Best lacrosse goalie stick: Lacrosse Goalie Sticks: Youth & Adult Complete Sticks

The Lacrosse Goalie’s Guide to Clearing

Today I’m going to talk about an extremely important part of playing goalie – clearing.

Clearing is just as important as saving the ball and it should be a favorite of all goalies because it means either you’ve just made a save or your defense has forced a turnover. Is there a better feeling than that?

In addition, the clearing team has 7 players on their half of the field while the riding team only has 6. Thus putting the advantage in our favor.

Let me cover a few concepts in this post that will make you a much more effective goalie when it comes to leading the clear.

Clearing Progression

During an NFL passing play, the quarterback has progressions. Meaning he’ll look at his 1st receiver and if he’s not open, he’ll move to the 2nd, then 3rd, and if they’re not open, he’ll take off scrambling (or take a sack).

Similarly after making a save, the goalie should go through a series of progressions to initiate the clear. Here’s the progression I recommend:

Spot where the shot came from – The player shooting the ball is often watching to see if his shot went in, leaving open teammates directly behind him in space he drove from with a clear path to the midfield.
Breaking Middies on opposite side of field where shot came from – The quickest clear and easiest clear is to outlet to a middie. This often leads to a fast break as well. So if option #1 is unavailable, look to the middies on opposite side of the field and try to hit them with a lob pass.
Defenders on either side of the goal – Your defensive teammates should know to break to these spots on the field lateral to the goal. If there are no open middies up the field in our 1st two progressions we’ll look to outlet to a defenseman on either side.
Run up field – If the 1st 3 progressions are all covered and there is nobody guarding the goalie and there ample free space in front of the goalie, head up field existing the crease through the top. Nothing gets riding attackmen more excited then seeing a goalie on the move so be extremely cautious and look for two-on-ones to make a clearing pass.
Head out the back of the crease – If someone is guarding the goalie in front of the crease, then exit out the back of the crease. The riding attackman will follow you, so be sure to run as close to the goal as possible. Since the attackman must stay outside the crease running in a large circle, staying close to the pipes will create space between you and that attackman.

Remember you can only hold the ball in the crease for 4 seconds after making a save. Therefore, progressions 1-3 are very quick reads.

During practices you also need to train your middies to be looking for an outlet pass as they run up the field. Middies who don’t look back to give the goalie an outlet option is a major goalie pet peeve of mine.

Give the space a look and if nobody is open then move onto the next progression. If no open middies or defensemen are open, then you must exit the crease on foot to avoid the 4 second turnover.

As you practice these progressions they should become second nature.

2×1’s

Since the clearing has 7 players vs. the riding team’s 6 players we can always find a 2 on 1 somewhere on the field. Goalies must be able to spot and use 2×1’s to maximize the chance of a successful clear.

If you went through your progressions with no outlet pass and exited the crease via the back we’ll typically find a 2×1 with one of our defenseman and a riding attackman.

As the goalie moves upfield the attackman will be drawn towards the goalie and we can lob a pass over his head to our open defenseman.

In the event that the attackman doesn’t bite and stays put on your teammate then simple carry the ball upfield yourself. This is why I’ve advocated that all goalies need to have great stick skills. If nobody from the riding team picks up the goalie then he continue to run over midfield and find an open attackman or middie to outlet to.

And of course if nobody continues to pick up the goalie on the offensive side we can attempt to live every goalies dream like the video below. Notice how this goalie 1st goes through his outlet progressions, sees nobody open and then exits the crease. He attempts to force a 2×1 but the attackman stay home on the defenders and so he simple carries it over midfield.

NOTE: I DO NOT RECOMMEND that goalies attempt to make dodges in the offensive zone as this could result very easily in a turnover or even worse in injury:

Clearing Passes

Here are the different types of passes goalies will need to master to dominate clearing.

The Lob Pass

When we see breaking middies in the clear we typically want to use a lob pass.

In this pass we’ll put some air underneath our throw to allow middies to run under the ball and make the catch. Make sure you don’t lob the ball anywhere near the midfield line since opposing players run up and crush your teammates. Similarly, if you see anyone behind your teammate don’t use the lob pass for the same reason.

Throwing “hospital passes” (i.e. passes that put your teammates in the hospital) is a quick way to make enemies amongst teammates.

Remember when throwing to teammates on the run, you want to lead them a little bit. Don’t throw to where they are but to where they are going to be so that they can catch the ball in stride and continue to move up field.

The Bullet Pass

The bullet pass is a hard direct throw right to a teammate. Goalies will use this type of pass when a teammate is standing still or moving towards the goalie.

This pass is much better with a midfielder than with a defenseman because its a little harder to catch. However if you’re playing in a more experienced league or your defenseman have good stick skills they should have no problem making the grab.

