Between the Pipes Newsletter: June Edition

"On any given day, you may struggle with your habits because you're too busy or too tired or too overwhelmed or hundreds of other reasons. Over the long run, the real reason you fail to stick with habits is that your self-image gets in the way. This is why you can’t get too attached to one version of your identity.

Progress requires unlearning. Becoming the best version of yourself requires you to continuously edit your beliefs, and to upgrade and expand your identity."

James Clear 3-2-1

Historical NCAA Division I Save% Stats and My Thoughts

Have you ever wondered what the average save percentage for Men's and Women's Division I lacrosse? Well here ya go!

Men's Lacrosse Thoughts:

2023 marked the the lowest average save percentage for goalies in 20+ years, at 50%(stats from '02 -'13 found here). Now, before we go and ring the alarms, keep in mind a few things:

Since the introduction of the shot clock there has been an increase in the total number of shots and shots on goal (can see more information in this article here and in the graph below)
The addition of new teams to the Division I level has increased the totals across every category
The technology change in lacrosse sticks continues make the game faster each year

36 of 67 goalies had a save percentage at or above 60% (goalies who played 60% or more of their teams minutes). At the Division II and III levels the average save percentage tends to be higher historically (2-5% points), due to the talent disparity top to bottom within both groups and the total number of programs at the Division III level. In the shot clock era, with the technological advancements in the game today, is it possible to improve these numbers? My answer is 100% yes and I think it starts with how we coach the position (which we will get into further down the newsletter). This may seem counter-intuitive, but I think with the goalie position, less is more. Instead of quick, explosive and attacking, the attention needs to shift to patience, seeing the ball and balance in the movement. You have more time to save a shot than you think.

NCAA Men's Division I Historical Save Percentage

year	shots	shots on goal	goals allowed	saves		save percentage
2023	45,867	27,232	13,536	13,545	27,081	50.02%
2022	44,827	26,644	12,966	13,676	26,642	51.33%
2021	30,995	18,391	8,951	9,392	18,343	51.20%	short season
2019	43,621	25,721	12,557	13,087	25,644	51.03%
2018	37,570	22,288	11,075	11,189	22,264	50.26%
2017	38,148	22,555	11,051	11,531	22,582	51.06%
2016	37,288	21,887	10,671	11,177	21,848	51.16%
2015	37,288	21,887	10,671	11,177	21,848	51.16%

Women's Lacrosse Thoughts:

Since in introduction of the shot clock in 2017 the speed of the game has increased tremendously. However, when you look at the data as it relates to save percentage, despite the increase of shots ever year (taking the shortened season of 2021) the save percentage has stayed the same. Before we move on, let me first say, that the position of goalie in women's lacrosse is by far the most challenging of any sport. Proof of this claim being the average save percentage total since 2017 sitting at 43%. 43%! That means it is completely normal for you to save less than half the shots you face. 9 out of the 102 eligible goalies, recorded a save percentage of 50% or higher in 2023.

Obviously, the large disparity from the Men's to the Women's game is primarily for two reasons:

Shot location - with most shots being taken in front of the goalie
8 meter shots (free position shots)

Similar to my thoughts on the Men's game I think a change in perception and how the position is coached can help increase the overall average save percentage in the sport. By that I mean, instead of the assumption that you have no chance on inside shots and free position shots, focus your attention on finding the ball, being patient on the release and seeing the ball.

NCAA Women's Division I Historical Save Percentage

year	shots	shots on goal	goals allowed	saves	save percentage
2023	61,940	45,832	26,320	19,468	43.58%
2022	60,537	44,952	25,879	19,000	43.00%
2021	45,335	33,705	19,470	14,204	43.21%
2019	59,460	44,208	25,106	19,086	43.80%
2018	59,723	44,215	24,979	19,209	44.30%
2017	These stats not available				43.83%
2016	These stats not available				42.58%

Summer 2023: The Importance of Being Prepared

As we head into the Summer , I can't stress enough (particularly for those who are playing in front of college coaches), the importance of mental preparation and mindset. This past spring, I was fortunate enough to meet and work with collegiate goalies on mental prep, from top 10 Division 1 programs down through the Division 3 level. The key focus of these sessions was to identify outcomes (things outside of the goalies control) that caused goalies to fall into slumps, struggle or stress them out, and create a prep plan they could use before they play (takes about 3-5 minutes) to help them show up to be present and prepared. In addition, we created a physical routine in-game, to help them continue and maintain that next shot mentality. By season's end, each of these goalies was able to find their way to consistent success earning various individual awards ranging from All-Conference, All-American recognition, to Conference Tournament MVP's and winning starting jobs as Freshman.

