Hockey is a fast-paced game that requires precision, skill, and strategy. One of the most critical positions in the game is the goalie, who is responsible for stopping the opposing team from scoring. However, to be an effective goalie, it’s not just about making saves. Understanding the concept of the “blocker side” is essential to being a successful goalie. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what the blocker side means to a goalie and how it can impact the game. Whether you’re a seasoned goalie or just starting out, this guide will provide valuable insights into this important aspect of the game. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of the blocker side to a goalie!
Understanding the Role of a Goalie in Lacrosse
The Importance of Goalie Positions in Lacrosse
The goalie is a critical position in lacrosse, responsible for protecting the net and preventing the opposing team from scoring. Goalies must have quick reflexes, excellent hand-eye coordination, and the ability to read the play to be successful. They are the last line of defense for their team and can make a significant impact on the outcome of a game.
In lacrosse, there are two types of goalies: the clearing goalie and the ride goalie. The clearing goalie is responsible for clearing the ball out of the defensive zone, while the ride goalie protects the goal during a ride. The blocker side is a term used to describe the side of the goalie that is closest to the shooter.
The blocker side is important because it is the side that the goalie uses to block shots. Goalies must have excellent hand-eye coordination and be able to move quickly to get in position to make a save. They must also be able to read the play and anticipate where the shooter is going to shoot from.
The blocker side is also important because it is the side that the goalie uses to communicate with their teammates. Goalies must be able to communicate effectively with their teammates to ensure that they are in the right position to make a save or clear the ball.
Overall, the blocker side is a critical component of the goalie’s position in lacrosse. Goalies must have excellent hand-eye coordination, be able to read the play, and communicate effectively with their teammates to be successful on the blocker side.
Key Responsibilities of a Goalie in Lacrosse
As the last line of defense, a goalie in lacrosse has several key responsibilities that are crucial to the success of their team. Some of these responsibilities include:
- Preventing the ball from entering the goal: The primary responsibility of a goalie is to prevent the ball from entering the goal. This involves using their stick to block shots and deflect the ball away from the goal.
- Communicating with teammates: Goalies must communicate effectively with their teammates to ensure that everyone is in the right position to make a play. This includes calling out warnings about incoming balls and giving instructions to defenders.
- Reading the play: A goalie must be able to read the play and anticipate where the ball is going to be. This involves watching the movement of the ball and the positioning of the players on the field.
- Clearing the ball: When a goalie makes a save, they must quickly clear the ball out of the goal area to prevent the other team from scoring. This involves throwing the ball down the field to a teammate or clearing it out of bounds.
- Scooping up loose balls: In addition to making saves, a goalie must also be able to scoop up loose balls that are on the field. This involves using their stick to pick up the ball and throw it to a teammate.
Overall, the role of a goalie in lacrosse is incredibly important, and they must be skilled in a variety of areas to be successful on the field.
Blocker Side Defense: A Deeper Look
What is the Blocker Side in Lacrosse?
The blocker side in lacrosse refers to the side of the goal where the goalie uses their blocker to defend against incoming shots. The blocker is a gloved hand on the stick that is used to stop the ball from entering the goal. The blocker side is a crucial aspect of a goalie’s defense as it is their primary tool for stopping shots.
Understanding the blocker side is essential for goalies as it helps them to position themselves correctly on the field and anticipate where the ball is going to be. By knowing the blocker side, goalies can better position themselves to make saves and clear the ball from the goal area.
The blocker side is determined by the position of the goalie’s stick in relation to the goal. The goalie’s stick should be extended towards the ball, with the blocker facing the direction of the ball’s trajectory. This allows the goalie to use their blocker to stop the ball from entering the goal.
In addition to understanding the blocker side, goalies must also be familiar with the other aspects of the goal area, including the crease and the goal posts. These areas are crucial for goalies to defend and understanding them is essential for success on the field.
Overall, the blocker side is a critical component of a goalie’s defense in lacrosse. By understanding the blocker side and positioning themselves correctly on the field, goalies can make saves and clear the ball from the goal area, helping their team to score points and win games.
