Between the Pipes Newsletter: September Edition

How you show up each day matters. Your biggest competition doesn't come from the outside, but from within. How you show up each day will go a long way in finding success.  Here are some tips to help improve your mentality:

1) Maintain a positive attitude when things don't go your way (getting scored on etc)

2) Remain steady & confident through successes and failures (let in overtime goal, etc)

3) Be comfortable with being uncomfortable (push past discomfort)

4) Shut out the noise from the outside (expectations, performance review, etc)

5) Maintain focus on seeing and saving the ball when things get hectic

Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet, and the pace will only continue to quicken as time moves on. It's important for goalies to be functionally athletic in order to play the goalie position. This includes the following:

1) Stretching - Hip Mobility Example

2) Core Strength - Ability to remain controlled and balanced when saving shots all over the goal

3) Footwork Drills - Jump rope and ladder footwork drills that help establish balance when using the three steps to move to the ball (Lateral Step Cone Drill Example - adjust to the goalie position)

4) Hand Eye Coordination - Drill Example

There are a lot of factors that can cause lacrosse goalies to loose focus throughout a game (both on and off the field). The key is remain engaged and present in all aspects of a game that you can control.

Here are two tips to help improve your focus in-games:

1) Practice/Training - When you show up to practice or goalie specific skill work, make the sessions matter. Instead of going through the motions because they are easy, push yourself to participate at full speed. This will help you understand how to consistently lock in during game day.

2) Pre-Game Prep - Write out a list of all the things within and outside your control. Focus only on the list of things that you can control. Understand and be detailed in what is required of you to play the position successfully throughout the game (within your control). Prepare for those tasks mentally, by reviewing them before the game starts.

As a goalie, how you show up and the image you portray to your teammates, is just as important as saving the ball.

1) Delivery - This can include tone, feedback for a mistake and instruction. How you communicate with your teammates will impact how they play. Example of how to communicate in sports

2) Body Language - Your physical response to situations as a goalie, plays a large role in how overall team morale and performance. Be resilient and project that confidence on to your teammates.

3) Practice/Warm Ups - Understand that eyes are always on you as a goalie. Show up at practices and warm-ups before the game with a level of professionalism that best suits your personality.

Patience in the moment is critical for success as a goalie. Trust in your ability to not let the shooter dictate the pace at which you save the ball. Use a soft/hard focus to identify the ball out the shooter's stick. (Soft/Hard Focus Drill) It's important to try an eliminate wasted motion prior to the release of the shot in order to see and save the ball.

Let the game come to you. Stay present and consistent so that when your number is called, you're ready to handle the situation calmly. Instead of putting undue pressure on yourself to "make the next big play".

For a lacrosse goalie, leadership can show up in many different games both on an off the field. In order to be an effective leader, it is important you understand the impact you have on the team.

1) Develop Lacrosse IQ- Be the eyes and ears for your defenders. Understand (so you're able to communicate) how your defense runs, how you run your clear etc so you're prepared to guide your teammates in the right direction.

2) Set an Example - Make sure you're prepared. Whether it's knowing the game plan or mentally preparing to play the game, your teammates have to know they can rely on you.