Are you a goaltender looking to break in your new trapper? Or are you a parent or coach looking to help a young goaltender break in their first trapper? Breaking in a goalie trapper is an essential part of any goaltender’s career, and it can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to start. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of breaking in a goalie trapper, from preparing the trapper to practicing techniques to keep it in top condition. So, let’s get started and learn how to break in a goalie trapper like a pro!
Preparing Your Goalie Trapper
Choosing the Right Glove
Choosing the right goalie trapper glove is crucial for a goalie’s performance on the ice. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a goalie trapper glove:
- Fit: The glove should fit snugly on your hand without being too tight or too loose. A proper fit will ensure that the glove is comfortable and provides a secure grip on the stick.
- Size: Goalie trapper gloves come in different sizes, so it’s important to choose the right size for your hand. Typically, goalie trapper gloves are available in sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large.
- Position: The position you play on the ice can also influence the type of glove you choose. For example, a catcher glove is designed for catching and stopping shots, while a blocker glove is designed for blocking shots.
- Material: Goalie trapper gloves are made from a variety of materials, including leather, synthetic leather, and nylon. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose a material that suits your playing style and preferences.
- Palming: Some goalie trapper gloves have a palm design that enhances grip and control on the stick. This feature is especially useful for catchers who need to control the puck while it’s in the air.
When it comes to recommended brands and models, there are many options available. Some popular brands include CCM, Bauer, and Vaughn. Some recommended models include the CCM Super Tacky, the Bauer Supreme Total One X, and the Vaughn Custom Fit G3. Ultimately, the best goalie trapper glove for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.
Breaking in the Glove
Proper breaking-in techniques are crucial for a goalie trapper to perform optimally. Here are some effective methods to break in your goalie trapper glove:
- Wet the Glove
The first step in breaking in your goalie trapper glove is to wet it. This is because the wetting process will help the leather to become more flexible and mold to the shape of your hand. You can use warm water to wet the glove, and it is recommended to soak it for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Bend and Shape the Glove
After wetting the glove, it’s time to bend and shape it according to your hand’s contours. You can start by gently bending the fingers and the wrist area to create a custom fit. Make sure to use your non-dominant hand to shape the glove as it will help you to develop a natural feel and control over the stick.
- Dry the Glove
Once you have bent and shaped the glove, it’s time to dry it. It’s essential to make sure that the glove is completely dry before using it in a game or practice. You can use a towel to gently pat the glove dry or leave it in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
- Condition the Glove
After the glove is dry, it’s essential to condition it. You can use a glove conditioner or leather oil to soften the leather and maintain its flexibility. This step will help to prolong the life of your goalie trapper glove and keep it in good condition.
- Break in the Glove Gradually
It’s important to break in your goalie trapper glove gradually to avoid injuries or discomfort. Start by wearing the glove for short periods during practice or games and gradually increase the time as your hand gets used to it. It’s also essential to rotate your gloves to ensure that they get a chance to rest and recover.
In conclusion, breaking in your goalie trapper glove is a crucial step in preparing it for optimal performance. By wetting, bending, shaping, drying, and conditioning the glove, you can ensure that it fits perfectly and feels comfortable. Remember to break in the glove gradually to avoid injuries and give your hand time to adjust to the new equipment.
Understanding the Goalie Trapper
Anatomy of a Goalie Trapper
The goalie trapper, also known as a goalie catcher or goalie trapper, is a piece of equipment used by ice hockey goaltenders to catch and block shots on goal. Understanding the anatomy of a goalie trapper is essential to learning how to break it in properly.
Different parts of a goalie trapper
A goalie trapper typically consists of several different parts, including:
- Chest and arm protector: This is the main part of the goalie trapper that covers the chest and arms of the goaltender. It is designed to provide protection against pucks and shots.
- Catcher: The catcher is the part of the goalie trapper that catches the puck when it is stopped by the goaltender. It is usually located at the bottom of the chest and arm protector.
- Throat protector: The throat protector is a piece of equipment that protects the goaltender’s neck from pucks and shots. It is usually located at the top of the chest and arm protector.
- Glove: The glove is a part of the goalie trapper that is worn on the hand of the goaltender. It is designed to help catch and control the puck.
Importance of each part
Each part of the goalie trapper serves a specific purpose in helping the goaltender to catch and block shots on goal. The chest and arm protector provides protection against pucks and shots, while the catcher catches the puck when it is stopped by the goaltender. The throat protector protects the goaltender’s neck from pucks and shots, and the glove helps catch and control the puck.
In addition to their specific functions, each part of the goalie trapper is also important for maintaining proper form and technique while playing. For example, the chest and arm protector can help the goaltender maintain proper posture and balance, while the glove can help with hand positioning and control.
Understanding the anatomy of a goalie trapper is essential for learning how to break it in properly. By understanding the different parts of the goalie trapper and their functions, goaltenders can learn how to use the equipment effectively and efficiently, leading to better performance on the ice.
Proper Grip and Fit
A crucial aspect of breaking in a goalie trapper is the proper grip and fit. It is important to hold the trapper in a way that allows for maximum control and accuracy while making saves. Additionally, finding the right fit for your hand is essential for comfort and efficiency during gameplay.