The Goalie’s Perspective: Sight Lines and Angles
A goalie’s perspective on the ice rink is a critical factor in their ability to make saves. Their positioning, angle, and line of sight are all essential components of a successful blocker side defense. In this section, we will explore these factors in more detail.
- Positioning: The goalie’s position on the ice rink is crucial when defending the blocker side. They must be in a position where they can see the approaching shooter and be able to react quickly to make a save. Goalies must also be aware of their defensemen’s positioning and where they are on the ice, as this can impact their line of sight and angle of attack.
- Angle: The angle at which the goalie is positioned relative to the shooter is another critical factor in making saves. A goalie who is too far forward or too far back may struggle to make saves, as they will not have the ideal angle to stop the puck. Goalies must be aware of their angle and adjust their positioning accordingly to optimize their line of sight and angle of attack.
- Line of Sight: The goalie’s line of sight is also crucial when defending the blocker side. A goalie who is unable to see the approaching shooter is at a significant disadvantage and may struggle to make saves. Goalies must be aware of their line of sight and adjust their positioning accordingly to optimize their visibility and ability to make saves.
In the next section, we will explore the different techniques and strategies that goalies can use to defend the blocker side effectively.
Offensive Strategies: Breaking the Plane
Breaking the plane is a critical offensive strategy that involves getting the ball past the blocker side of the goalie. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the most common offensive strategies used by players when attacking the blocker side of the goalie:
Cutting to the Net
One of the most effective ways to break the plane is by cutting to the net. This involves moving towards the goalie and away from the ball, creating an opening for a teammate to pass the ball to. Once the ball is received, the player can quickly turn and shoot, catching the goalie off guard.
Cutting to the net is a risky strategy, as it leaves the player vulnerable to being caught out of position. However, if executed correctly, it can result in high-percentage shots and easy goals.
Scooping
Scooping is another offensive strategy used to break the plane. This involves moving towards the ball with the stick at an angle, lifting it up and over the top of the goalie’s stick. The ball is then directed towards the goal, with the aim of catching the goalie off guard and scoring a goal.
Scooping requires good timing and spacing, as well as excellent stick skills. It can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy, as it requires a lot of practice to master.
Wrapping Around
Wrapping around is a common offensive strategy used by players attacking the blocker side of the goalie. This involves moving around the back of the goal, towards the crease, and then cutting towards the ball. This creates an opening for a teammate to pass the ball to, resulting in a high-percentage shot.
Wrapping around requires good communication and timing, as well as excellent stick skills. It can be a very effective strategy, as it allows players to get in close to the goal and take advantage of the limited visibility the goalie has from that angle.
Shooting from the Perimeter
Finally, shooting from the perimeter is a common offensive strategy used by players attacking the blocker side of the goalie. This involves shooting from outside the shooting circle, using the run and shoot method. This requires excellent timing and accuracy, as well as good field vision and decision-making skills.
Shooting from the perimeter can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy, as it requires a lot of practice to master. However, if executed correctly, it can result in quick transition goals and catch the goalie off guard.
Defensive Strategies: Playing the Crease and Angles
Goalies play a crucial role in blocking shots and preventing the opposing team from scoring. One of the most effective ways for a goalie to defend their net is by playing the crease and angles. In this section, we will explore the different defensive strategies that goalies use to block shots and protect their net.
Playing the Crease
The crease is the area in front of the goalie’s pads, and it is a critical area for goalies to defend. One of the most effective ways for a goalie to defend the crease is by using their body to block the shot. By positioning themselves in front of the net, goalies can use their body to block the shot and prevent it from going into the net.
In addition to using their body to block shots, goalies can also use their stick to defend the crease. By keeping their stick in the shooting lane, goalies can prevent the opposing team from getting a clear shot on the net. This is especially important when the goalie is out of position or when the opposing team is on a breakaway.
Playing the Angles
In addition to playing the crease, goalies can also use angles to their advantage. By positioning themselves in the right spot, goalies can use the angle of the shot to their advantage and block the shot. This is especially important when the opposing team is on a power play and has more time to set up their shot.
To play the angles effectively, goalies need to be aware of the position of their teammates and the position of the puck. By anticipating where the puck is going and positioning themselves in the right spot, goalies can use the angle of the shot to their advantage and block the shot.
