Question: Julia asks Soft mesh or hard? Is Crossfit any good for a goalie? And how do I make the most of playing indoors?
Answer: Hey there Julia. Here you go.
Get it restrung and with hard mesh. Soft mesh is a definite no go anymore. They just turn into tennis rackets. You'll notice a huge difference with hard mesh.
Cross fit is cool but it's not the best for a goalie. Too much endurance work. Women love Cross Fit, but if you look closely there's not a lot that relates to the explosive goalie. You want to lift weights and lift them heavy. This will help you be more explosive in the cage not to mention you will look like a Goddess! You are right, running for 15minutes will not help you. Actualy it will hurt your goaltending game.
If you're getting the stick to the ball it is for sure your pocket. That one change is going to do wonders to your game.
The reason you're not doing so well indoors is because the shots are right on top of you. You're probably getting hit with the ball a ton. Make sure yo'uve got enough equipment on and have the shooters move back. Ask your coach if you can put a stick on the ground where the shooters have to shoot from so you have time to react to the ball and can work on things. If you would like me to email your coach just give them my email address and I will send them a guide to working with goalies that can help you.
Hey make sure you sign up at the forum. If we can do Q and A's through there we will be able to add content and make it grow. I love the emails though so keep it up. Let me know how things go and stay in touch.
Jonathan -
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Should I Buy A New Goalie Stick If I'm Not Going To Play In College?
Question: Hey Jonathan thanks so much for all of your feedback. I have one last question though!
Since last year was my first year playing lacrosse, I didn't want to pay a lot for my stick and then end up not liking it. However, I'm wondering whether I should get a whole new stick (like the STX Eclipse) or if my STX Goalmaster with hardmesh will be OK. I probably won't be playing in college unless it's intermural so is it worth it to get a new stick if I'm only playing for the next 2 seasons?
Thanks again!
Julia
Answer: Hey Julia. No problem.
I understand what you're saying about the stick. But I will tell you that investing in a new stick is going to make playing sooo much more fun for you. After talking with you I know that it's going to make a huge difference.
Playing with a good stick is like playing golf with nice clubs. They are so much more forgiving. With bad golf clubs you can make a really nice swing but the clubs just don't do what you want them to do so it is completely frustrating. If you're getting your hands to the ball and the ball is popping out not because of you but because of the stick, that is just a recipe for frustration. With a nice stick (like the Eclipse) with a really nice hard mesh pocket you'll be making saves and not giving up rebounds. You'll be clearing the ball with ease and you'll just be enjoying the game a whole lot more.
As far as playing in college I'll tell you this. You may be going to a school that doesn't have a team but you will find a bunch of girls who have sticks and they will always be looking for a goalie. Now, if you have a crappy stick you won't want to play. But if you have a really nice stick you're going to have that stick for a long time and you're going to want to hop in the cage.
I always tell people that in all my life I've never been to a party and seen guys or girls throw on the old baseball glove and throw around. I've occaisionaly seen a football or two. But I have always seen lacrosse sticks break out and people throw the ball around. Also, as you go past college and beyond you may be in a new city and you will seek out other lacrosse players. It's just how it goes. And they will all need a goalie. Again, if you invest in a really nice stick now you're going to have it for a really long time (barring breakage or theft of something like that) And with a good stick you're going to be more open to playing and having a good time.
So, that's my two cents on getting a better stick. It will change the way you play for the better and you will enjoy the game a whole lot more with good equipment.
That make sense? So if you've got a birthday coming up, or maybe some money burning a hole in your pocket go get an STX Eclipse with a hard mesh pocket. If you can get it strung by someone who knows what they are doing it's better to buy the head and the pocket separately and then have it strung. Better than trying to doctor a pre-strung stick from the factory. My friends at www.comlax.net can do that for you.
Jonathan -
Since last year was my first year playing lacrosse, I didn't want to pay a lot for my stick and then end up not liking it. However, I'm wondering whether I should get a whole new stick (like the STX Eclipse) or if my STX Goalmaster with hardmesh will be OK. I probably won't be playing in college unless it's intermural so is it worth it to get a new stick if I'm only playing for the next 2 seasons?
