Skating is the foundation of Goalie movement. At U7-U9, a young female Goalie is still learning balance, edges, stops, starts and recovery. Therefore, advanced Goalie technique should not come at the expense of learning how to move confidently in the crease.
Why skating comes first for young Goalies
A Goalie has to move before she can be in position to make the save. For example, she may need to shuffle across the crease, adjust her depth or recover after going down. Because each action begins with movement, better skating gives her more options.
At this age, Coaches should avoid treating skating as something separate from Goalie development. Instead, skating should be part of almost every lesson.
Skating builds balance in the crease
Balance allows a young Goalie to arrive under control. However, arriving quickly is not enough if she cannot set her feet or react to the next play. Therefore, simple edge work, controlled shuffles and short movements can be more valuable than complicated drills.
In addition, both directions need attention. A young Goalie may naturally feel stronger moving one way. Coaches can create repetitions that gradually make both sides more comfortable.
Use skating to teach position
Positioning becomes easier to understand when the Goalie can actually move into position. First, give her a simple reference such as the puck, the middle of the net and her depth. Next, let her move into that position repeatedly. Finally, add a shot once the movement is comfortable.
As a result, technique grows from the movement rather than becoming a pose the Goalie is trying to remember.
Skating also improves recovery
The first save does not always end the play. Consequently, young Goalies need to learn how to regain their feet, locate the puck and move again. Recovery skating should be introduced progressively rather than rushed.
Most importantly, falling or arriving late should not become a confidence crisis. The lesson is to recover and prepare for the next save.
Keep skating instruction age-appropriate
U7-U9 Goalies do not need a vocabulary test in Goalie terminology. Instead, demonstrate one movement, give the Goalie several attempts and correct the most important detail. Then let her try again.
Hockey Canada provides dedicated resources for developing Goalies and age-appropriate Hockey skills. Explore Hockey Canada Goalie development resources.
Skating and confidence develop together
Confidence often grows from competence. Therefore, a young female Goalie who learns to move, stop, recover and find position has more tools when the puck arrives. She does not need to be perfect. She needs enough successful repetitions to trust her movement.
Continue through The Hockey Resource™ for more age-specific Goalie development lessons.
GOALIE COACH GAIL™ takeaway
BUILD THE SKATER. BUILD THE GOALIE.™