Overall, playing the crease and angles are crucial defensive strategies for goalies. By using their body and stick to block shots and by positioning themselves in the right spot, goalies can prevent the opposing team from scoring and help their team win the game.
The Art of Communication: Goalie-Defense Communication
The Importance of Communication between Goalie and Defense
Effective communication between a goalie and the defense is crucial for the success of any ice hockey team. The goalie and defense must work together as a unit to prevent the opposing team from scoring. This requires clear and concise communication, as well as a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Communication Styles
The way in which the goalie and defense communicate can vary depending on the team’s style of play and the preferences of the individual players. Some teams prefer a more verbal approach, with the goalie and defense constantly communicating via shouted instructions and encouragement. Other teams may rely more on nonverbal cues, such as hand signals or body language, to communicate important information.
Trust and Rapport
In order for effective communication to take place between the goalie and defense, there must be a strong sense of trust and rapport between the players. This means that the goalie must trust that the defense will be in the right positions to make saves, and the defense must trust that the goalie will make the necessary saves to keep the puck out of the net. When trust and rapport are present, the team is better able to work together and make split-second decisions on the ice.
Information Sharing
Effective communication between the goalie and defense also requires a willingness to share information. The defense must communicate important information to the goalie, such as the location of the puck and the position of the opposing players. The goalie must also communicate important information to the defense, such as the position of the puck and the potential threat of an attack. By sharing information, the goalie and defense can work together more effectively to prevent goals and keep the puck out of the net.
Adjustments and Adaptations
Finally, effective communication between the goalie and defense requires the ability to make adjustments and adaptations as needed. The opposing team may make changes to their strategy or play style, and the goalie and defense must be able to adjust their own play accordingly. This requires flexibility and the ability to think on one’s feet, as well as a willingness to listen to and incorporate the opinions of one’s teammates.
Overall, effective communication between the goalie and defense is essential for the success of any ice hockey team. By building trust and rapport, sharing information, and making adjustments and adaptations as needed, the goalie and defense can work together to prevent goals and help their team win games.
Vocal Cues and Non-Verbal Communication Techniques
As a goalie, it is crucial to establish effective communication with your defense team. Clear communication helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page, and the team can work together seamlessly. One of the most important aspects of goalie-defense communication is the use of vocal cues and non-verbal communication techniques.
Vocal cues are an essential part of communication between the goalie and the defense team. They provide a quick and easy way to convey important information, such as the position of the puck or the location of the opposing players. Some common vocal cues used by goalies include:
- “I’ve got it” – This is used to let the defense team know that the goalie has control of the puck.
- “I’m going to play it” – This is used to let the defense team know that the goalie is planning to make a save.
- “Clear!” – This is used to let the defense team know that the goalie is planning to clear the puck from the crease.
Non-verbal communication techniques are also essential for effective goalie-defense communication. These techniques include body language, eye contact, and hand signals. Some common non-verbal communication techniques used by goalies include:
- Pointing – This is used to indicate the direction in which the goalie wants the puck to be moved.
- Hand signals – These are used to indicate the type of save that the goalie plans to make. For example, a goalie might use a specific hand signal to indicate that they plan to make a poke check.
- Eye contact – This is used to communicate important information, such as the location of the puck or the position of the opposing players.
Effective use of vocal cues and non-verbal communication techniques is essential for effective goalie-defense communication. By using these techniques, goalies can ensure that they are able to communicate effectively with their defense team, leading to better teamwork and improved performance on the ice.
Situational Communication: Reading the Play
Reading the play is a crucial aspect of situational communication between a goalie and the defense. This involves being aware of the positioning of the players on the ice, the puck’s location, and the potential movements of both the offensive and defensive players.
The goalie must be able to quickly process this information and communicate effectively with the defense to prevent the opposition from scoring. This includes calling out potential threats, giving directions for positioning, and making adjustments as needed based on the flow of the game.
Effective reading of the play requires not only a keen understanding of the game, but also a high level of focus and attention to detail. A goalie must be able to stay focused on the play even when under pressure, and make split-second decisions based on their observations.