Thanks again!
Julia
Answer: Hey Julia. No problem.
I understand what you're saying about the stick. But I will tell you that investing in a new stick is going to make playing sooo much more fun for you. After talking with you I know that it's going to make a huge difference.
Playing with a good stick is like playing golf with nice clubs. They are so much more forgiving. With bad golf clubs you can make a really nice swing but the clubs just don't do what you want them to do so it is completely frustrating. If you're getting your hands to the ball and the ball is popping out not because of you but because of the stick, that is just a recipe for frustration. With a nice stick (like the Eclipse) with a really nice hard mesh pocket you'll be making saves and not giving up rebounds. You'll be clearing the ball with ease and you'll just be enjoying the game a whole lot more.
As far as playing in college I'll tell you this. You may be going to a school that doesn't have a team but you will find a bunch of girls who have sticks and they will always be looking for a goalie. Now, if you have a crappy stick you won't want to play. But if you have a really nice stick you're going to have that stick for a long time and you're going to want to hop in the cage.
I always tell people that in all my life I've never been to a party and seen guys or girls throw on the old baseball glove and throw around. I've occaisionaly seen a football or two. But I have always seen lacrosse sticks break out and people throw the ball around. Also, as you go past college and beyond you may be in a new city and you will seek out other lacrosse players. It's just how it goes. And they will all need a goalie. Again, if you invest in a really nice stick now you're going to have it for a really long time (barring breakage or theft of something like that) And with a good stick you're going to be more open to playing and having a good time.
So, that's my two cents on getting a better stick. It will change the way you play for the better and you will enjoy the game a whole lot more with good equipment.
That make sense? So if you've got a birthday coming up, or maybe some money burning a hole in your pocket go get an STX Eclipse with a hard mesh pocket. If you can get it strung by someone who knows what they are doing it's better to buy the head and the pocket separately and then have it strung. Better than trying to doctor a pre-strung stick from the factory. My friends at www.comlax.net can do that for you.
Jonathan -
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Bobby's Got Some Bounce Shot Questions. Stepping. Etc.
Question:
Hey Jon, It is Bobby again. I just have a couple more questions. (I asked about
the Mesh, not too long ago). So Im in this winter league and it started off
really well, but recently its been awful, It is much smaller fields, so you can
crank shots from the mid line and still get a goal on a bad goalie. I normally
don't play on turf like this but for this league I do. I was in goal off to a good
start last week. We were playing one of the top Teams Varsity with 3 middies,
2 attacks and three D. (its a 7 v 7 league) with 2 subs. The games are usually
very fast and high scoring. But it was 3-1 us at the half, and then i was in
goal, and this kid threw a crank at me and I suspected it would just bounce
up, but it didn't, it just rolled between my legs and went in. I was in disbelief.
I was so upset with my self, next play, their captain shoots it top left and i
miss completely. And for the next couple plays, they start bouncing them in
front of me (10 feet) and now their bouncing like Crazy. I really have trouble
with those outside shots. And the ones that are right in front of me. (only in
this league). I just have a question on what to do on those far outside shots
because they just bounce over my head.
Also, any tips on how i should be saving low shots (not bounce), because i
don't feel like i am getting low enough, but i cant fix it. Any tips for that.
Also, I don't feel like I am fast enough.60% on a missed shot, i beet the
attack, but a lot of the time i don't. Any tips on speed and power.
One last thing. Any tips on stepping to the ball?
Thanks
My Answer:Hey there Bobby! Man I never got your first question so sorry this took so long.
This is super-easy to fix. You're just not judging those outside shots correctly. Two things:
1) You need to be more aggressive and think of yourself as a catcher in baseball and not a lacrosse goalie. You need to drop the hips. Get your head down and over the ball. And your hands waaay out in front of you. Your goal here is to snuff the ball and not try to pick it clean with your stick. Especially if the turf is a little weird which this sounds like it may be. Does that make sense? Your saves on those shots are going to be ugly so make sure you've got enough padding on you so that you feel confident blocking them with your body just in case.