Correct Grip for Maximum Control
- Hold the trapper with your dominant hand at the bottom of the stick, with your fingers wrapped around the shaft.
- Place your index finger on the top of the stick, just below the knob.
- Your thumb should be positioned at the bottom of the stick, slightly wrapped around the shaft.
- Your other hand should be placed on top of your dominant hand, with your fingers wrapped around the shaft.
- Ensure that your hands are positioned close to the blade of the stick for maximum control.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Hand
- Measure your hand’s circumference and length to determine the appropriate size of the trapper.
- Try on different sizes of trappers to find the one that fits your hand the best.
- Ensure that the trapper is not too loose or too tight, as this can affect your control and grip during gameplay.
- Consider factors such as the shape of your hand and the width of your fingers when choosing the right size.
- Experiment with different brands and models to find the one that fits your hand the best.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have a proper grip and fit for your goalie trapper, allowing you to perform at your best during gameplay.
Developing Your Skills
Proper Hand Positioning
Proper hand positioning is crucial to making saves in ice hockey. The goalie’s hands must be in the right position to make a save. This section will discuss the key hand positions for different types of saves and the drills to improve hand positioning.
Key Hand Positions for Different Types of Saves
There are several key hand positions that a goalie must master to make different types of saves. These include:
- Blocker hand position: This is the primary hand position used by goalies to make saves. The blocker hand is placed on top of the puck, with the fingers spread wide and the thumb facing down. The blocker hand should be slightly extended away from the body to allow for better reach and control.
- Catcher hand position: This hand position is used when the goalie needs to catch the puck. The catcher hand is placed behind the blocker hand, with the fingers spread wide and the thumb facing up. The catcher hand should be slightly bent at the wrist to allow for better control and flexibility.
- Glove hand position: This hand position is used when the goalie needs to make a high save. The glove hand is placed above the blocker hand, with the fingers spread wide and the thumb facing down. The glove hand should be extended away from the body to allow for better reach and control.
Drills to Improve Hand Positioning
To improve hand positioning, goalies can practice the following drills:
- Stick handling drills: These drills involve handling the hockey stick and practicing different hand positions. Goalies can practice moving the stick in different directions and making saves in different situations.
- Saves on targets: This drill involves setting up targets for the goalie to make saves on. The goalie can practice making saves on different targets, such as the upper body, lower body, and glove side.
- Puck retrieval drills: These drills involve practicing picking up the puck after making a save. Goalies can practice picking up the puck quickly and efficiently, using the appropriate hand position.
Overall, proper hand positioning is essential for goalies to make saves and perform well on the ice. By practicing the key hand positions and drills, goalies can improve their hand positioning and develop their skills.
Saving Shots
When it comes to breaking in a goalie trapper, saving shots is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked. As a goalie, you need to have the skills to make saves from different types of shots to ensure that you can effectively stop the puck from entering the net. In this section, we will discuss some of the techniques that you can use to make saves and improve your skills.
- Types of Shots to Practice
- Wrist Shots
- Slap Shots
- Backhand Shots
- Slap Shots from the Point
- Forehand Shots
- One-Timers
- Breakaways
- Rebound Shots
- Techniques for Making Saves
- Stick Positioning
- Angling
- Movement and Balance
- Pushing and Directing the Puck
- Catching the Puck
- Using the Glove Hand
- Blocking Shots with the Body
- Using the Paddle
- Reflexes and Reaction Time
It is important to note that each type of shot requires a different technique to make a save. Therefore, it is crucial to practice different types of shots to develop your skills as a goalie. Additionally, developing good positioning, movement, and balance will help you to make saves effectively. By practicing these techniques, you will be able to improve your reflexes and reaction time, which will help you to make quicker saves and react to different types of shots.
In conclusion, saving shots is a critical aspect of breaking in a goalie trapper. By practicing different types of shots and developing your skills, you will be able to make saves effectively and improve your overall performance as a goalie.
Advanced Techniques
Blocker Hand
The blocker hand is a crucial component of a goalie’s equipment, responsible for stopping pucks and directing them away from the net. A goalie’s blocker hand should be strong, fast, and precise, enabling them to make quick and accurate movements to save goals.
To improve blocker hand control, goalies can try the following tips:
- Practice proper grip: The blocker hand should be firmly grasped around the handle of the blocker, with the fingers spread out evenly across the blade. This grip will provide the goalie with the necessary control and precision when making saves.
- Develop good hand-eye coordination: To be a successful goalie, it is essential to have good hand-eye coordination. Goalies can practice this by using a variety of training drills that involve catching and hitting a puck with their blocker hand.
- Improve reaction time: The ability to react quickly to incoming shots is critical for a goalie. To improve reaction time, goalies can practice reaction drills, such as reacting to a puck shot at them from different angles.
- Work on blocker control: Goalies should focus on controlling their blocker hand during saves, directing the puck to the correct area of the rink. They can practice this by performing various drills that require precise movements with the blocker hand.