By developing strong situational communication skills, a goalie can greatly improve their ability to work with the defense and keep the opposition off the scoreboard.
Advanced Techniques and Tactics for Blocker Side Defense
The Double Crosse Technique
The Double Crosse Technique is a highly effective defensive strategy that is commonly used by goalies on the blocker side. This technique involves the goalie using two crosse (sticks) in order to block shots and clear the ball from the goal area.
The Double Crosse Technique is typically used in situations where the goalie needs to quickly clear the ball from the goal area, such as when they are under pressure from an attacking player. By using two crosse, the goalie is able to quickly and effectively block shots and clear the ball, giving them more time to set up their defense and prevent the other team from scoring.
One of the key benefits of the Double Crosse Technique is that it allows the goalie to keep both eyes on the ball at all times, which can be particularly useful when facing a fast-moving ball. Additionally, by using two crosse, the goalie is able to increase their reach and coverage, making it more difficult for attacking players to get a clear shot on goal.
Overall, the Double Crosse Technique is a highly effective defensive strategy that can help goalies on the blocker side to prevent the other team from scoring. By using two crosse, the goalie is able to quickly and effectively block shots and clear the ball, giving them more time to set up their defense and prevent the other team from scoring.
Footwork and Positioning for Effective Blocker Side Defense
Proper footwork and positioning are crucial for a goalie to execute effective blocker side defense. This section will discuss the essential elements of footwork and positioning that a goalie should master to excel in blocker side defense.
Importance of Footwork and Positioning
Footwork and positioning are vital components of a goalie’s defense strategy. A goalie’s footwork determines their ability to move quickly and efficiently around the crease, while their positioning dictates their ability to make saves and clear the ball. A goalie who has mastered footwork and positioning can effectively anticipate and react to the offensive plays of their opponents, making it easier to prevent goals and maintain possession of the ball.
Fundamentals of Footwork
Proper footwork is essential for a goalie to execute effective blocker side defense. Goalies must be able to move quickly and efficiently in all directions, including laterally, diagonally, and vertically. To achieve this, goalies must practice and master the following footwork fundamentals:
- Shuffle: A shuffle is a lateral movement where the goalie moves their feet in a cross-step pattern while keeping their knees bent and their body weight over their feet. Shuffling is essential for goalies to maintain balance and control while moving laterally across the crease.
- Crossover: A crossover is a movement where the goalie crosses their right foot over their left foot, then their left foot over their right foot, creating a zigzag pattern. Crossovers are useful for moving quickly and efficiently diagonally across the crease.
- Push: A push is a movement where the goalie pushes off with one foot while bringing the other foot forward, creating a stride. Pushing is useful for moving quickly and powerfully in a straight line.
Positioning Techniques
Proper positioning is essential for a goalie to make saves and clear the ball. Goalies must be able to anticipate the movements of their opponents and position themselves accordingly. Some positioning techniques that goalies can use include:
- Angling: Angling is a technique where the goalie positions themselves diagonally in relation to the ball and their opponent. This technique allows the goalie to cut off the opponent’s line of attack and make it easier to make saves.
- Squaring up: Squaring up is a technique where the goalie positions themselves directly in front of the ball, creating a barrier between the ball and the goal. This technique is useful for clearing the ball out of bounds or making a direct shot on goal.
- Playing the angles: Playing the angles is a technique where the goalie positions themselves at an angle to the ball and their opponent, rather than directly in front or behind them. This technique allows the goalie to anticipate the opponent’s movements and make saves more effectively.
By mastering the fundamentals of footwork and positioning, goalies can develop advanced techniques and tactics for blocker side defense, enabling them to anticipate and react to the offensive plays of their opponents, and ultimately, prevent goals and maintain possession of the ball.
Transitioning from Offense to Defense: The Quick Clear
As a goalie, it is essential to transition smoothly from offense to defense to avoid conceding goals. One of the most critical aspects of this transition is the quick clear, which is the process of clearing the ball out of your defensive zone as quickly as possible. Here are some tips and techniques to help you master the quick clear:
- Recognize when to clear: The quick clear should be executed as soon as possible after a shot is taken or a turnover occurs in your defensive zone. If you wait too long, your teammates may not be in position to receive the ball, and you may be caught out of position.