2) You need more practice on those types of shots. Your next warm up just work on those types of shots. Spend all your time on them. This league doesn't matter for you as much as the real season does so get some work done and work on those shots. If you don't spend a lot of time on that surface don't worry about them too much. You're a good goalie. You'll be fine long-term so don't sweat it.
Ont the low shots...rule #1. Never ever ever say "I can't" Got it? Seriously. If you think you can't guess what? You're right. Think about how you can fix it. By your question I know you already know the answer. Drop your hips. Bend the knees. And read back to #1 above. It's the same answer.
Speed and Power? Get in the gym man. Fall in love with training. Get bigger, faster, and stronger in the gym and you will be a better goalie.
Any tips on stepping to the ball? Yes, it's overrated. Just be agressive and lead with the hands and the head. Where they go the body will follow. By getting stronger in the gym you'll be better at stepping to the ball as well.
Kick ass Bobby. Let me know if you need more help. Get your butt over to the forum too and sign up. www.Lacrossegoaltendingforum.com
I can answer your questions over there as well.
Jonathan -
www.lacrossegoaltending.blogspot.com
www.yourbestlacrosse.blogspot.com
Hey Jon, It is Bobby again. I just have a couple more questions. (I asked about
the Mesh, not too long ago). So Im in this winter league and it started off
really well, but recently its been awful, It is much smaller fields, so you can
crank shots from the mid line and still get a goal on a bad goalie. I normally
don't play on turf like this but for this league I do. I was in goal off to a good
start last week. We were playing one of the top Teams Varsity with 3 middies,
2 attacks and three D. (its a 7 v 7 league) with 2 subs. The games are usually
very fast and high scoring. But it was 3-1 us at the half, and then i was in
goal, and this kid threw a crank at me and I suspected it would just bounce
up, but it didn't, it just rolled between my legs and went in. I was in disbelief.
I was so upset with my self, next play, their captain shoots it top left and i
miss completely. And for the next couple plays, they start bouncing them in
front of me (10 feet) and now their bouncing like Crazy. I really have trouble
with those outside shots. And the ones that are right in front of me. (only in
this league). I just have a question on what to do on those far outside shots
because they just bounce over my head.
Also, any tips on how i should be saving low shots (not bounce), because i
don't feel like i am getting low enough, but i cant fix it. Any tips for that.
Also, I don't feel like I am fast enough.60% on a missed shot, i beet the
attack, but a lot of the time i don't. Any tips on speed and power.
One last thing. Any tips on stepping to the ball?
Thanks
My Answer:Hey there Bobby! Man I never got your first question so sorry this took so long.
This is super-easy to fix. You're just not judging those outside shots correctly. Two things:
1) You need to be more aggressive and think of yourself as a catcher in baseball and not a lacrosse goalie. You need to drop the hips. Get your head down and over the ball. And your hands waaay out in front of you. Your goal here is to snuff the ball and not try to pick it clean with your stick. Especially if the turf is a little weird which this sounds like it may be. Does that make sense? Your saves on those shots are going to be ugly so make sure you've got enough padding on you so that you feel confident blocking them with your body just in case.
2) You need more practice on those types of shots. Your next warm up just work on those types of shots. Spend all your time on them. This league doesn't matter for you as much as the real season does so get some work done and work on those shots. If you don't spend a lot of time on that surface don't worry about them too much. You're a good goalie. You'll be fine long-term so don't sweat it.
Ont the low shots...rule #1. Never ever ever say "I can't" Got it? Seriously. If you think you can't guess what? You're right. Think about how you can fix it. By your question I know you already know the answer. Drop your hips. Bend the knees. And read back to #1 above. It's the same answer.
Speed and Power? Get in the gym man. Fall in love with training. Get bigger, faster, and stronger in the gym and you will be a better goalie.
Any tips on stepping to the ball? Yes, it's overrated. Just be agressive and lead with the hands and the head. Where they go the body will follow. By getting stronger in the gym you'll be better at stepping to the ball as well.