- Develop good footwork: Good footwork is essential for a goalie to move quickly and efficiently in the crease. Goalies can practice their footwork by performing drills that involve skating and moving in different directions.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, goalies can improve their blocker hand control and become more proficient at making saves.
Catching Shots
As a goalie, catching shots is a crucial skill that can make all the difference in a game. Here are some techniques for catching shots with the glove:
Techniques for Catching Shots with the Glove
- Use a soft, flexible glove: A soft, flexible glove allows for better control and feel when catching shots. Look for a glove with a supple leather palm and a comfortable fit.
- Position your glove properly: When catching a shot, make sure your glove is in the correct position. Your glove should be at the height of the shot, with your fingers spread out and your thumb tucked under the index finger.
- Keep your glove flat: As the shot approaches, keep your glove flat and open, rather than closing it or curling it up. This allows for better control and more surface area to catch the puck.
- Follow through after making a save: After making a save, follow through by keeping your glove in the catching position. This helps maintain control of the puck and prevents it from bouncing out of your glove.
By mastering these techniques, you can improve your ability to catch shots with your glove and become a more effective goalie.
Game Situations
Handling Breakaways
When it comes to handling breakaways, goalies need to have a specific set of strategies and techniques to make difficult saves. Here are some of the most effective methods for dealing with breakaways:
Strategies for Dealing with Breakaways
- Angle Play: This strategy involves anticipating the direction of the attacker and positioning oneself in such a way that the angle of the shot is more difficult for the attacker to score.
- Poke Check: This involves using the stick to make contact with the puck and disrupt the attacker’s momentum.
- Glove Save: This technique involves using the glove to make a save rather than the body or legs.
- Sliding Save: This involves sliding across the crease to make a save.
Techniques for Making Difficult Saves
- Butterfly Saves: This technique involves dropping down to the ice and spreading out the legs and arms to make a save.
- Glove Saves: This involves using the glove to make a save rather than the body or legs.
- Pad Saves: This involves using the body and legs to make a save.
- Reflex Saves: This involves reacting quickly to a shot and making a save with the body or legs.
By mastering these strategies and techniques, goalies can improve their ability to handle breakaways and make difficult saves. It’s important to practice these skills regularly to develop muscle memory and reaction time, and to stay focused and mentally prepared during games.
Dealing with Rebounds
When it comes to breaking in a goalie trapper, one of the most important aspects to focus on is dealing with rebounds. Controlling rebounds is crucial for a goalie’s success on the ice, as it allows them to quickly get back into position and prevent the opposing team from scoring.
To improve rebound control, there are several drills that goalies can practice. One such drill is the “rebound control drill,” which involves the goalie making a save and then immediately trying to control the rebound. This drill can be done with a teammate passing the puck to the goalie, or with a rebounder set up in front of the net.
Another drill that can help improve rebound control is the “rebound recovery drill.” This drill involves the goalie making a save and then immediately recovering the puck, either by freezing it or by throwing it to a teammate. This drill helps goalies develop the quick reflexes and puck handling skills necessary to recover the puck and clear it from the crease.
It’s also important for goalies to practice dealing with rebounds in game-like situations. This means practicing their rebound control during scrimmages or in-game simulations, where they can experience the pressure and chaos of a real game. By practicing in these game-like situations, goalies can develop the skills and confidence necessary to control rebounds in real games.
Overall, dealing with rebounds is a crucial aspect of breaking in a goalie trapper. By practicing rebound control drills and in-game simulations, goalies can improve their ability to control rebounds and prevent the opposing team from scoring.
FAQs
1. What is a goalie trapper?
A goalie trapper, also known as a goalie catcher or simply a trapper, is a piece of equipment used by ice hockey goaltenders to catch and block shots taken by opposing players. It is a glove-like device that is worn on the catching hand of the goaltender and is designed to help them make saves and prevent goals from being scored.
2. Why do goalies need to break in their trapper?
Breaking in a goalie trapper is important because it helps the goaltender form a strong bond with their equipment, which can improve their performance on the ice. A broken-in trapper fits more comfortably and securely on the hand, allowing the goaltender to make quicker and more precise movements while blocking shots. Additionally, a well-broken-in trapper is less likely to come off during play, which can be crucial in preventing goals.
3. How long does it take to break in a goalie trapper?
The amount of time it takes to break in a goalie trapper can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the equipment, the individual’s hand size, and how often the trapper is used. In general, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks to fully break in a trapper. It’s important to remember that breaking in a trapper is a gradual process and requires consistent use over time.
4. What is the best way to break in a goalie trapper?
The best way to break in a goalie trapper is to use it consistently in game situations, practices, and drills. It’s important to start with light use and gradually increase the intensity and duration of use over time. This can help the goaltender form a strong bond with their equipment and improve their performance on the ice. It’s also important to maintain the trapper by washing it regularly and using protective measures to prevent damage.
5. Can a goalie trapper be broken in too much?
While it’s important to break in a goalie trapper, it’s also important to ensure that it remains in good condition. Over-breaking a trapper can cause it to become too soft or too stretched out, which can compromise its performance and durability. It’s important to find a balance between breaking in the trapper enough to form a strong bond with it, but not so much that it becomes damaged or ineffective.