- Communicate with your teammates: Communication is key when executing the quick clear. Your teammates need to know when you are clearing the ball, and they need to be in position to receive it. Call out “clear” or “ball out” to let your teammates know that you are clearing the ball.
- Use different clearing methods: There are several methods you can use to clear the ball out of your defensive zone. The most common method is to use a long clear, which involves passing the ball to a teammate further up the field. You can also use a short clear, which involves passing the ball to a teammate closer to the goal.
- Avoid turnovers: To execute the quick clear effectively, it is essential to avoid turnovers. Make sure to pass the ball to a teammate who is in a good position to receive it, and avoid making risky passes that could result in a turnover.
- Practice, practice, practice: Mastering the quick clear takes practice. Work on your clearing skills during practice, and focus on improving your communication and decision-making. With time and effort, you can become an expert at transitioning from offense to defense and executing the quick clear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Blocker Side Defense
Over-Committing to the Ball
As a goalie, it is essential to have a good understanding of the blocker side. One common mistake that goalies make is over-committing to the ball. This means that instead of staying in their lane and keeping their eyes on the ball, goalies tend to dive or slide towards the ball, which can lead to errors.
Over-committing to the ball can result in a few different mistakes. For example, a goalie may overshoot the ball and end up out of position, leaving the net open for the shooter. Another mistake is when a goalie slides or dives towards the ball but misses, leaving themselves out of position for the rebound.
It is important for goalies to understand that their primary job is to stay in their lane and prevent the ball from entering the net. Over-committing to the ball can take away from this primary responsibility and lead to mistakes.
To avoid over-committing to the ball, goalies should focus on staying in their lane and keeping their eyes on the ball. They should also practice their footwork and develop quick reflexes to be able to react to the ball quickly and make saves.
Additionally, goalies should work on their communication skills and be able to communicate with their teammates. This will help them stay aware of the position of their teammates and avoid over-committing to the ball.
In conclusion, over-committing to the ball is a common mistake that goalies make. To avoid this mistake, goalies should focus on staying in their lane, keeping their eyes on the ball, developing quick reflexes, and communicating with their teammates. By avoiding this mistake, goalies can improve their performance and help their team win games.
Poor Communication and Misaligned Positioning
One of the most common mistakes made by goalies during blocker side defense is poor communication and misaligned positioning. When the goalie fails to communicate effectively with their teammates, it can lead to confusion and disorganization on the field. Misaligned positioning can also occur when the goalie is not properly aligned with their teammates, leading to gaps in coverage and easier shots for the opposing team.
Poor Communication
Poor communication can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of experience, inadequate training, or simply not paying enough attention to the game. Some common signs of poor communication include:
- Not calling out important information, such as the location of the ball or the position of teammates
- Failing to respond to calls from teammates
- Using confusing or ambiguous language when communicating with teammates
To avoid poor communication, goalies should focus on improving their communication skills, both on and off the field. This can include practicing clear and concise language, paying attention to the game, and actively seeking feedback from teammates and coaches.
Misaligned Positioning
Misaligned positioning can occur when the goalie is not properly aligned with their teammates, leading to gaps in coverage and easier shots for the opposing team. Some common signs of misaligned positioning include:
- Failing to move in sync with teammates
- Being out of position when the ball is passed or shot
- Not covering open areas of the field
To avoid misaligned positioning, goalies should focus on improving their awareness of the game and their teammates’ positions. This can include paying attention to the ball and the position of teammates, moving in sync with them, and being aware of open areas of the field.
Overall, effective communication and proper positioning are essential components of successful blocker side defense. By avoiding poor communication and misaligned positioning, goalies can help their team win games and achieve their goals.
Lack of Footwork and Poor Body Angles
As a goalie, your primary responsibility is to prevent the opposition from scoring. However, this task can be challenging if you do not have proper footwork and body angles. Lack of footwork and poor body angles are two common mistakes that goalies make when playing on the blocker side. In this section, we will discuss these mistakes in detail and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Lack of Footwork
Footwork is an essential aspect of goalie defense. It refers to the movement of your feet as you move around the crease. Good footwork enables you to react quickly to shots, move laterally to cover the net, and make saves.
