3 Hockey Practice Drills to Improve Goalie Skating

We are going to review some basic skating drills, that goalies at any age group can add into practice or even pre-game warm ups. The focus is simple dynamic skating that hits the fundamentals of crease movement.

I like to start with the double C-cut (forward and backwards) above. This movement focuses on warming up the key areas of the lower body ie: hips, knees, groin and ankles. The double C-cut also allows the goalie to create a strong mind/muscle connection and has them focus on connecting the movement chains. Starting with simple forward and backward movement helps set the foundation for the rest of the ice session.

With this skating drill you can evaluate the goalie’s stance, their balance, their hand placement, stick control and identify how they see the ice (if the goalie skates with their chin in the air they are not at the right head trajectory. Goalies must always skate with their chin down and eyes angled down towards the yellow dasher boards. This allows goalies to pick up the puck easier.)

• More goaltending content:
  • Strategies & Tips for Goalie Puck Handling (VIDEO)
  • 4 ways to include goalies more in practice plans
  • Goal Line Goalie Puck Tracking Drill

Matthew Bourgeois

Matthew has been a coach and a scout for over 20 years at some of the highest levels. Matthew is coaching at Canisius College NCAA D1 this season. Matthew is a certified High Performance 1 coach and Goaltending Level 3 coach with Hockey Canada. Matthew works with the Ontario Hockey Federation, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association as well as the Northern Ontario Minor Hockey Association as a goaltending coach and mentor. Matthew’s passion lies in goalie development and guiding players to become the best version of themselves. Since 2009 Matthew has travelled to Europe, Asia, Australia and the US to work with some of the best hockey programs and is looking forward to sharing what he’s learned with the subscribers of The Coaches Site.

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