Lacrosse Goalies Need The Right Equipment Or Else They Die. Seriously!

For those of you who have been reading this blog for a while, you know how I feel about equipment. There is such an old-school (read "stupid") mentality about lacrosse gear for goalies that it just floors me. I found this article recently about a goalie down in Florida. I don't know him. But the story is something that every parent, coach, and athlete should read. I teared up when I read this because I have taken many balls in the chest like this. Every athletic director should read this blog and read this article because then maybe they will never cheap out on equipment (especially chest protectors) again. Personally, I tell parents and goalies that they should invest in their own equipment right away. Typically it is better than anything the school will give you. And why would you risk a life over cheap equipment.

I'd love to hear peoples feedback on this. Let me know what you think.

Here's thelink: Lacrosse Goalie Struck In Chest

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/030708/met_254598207.shtml

Lacrosse Goalie Hurts Hand, Now Ducks When Shots Are Taken, Help!

Tom writes in that his son hurt his hand badly playing box and he now ducks when shots are taken. He didn't do that before his hand got hurt and he wants to know how to fix the problem.

Answer: Hey there Tom. Great question. Injuries are tough and tougher still is the relationship between parent and young lacrosse goalie. I have two ideas in my head right now, you pick which one works for you...

1) Let him be. It may be better to leave him alone and let him figure it out.

2) I'm not a big fan of #1 so here's a better recommndation...try to get some video of him and try to catch his eyes/head so he can see what he is doing.

I once saw video of a college lacrosse goalie and was able to see that as the shot came the goalie jumped. It was a little jump but just enough to delay his ability to move to the ball effectively. Now, your son, once he sees that he is ducking or closing his eyes may raise his awareness and realize that he's having a problem. As they say, awareness is the first step to recovery. Getting back from an injury is no different. I'll let you deal with how to help him get more aware but video may be your best option.

When a lacrosse goalie ducks it means he's afraid of the ball. To solve that you need to either have the shooter back up so that he's at a distance where the goalie feels safe, have the goalie wear more equipment, or change the ball from a lacrosse ball to a tennis ball that is softer and won't hurt him. Even college goalies that develop fear for the ball will go the tennis ball route to get their confidence back.

If he is wearing the same gloves that he wore when he got injured guess what he's thinking about? Getting hit that exact same way. If you haven't gotten him tougher glove for indoor do it now. Also, goalie gloves for indoor are like hockey gloves. You can't throw nearly as well with them but then again this is box, it's not field. In box the goalies demands are much different, and the equipment is much different. In box the goalie takes more shot to the body. If he's wearing his field stuff he's going to get hurt and that's not good for his long term development.

Thomas that should help a bit. If you need some more info don't hesitate to email me back. If you want to talk about equipment more just let me know.

Question: Molly writes: All the shots that are taken at me are at my knees. Are there any goalie knee pads? Also, how far out of the cage can a goalie go? And should I stand crouched down? Or standing straight up? I've got a ton of questions, is there just a book I can buy that can help me out? Thanks!

Answer: Hey there Molly. Congrats on playing the best position in lacrosse!!

Here are some answers to your questions.

They don't make a goalie knee pad for lacrosse. But what you can do while your learning is to where some baseball catcher shin quards under a pair of sweatpants. This will protect you from the top of the knees down to your feet.

You can also wear football pants under some sweats as well. They have a thigh pad, and a knee pad, but no shin protection.

You can go out as far as you want from the goal. There is no restriction. However, I recommend that you stay roughly a big step off the goal line when the shooter is away from the cage. And then on the goal line when the shooter is in very tight to the goal.

You should take a stance that we call an "athletic" stance. Goalies also call this a "ready" stance. Your ankles knees and hips are all bent. Your shoulders are just infront of your hips and your hands are in front of you. Similar to a basketball player on defense. A baseball player waiting for the hitter to hit the ball to them. Or a tennis player waiting to hit the ball back across the net. (Just to give you a few examples.) This will give you the best chance to move to the ball.

You're going to stop a lot of shots right now with your body. That is why it is very important to have enough padding so that you feel protected and safe if you take one off the body. As you improve you'll catch more balls with your stick.

For more questions answered you can check out my blog at www.LacrosseGoaltending.Blogspot.com. I am also working on an ebook specifically for goalies. If you send me your email address I can send you a couple of early chapters that should help.

Also, when you send me your email address just send me a list of all of your questions too. I probably have most of them answered already and I can send them on to you. Otherwise I'll make sure I cover those questions in my ebook.

Thanks for writing Molly. My email address is jone94@shaw.ca. Talk to you soon!

Jonathan -
www.LacrosseGoaltending.blogspot.com