One of the most common mistakes that goalies make is a lack of footwork. This can occur when a goalie fails to move their feet quickly enough to get into position to make a save. For example, if a shot is taken from the top of the circle, a goalie who fails to move their feet quickly enough will be caught out of position and will not be able to make the save.
Another example of a lack of footwork is when a goalie fails to move laterally across the crease. This can happen when a goalie is not able to move their feet quickly enough to get into position to make a save. This can leave open gaps in the crease that the opposition can exploit.
Poor Body Angles
Poor body angles are another common mistake that goalies make when playing on the blocker side. Your body angle refers to the position of your body in relation to the puck and the shooter. A good body angle enables you to make saves and keep the puck out of the net.
One of the most common mistakes that goalies make is a poor body angle when facing a shot. This can occur when a goalie fails to get into a good position to make a save. For example, if a goalie is not in a good position to make a save, they may be forced to dive or stretch out to make the save, which can lead to injuries or missed saves.
Another example of a poor body angle is when a goalie is not able to keep their body in front of the puck. This can happen when a goalie is not able to get into a good position to make a save. This can leave open gaps in the crease that the opposition can exploit.
Tips to Avoid Lack of Footwork and Poor Body Angles
To avoid lack of footwork and poor body angles, goalies need to focus on several key areas. First, goalies need to work on their footwork drills to improve their speed and agility. This includes drills such as ladder drills, shuffle drills, and agility cones.
Second, goalies need to focus on their body positioning. This includes drills such as the butterfly position, the push-pull position, and the stand-up position. Goalies need to practice these drills to improve their body positioning and to get into a good position to make saves.
Finally, goalies need to practice their lateral movement across the crease. This includes drills such as the “L” drill, the “T” drill, and the “X” drill. These drills help goalies to practice their lateral movement and to get into a good position to make saves.
In conclusion, lack of footwork and poor body angles are two common mistakes that goalies make when playing on the blocker side. To avoid these mistakes, goalies need to focus on their footwork drills, body positioning drills, and lateral movement drills. By practicing these drills, goalies can improve their footwork, body angles, and overall defensive skills.
Developing Your Blocker Side Defense Skills
Drills for Improving Blocker Side Defense
Drills are an essential component of developing your blocker side defense skills. These exercises are designed to help you improve your hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and overall defensive skills. Here are some of the most effective drills for improving your blocker side defense:
Catch and Release
Catch and release is a simple yet effective drill that focuses on improving your hand-eye coordination and reaction time. To perform this drill, you will need a lacrosse ball and a partner. Have your partner throw the ball at you while you catch it with your blocker side and immediately throw it back to your partner. This drill should be performed at a fast pace to help improve your reaction time.
Wall Ball
Wall ball is a classic lacrosse drill that can help improve your hand-eye coordination, accuracy, and power. To perform this drill, you will need a lacrosse ball and a wall. Start by throwing the ball against the wall and catching it with your blocker side. As you get comfortable with the drill, you can increase the speed and distance of your throws.
Stick Checking
Stick checking is an essential defensive skill that involves using your stick to check your opponent’s stick and ball. To practice stick checking, you can perform drills that involve using your stick to knock the ball away from your opponent. This drill can help improve your stick control and hand-eye coordination.
Scoop and Scramble
Scoop and scramble is a drill that involves scooping up ground balls and transitioning quickly to defense. To perform this drill, you will need a partner and several ground balls. Have your partner throw the ball on the ground and then scoop it up with your stick while transitioning to defense. This drill can help improve your scooping technique and overall defensive skills.
Defensive Slides
Defensive slides are an essential part of lacrosse defense. To practice defensive slides, you can perform drills that involve sliding your feet and stick in different directions. This drill can help improve your footwork and overall defensive skills.
Overall, these drills can help improve your blocker side defense skills and help you become a more effective lacrosse goalie. By practicing these drills regularly, you can develop the skills necessary to excel on the lacrosse field.
