The world of ice hockey full of fast-paced action, nail-biting moments, and, of course, elite goaltenders who often hold the key to victory for their teams. With the immense pressure and responsibility placed upon their shoulders, these exceptional athletes must display extraordinary skills and mental resilience to thrive at the highest level of the sport. As a COR.E Performance Dynamics Specialist, I have had the privilege of working with some exceptionally talented goaltenders in my line of work, and I have identified five habits that contribute to their success.
1. Consistent Preparation
The first habit of elite level goaltenders is their unwavering commitment to consistent preparation. This includes not only physical training but also mental and emotional readiness. These athletes understand the importance of developing a solid foundation through regular practice, strength, conditioning, and honing their technical skills. Moreover, they invest considerable time in studying their opponents and analyzing their tendencies, which enables them to anticipate and react to various game situations effectively.
Elite goaltenders also prioritize mental preparation by working with mental skills or performance coaches to develop a strong mindset. They use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse various scenarios and practice maintaining focus under pressure. Additionally, they understand the value of emotional intelligence in managing their emotions and maintaining composure during high-stress moments on the ice.
“The mind is a powerful tool for a goaltender. It’s not just about the physical training – it’s about mental preparation, visualization, and being emotionally ready for every game.” – Carey Price
Aspiring goaltenders would do well to emulate these habits and incorporate them into their own training and development . . . SEE MORE OF THE COACHES SITE Join The Coaches Site to access the latest drills, tactics & leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches. Already a member? Login
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Walter Aguilar
Walter Aguilar – is a Certified Professional Coach and COR.E Performance Dynamics Specialist. Using the mind/energy connection to performance, he teaches a unique approach to peak performance. He specializes in teaching mindfulness for hockey using the COR.E Performance Dynamics energy leadership system. This is based on the 7 levels of energy that thoughts create. These affect awareness, confidence, engagement, creativity and intuition. His equation of Performance = Potential – Interference, provides a framework for success in hockey and life.
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