Position-specific movement battery
There are a variety of technical skills that make up the goalie’s movement repertoire:
Efficiency of movement defined
While these movements are critical, they are not measured by the amount they are used or the frequency with which they are executed. The relationship between efficiency and the volume of movement is an inverse one.
The more movement that is required to achieve a given positional target, the less efficient is the goalie’s movement and mobility. This ties nicely into the middle-depth model of positional play.
More movement = less efficient
A goalkeeper’s shot preparation, which includes initial positioning, awareness, reading the puck-carrier’s body language, positional adjustments and positional setting can be a complex process. The process becomes even more difficult as the speed of the puck, players, and game increases. The goalie’s development needs to be such that the shot preparation for a given circumstance is as simple as possible – simplicity equals efficiency.
Less movement = more efficient
Looked at from the opposite perspective, the more complicated the moves required to achieve a desired position, the less likely it will be to prepare effectively nor to perform on a consistent basis.
This brings us back to the importance of depth and why its selection is pivotal. For without a correctly selected first depth, the efficiency gains needed to consistently achieve optimal positions cannot be found.
If you analyze the movement/mobility aspect of the best goalies in the game, one finds that the majority of the saves require minimal shot preparation. Sure, even these best goalies are forced into desperate save situations but, they are rare. This is what brings about the aura of outstanding body control throughout their executions.
Strong mobility provides the goaltender with many desired attributes. When channeled and directed properly, the character of the goalkeeper’s entire game is defined.
Conclusion
In short, the goalkeeper’s PSM skills are the most important set of physical skills a goaltender can possess. They lie at the bottom of the Goaltender Development Pyramid and therefore can be characterized as the foundation of the goaltender’s game.
The continuous and relentless pursuit of technical and athletic improvements in this area must be emphasized. This emphasis must be embraced not only by goalies of all ages but also of all skill levels.
For more info, contact Brady Robinson, GDI’s B.C. regional manager at 604-219-9254 or brobinson@gdihockey.com |