Kick ass Bobby. Let me know if you need more help. Get your butt over to the forum too and sign up. www.Lacrossegoaltendingforum.com
I can answer your questions over there as well.
Jonathan -
www.lacrossegoaltending.blogspot.com
www.yourbestlacrosse.blogspot.com
Is Playing Indoors Hurting My Outdoor Game?
If you play in a northern climate you're probably playing indoors right now and for lacrosse goalies this can be a problem. A couple things to consider.
1) If you are playing box lacrosse and you're wearing all the equipment this can actually be a good thing. By padding up you're now more focused on the ball and the stick of the offensive player than you are on getting hurt with the ball. So I'm a fan of that.
2) I'm not totally a fan of playing in front of a 4'x4' cage. Your stance is really different. Your stick is between your legs. It doesn't have a great carryover to the field game. But back to point #1 I think those benefits can outweigh the negatives of #2.
3) If you are playing in front of a field net indoors you are probably getting shot on from really close range which may NOT be good for you. If you're in a field house you're probably ok. If you're in a hockey rink...probably too close. Remember progression. If the shooters are too close and you're worried about getting hurt probably not the best position to be in. Get on some more equipment if you need tol
4) The advantage of playing indoors is that the players feel like they are right on top of you and the ball seems to move a bit faster indoors. Once you go outside with all that open air you'll notice that you've got more time to react to the ball. Instead of feeling claustrophobic you'll feel more in control.
Good luck and let me know how things are going for you!
1) If you are playing box lacrosse and you're wearing all the equipment this can actually be a good thing. By padding up you're now more focused on the ball and the stick of the offensive player than you are on getting hurt with the ball. So I'm a fan of that.
2) I'm not totally a fan of playing in front of a 4'x4' cage. Your stance is really different. Your stick is between your legs. It doesn't have a great carryover to the field game. But back to point #1 I think those benefits can outweigh the negatives of #2.
3) If you are playing in front of a field net indoors you are probably getting shot on from really close range which may NOT be good for you. If you're in a field house you're probably ok. If you're in a hockey rink...probably too close. Remember progression. If the shooters are too close and you're worried about getting hurt probably not the best position to be in. Get on some more equipment if you need tol
4) The advantage of playing indoors is that the players feel like they are right on top of you and the ball seems to move a bit faster indoors. Once you go outside with all that open air you'll notice that you've got more time to react to the ball. Instead of feeling claustrophobic you'll feel more in control.
Good luck and let me know how things are going for you!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
What Muscles Should You Work On If You're A Lacrosse Goalie? How Do You Stay Awake When The Ball Is On The Other End Of The Field?
Question: Hi! I've been a lacrosse goalie for 3 years now (I'm in 10th grade)
The season is going to be starting in a few months and I was
wondering what muscles I should work on building. I'm always fooling
around with my stick in front of the TV and such so I'm not worried
about that. Also, what do you suggest goalies do when the ball is on
attack? I find myself zoning off which really throws off my game.
Thanks!!
Answer: To answer your question the muscles you want to work on are what we call your Posterior Chain. Those are your glutes (butt muscles), hamstrings (back of the leg), and your low back. You will also want to work on your upper body pressing muscles (chest and shoulders) The best way to hit the posterior chain is to squat. And when you squat you want to use a free bar not any sort of machine. For the pressing movements the best way I find to work those for a goalie is to do standing cable presses of all varieties.
If you don't know how to squat properly I would find a qualified strength and conditioning coach either at your school or at a nearby university. In most areas now there will be some sort of strength and conditioning coach geared towards athletes (Especially Football) if you can find one of those guys you'll be in a great place to start.
If you can fall in love with training you will be miles ahead of most women your age. I train a number of female athletes in a couple of sports and when we get them stronger by using squats and other posterior chain moves they absolutely dominate on the field.