Mental Preparation and Visualization Techniques
As a goalie, having a strong mental game is just as important as having physical skills. The blocker side is a critical aspect of a goalie’s defense, and mental preparation and visualization techniques can help improve your performance on this side of the ice. Here are some tips to help you develop your mental preparation and visualization skills:
- Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you prepare for game situations. Spend time visualizing yourself making saves on the blocker side, focusing on the mechanics of your movements and the angles you need to cover. This will help you develop muscle memory and increase your confidence on the ice.
- Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment. This can help you stay focused and calm during games, allowing you to make split-second decisions and react quickly to changing situations. Try taking a few minutes before each game to practice mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or visualization.
- Build Confidence
Confidence is key for any athlete, and goalies are no exception. Focus on your strengths and celebrate your successes, both in practice and during games. This will help you build confidence in your abilities and feel more comfortable on the ice.
- Learn from Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s important to learn from them. Take the time to analyze your mistakes and figure out what you could have done differently. This will help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future and will give you a sense of control over your performance.
- Stay Focused
Finally, it’s important to stay focused during games. This means staying present in the moment and avoiding distractions, such as negative thoughts or outside stimuli. Take deep breaths and remind yourself to stay focused on the task at hand. With practice, you can develop the mental preparation and visualization skills needed to excel on the blocker side.
The Role of Feedback and Film Study in Improving Blocker Side Defense
Properly assessing and improving one’s blocker side defense requires a combination of both on-field experience and off-field analysis. Feedback and film study play a crucial role in this process, as they provide goalies with the necessary tools to identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas for improvement.
Feedback, whether it comes from a coach, teammate, or opponent, can provide valuable insights into a goalie’s performance. By actively seeking out feedback, goalies can gain a better understanding of their own technique and learn how to make adjustments to better defend their blocker side.
Film study, on the other hand, allows goalies to analyze their own performances in a more systematic and detailed manner. By reviewing game footage, goalies can identify patterns in their movements, shot selection, and decision-making, and use this information to make targeted improvements to their blocker side defense.
Moreover, film study can also help goalies learn from the successes and failures of other goalies, both at the amateur and professional levels. By studying the techniques and strategies of successful blocker side defenders, goalies can gain valuable insights into how to better position themselves, read the play, and make crucial saves.
Overall, the role of feedback and film study in improving blocker side defense cannot be overstated. By utilizing these tools effectively, goalies can develop a deeper understanding of their own performance, identify areas for improvement, and make targeted adjustments to better defend their blocker side.
FAQs
1. What is a blocker side to a goalie?
The blocker side refers to the side of the rink that a goaltender faces when they are blocking shots. This is the side where the goaltender uses their blocker to deflect the puck away from the net.
2. What is the importance of the blocker side to a goalie?
The blocker side is crucial to a goalie’s success as it allows them to make saves and prevent goals. The blocker is a key piece of equipment for a goaltender, and it is used to block shots and protect the net.
3. How does a goalie determine their blocker side?
A goalie determines their blocker side by facing the direction of the puck when it is being shot. They use their blocker to deflect the puck away from the net, and this determines which side of the rink they are on.
4. Can a goalie switch their blocker side during a game?
Yes, a goalie can switch their blocker side during a game. However, this can be risky as it can disrupt their rhythm and timing, and it may take time for them to adjust to the new side.
5. What is the difference between a blocker and a catcher in hockey?
A blocker is a piece of equipment that a goaltender uses to block shots, while a catcher is a piece of equipment that a goaltender uses to catch the puck. The blocker is typically used on the blocker side, while the catcher is used on the other side of the rink.
6. Can a goalie use both their blocker and catcher on the same shot?
Yes, a goalie can use both their blocker and catcher on the same shot. This is known as a “stacked” save, where the goalie uses both their blocker and catcher to make the save.
7. What is the difference between a left-handed and right-handed goalie?
A left-handed goalie is one who uses their left hand to block shots, while a right-handed goalie uses their right hand. This can affect which side of the rink a goalie plays on, as well as their shooting and passing abilities.
8. How does a goalie’s blocker side affect their gameplay?
A goalie’s blocker side can affect their gameplay in a number of ways. It can affect their ability to make saves, their ability to communicate with their teammates, and their ability to move around the rink. It is important for a goalie to be comfortable and confident on their blocker side in order to be successful.