More than anything, what this showed me was the impact that mental prep has on goalie performance. The Summer lacrosse grind can be a challenging place for youth/high school/college goalies to navigate and I think learning the tools of how to prepare mentally will only give goalies a leg up on their competition. With that being said, should you have interest in setting up a session or have any goalie related questions complete the form adjacent to the text and a member of our team will reach out shortly.

Sign up for a mental prep session here

Perception about the goalie position

How a shift in mindset can help you make more saves.

Negative Perceptions that Impact Goalie Performance

Shots are too fast to save
I don't have a enough time to see the ball
Shooter's are supposed to score on inside shots
Some shots are out of reach
I have no time from the shooters stick to the goal
I don't have enough time to track the pass from a feed to a shot
I pretty much have no chance on free position shots
Every announcer on fast shot "goalie has no chance on that one"

Negative Perceptions with a Change of Perspective

No matter the shot speed I will find the ball
When I see the ball, I save the ball even if I pick up the shot late
No matter where the shot is taken I will find the ball
The goal is only 6ft wide and I can get to every shot
If I find the ball I will make the save
When I track the pass to the shooter's stick it helps me stay patient and locate the ball on the shot
No matter the location of the shot if I see the ball, I will save the ball
Most of them never played goalie and have 0 idea what they are talking about

Perception: Lacrosse Goalie

How we perceive things in life greatly impacts the thoughts and behaviors that follow – for better or for worse. When athletes “see” challenges instead of seeing threats, their mind and body flow in synchrony and often the athlete improves mental toughness and reaches his or her full athletic potential as a result. Conversely, sport psychologists have found that otherwise talented athletes can actually offset their athletic abilities by perceiving sport situations as scary, intimidating, or threatening ( Dr. Chris Stankovich)

At any point in your lacrosse career, have you thoughts about the negative perceptions listed above? The answer is probably yes, and because of that, it is likely you experience many challenges at the goalie position. If your perception of playing the position is that the shooter has all the advantages, then all you will see in front of you are the constant challenges to see and save the ball. How you perceive a situation is your reality. What perceptions do you currently have about the position that limit your ability to perform consistently at a high level?

Change Your Perception – Improve Your Game

First and foremost it's important for you to address and acknowledge the negative perceptions you have about the position. Your ability to improve in this department stems from understanding where your limitations exist. In order move past and change your perception of the situation, you have believe in your ability to play with irrational confidence no matter the situation. Here are some suggestions to develop that inner belief to play with irrational confidence:

Set goals. Write down goals that are specific, controllable, and measurable, and keep track of your progress daily. By setting small goals that you can accomplish your confidence and belief will improve naturally as a result.
Be consistent. Develop consistent habits and behaviors and pay close attention to the results you experience. For example, if you are a student and make it a point to dedicate time to your studies each day, keep an eye on how your grades improve (they likely will) and how your confidence improves as well.
Develop realistic expectations. You can do almost anything in this world, but you can’t do everything. Rather than trying to win at everything you do, pick a couple of the most important life challenges you face and develop realistic ways to experience success.
Keep a sense of humor. The more you laugh, the less you will stress! Seriously, try and find the lighter side of life whenever possible as this will keep your spirits up, anxieties down, and ultimately allow you to put your best foot forward with whatever tasks lie ahead.

Dr. Chris Stankovic

The next time you're out on the lacrosse ask yourself these two questions before facing shots:

Is it challenging? Yes

Is it possible? Yes

See the Ball // Save the Ball

Struggling to find drills to help you keep your edge?

Focus Lacrosse Platform - Full Year ($113.88)

Purchase a full year upfront and get 5% off the total price ($113.88). New content will be added during the course of the subscription.

Purchase a full year upfront and get 5% off the total price ($113.88)

Focus Lacrosse Platform

Focus Lacrosse Platform monthly subscription. Content added monthly, with the ability to customize content specific to you!

$9.99 USD per month

Players

Whether you save the ball or get scored on, how often do you see the ball from the shooter's stick to your stick? With the Focus Platform, goalies of all ages will learn to see the ball and make saving the ball easier. Here is what you will get:

Situational Game, Stepping and Tracking Drills
Visualizations
Shot Analysis and Breakdown
Courses on Improving Fundamentals
How-To Course Work (save low-high shots etc)
Learn how to make more balanced, efficient and easier saves
Reduce how often you get score on stick-side high
Pre-Game Warm Ups and much more

Coaches

Do your goalies get better at practice? With the Focus Platform, you can now easily learn how to coach, plan and prepare your goalies to improve their game and take your team to the next level! Here is what you get:

Coaching Tips
Customizable Practice Plans
How to Develop Talent
How to Correct Mistakes
Beginner/Youth Courses
Developing Mental Toughness and much more.

The Focus Platform gives coaches the ability to ensure their goalies get the same level of attention as the rest of the team to help them develop and improve their game.