As far as zoning out on the other end of the field, this is an acquired skill just like anything else. When I was your age I would start thinking about homework, my parents, the girl in my english class. All sorts of things would sneak into my head while the ball was on the other end of the field. What I did to try and fix that was hard at first but easier over time. All I tried to do was to watch the ball the whole time the ball was on the other end. Not watch the whole play, just the ball. I would try and focus my eyes on the ball just like a camera would zoom in on a far away object. That helped a bit. What really helped me focus was to think of myself, and my defense as a vital part of the offense if they lost track of the ball. I figured that if I was zoning out the other teams players probably were doing that as well. So I started to talk to my defense and keeping them awake as well. I'd say things like " Ball is right side Chris (My defender) Stay awake. Play in front of your man." Things like that. I also moved out of my crease a fair bit to help if there was a pass that went astray and I could help on the clear.
If you are comfortable with your stick you can really view yourself as an extra player on the clear it will keep you more involved in the play because you really feel you can help out. Keep that in mind and it will totally help with your concentration.
Oh I almost forgot. I find that hand and forearm strength are tragically weak in most women. Go get a two liter bottle of soda and tie a string around the top of the bottle. Tie the other end to a shaft of an old stick or a broom handle. Work on wrapping the string around the handle using both hands. You stand up. Bottle is on the floor. Stick is horizontal to the floor. Twist the shaft and wrap the string around the shaft lifting the bottle off the floor all the way up to the shaft. Lower. You'll feel a pump in your forearms like never before.
Good luck Olivia. Kick butt. Tell me how things go and stay in touch. What school do you play for?
Jonathan -
The season is going to be starting in a few months and I was
wondering what muscles I should work on building. I'm always fooling
around with my stick in front of the TV and such so I'm not worried
about that. Also, what do you suggest goalies do when the ball is on
attack? I find myself zoning off which really throws off my game.
Thanks!!
Answer: To answer your question the muscles you want to work on are what we call your Posterior Chain. Those are your glutes (butt muscles), hamstrings (back of the leg), and your low back. You will also want to work on your upper body pressing muscles (chest and shoulders) The best way to hit the posterior chain is to squat. And when you squat you want to use a free bar not any sort of machine. For the pressing movements the best way I find to work those for a goalie is to do standing cable presses of all varieties.
If you don't know how to squat properly I would find a qualified strength and conditioning coach either at your school or at a nearby university. In most areas now there will be some sort of strength and conditioning coach geared towards athletes (Especially Football) if you can find one of those guys you'll be in a great place to start.
If you can fall in love with training you will be miles ahead of most women your age. I train a number of female athletes in a couple of sports and when we get them stronger by using squats and other posterior chain moves they absolutely dominate on the field.
As far as zoning out on the other end of the field, this is an acquired skill just like anything else. When I was your age I would start thinking about homework, my parents, the girl in my english class. All sorts of things would sneak into my head while the ball was on the other end of the field. What I did to try and fix that was hard at first but easier over time. All I tried to do was to watch the ball the whole time the ball was on the other end. Not watch the whole play, just the ball. I would try and focus my eyes on the ball just like a camera would zoom in on a far away object. That helped a bit. What really helped me focus was to think of myself, and my defense as a vital part of the offense if they lost track of the ball. I figured that if I was zoning out the other teams players probably were doing that as well. So I started to talk to my defense and keeping them awake as well. I'd say things like " Ball is right side Chris (My defender) Stay awake. Play in front of your man." Things like that. I also moved out of my crease a fair bit to help if there was a pass that went astray and I could help on the clear.
If you are comfortable with your stick you can really view yourself as an extra player on the clear it will keep you more involved in the play because you really feel you can help out. Keep that in mind and it will totally help with your concentration.
Oh I almost forgot. I find that hand and forearm strength are tragically weak in most women. Go get a two liter bottle of soda and tie a string around the top of the bottle. Tie the other end to a shaft of an old stick or a broom handle. Work on wrapping the string around the handle using both hands. You stand up. Bottle is on the floor. Stick is horizontal to the floor. Twist the shaft and wrap the string around the shaft lifting the bottle off the floor all the way up to the shaft. Lower. You'll feel a pump in your forearms like never before.
Good luck Olivia. Kick butt. Tell me how things go and stay in touch. What school do you play for?
Jonathan -
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