have a goalie coach. The position gets a shooter and a whistle.

If you are hiring outside help, evaluate on three things.

Do they teach movement before saves? Goaltending is a skating position. A coach who starts with stance, pushes, and recoveries is teaching the position. A coach who starts by shooting pucks is running a practice.

Do they use video? Goalies cannot see what they do. Video is the cheapest correction tool available.

Do they adjust to the athlete? A 2016 who is 4-foot-2 should not be taught the same structure as a 6-foot junior. Coaches who teach one system regardless of body type are teaching themselves.