Which pass to use?

Goalies must know when you use the lob or the bullet.

If a defending player is behind your teammate, the bullet is the pass to use. Sometimes I’ll even throw the pass slightly short to make sure my teammate moves towards the ball and doesn’t drift back into riding attackman behind him.

If the riding attackman is between the goalie and middie, then the lob pass is the ball to throw.

Practice these passes until you can throw dimes every single time. A single bad pass could result in a turnover and more time on defense for you and your teammates.

Simple Drills to help your clearing game

During a normal warmup with my goalies, I’ll grab another player and have the goalie make an outlet pass after each save instead of simply throwing the ball back to the shooter.

The outlet player should be running away from the goal to simulate a real-live situation. This gets the goalie accustomed to immediately looking up after the save and putting the right touch on the ball to initiate the clear.

Of course all goalies need strong stick skills too. So be sure to add that practice into your regiment so that your passing, throwing, and catching is just as good (if not better) than anyone else on the team.

Practice Your Passing

Practice throwing both lob and bullet passes until you consistently hit your target.

If you don’t have a teammate to play catch with practice bullet passes on a wall and practice throwing lob passes into a garbage can.

Once you have those passes down, add movement. While many times a goalie will be able to make an outlet from stationary position in the crease, there are other times when you will be on the run, possibly being harassed by a riding attackman.

Practice throwing your bullet and your lob passes while on the run – first at a jogging pace and then a full sprint.

One Tip from Years of Playing

Here is one move that I learned from an old goalie that I used quite frequently when playing and still teach to my goalie students today.

It is illegal for an offensive player to contact the goalie’s crosse when the goalie has possession of the ball in the crease. The penalty for such is an offense being a free clear.

In my playing days I earned numerous free clears immediately after making a one-on-one save.

Often times with those saves the ball gets popped up into the air as the goalie pushes it upwards. Upon catching the ball, leave your stick right in the attackman’s face for just a second. Almost inviting him to hit your stick.

They’re typically so frustrated from just having gotten stuffed at the doorstep that they’ll always take a swing at your stick. Plus many don’t know the rule that the goalie’s stick cannot be hit while he has the ball in the crease.

Boom. Free clear.

And if they don’t go for it, fine. Go through your normal clearing progressions that I discussed above.

Conclusion

Hopefully by now you understand the importance of clearing in a goalie’s game. You’re not doing your team any good if you can only make saves but cannot clear.

All-American goalies need to be lead the clear and get their team the ball on offense.

If you enjoyed this post on clears, please share it with other goalies, players, parents and/or coaches.

Until next time! Coach Damon

What tips do you have for making your team better at clears?

Madlax Goalie Camp July 11-13

GOALIE BOYS & GIRLS SPECIALTY CAMP

“An incredible specialty camp taught by one of the best goalie coaches in the entire region!”

SAVE $$$ !!!

Attend any 4 or more camps and SAVE $150 (includes girls and boys camps).

Attend any 3 camps and save $100.

Discounts are automatically refunded in your registration ONLY when you register for all camps at the exact same time.

July 11-13

9:30am-12pm

Boys & Girls in rising grades 4-10. Advanced & Intermediate level only.
McLean, VA – Ken Lawrence Park Turf
Cost: $320

Director: Harrison Holak

Madlax National Program Director 2017-present

Madlax Capital 2025 Head Coach

4 year starting goaltender at the Catholic University of America

2x Landmark Champion (First 2 in school history)

Landmark Tournament MVP in 2015

First team all-landmark

Second team all-region (South)

3X ECAC Player of the Week

7X Landmark player of the week

Landmark Conference All-time Career Saves Record – 680 saves

Landmark Conference All-time Season Saves Record – 256 saves

Nominee for CUA male athlete of the year & CUA male role model of the year

Coaches:
Ricardo Vargas

•Sacred Heart University lacrosse member 2004-2008

•SHU Team Captain 2008

•CAA Player of Week 2008

•2008 SHU Heart Award Recipient

•Member of 2008 NEILA All-Star Team

Devin Craven

Richmond 23′

Josh Tarver

Mercer University 2017 – Present

Will Sterett

RIT 22′

Luke Carracciolo

Bryant 22′

Aaron Grossman

Goucher 21′

See all Bios Here of our incredible coaches & directors for this camp.

CAMP Details

Sessions: 3; 150 minute Sessions
Positions: Goalies Only
Experience: Intermediate to Advanced Skill Levels
Camp Size: 20 MAX
Equipment: Full pads and protection required (throat guard, chest pad, cup, helmet, stick). Also please wear cleats and lacrosse shorts. All lacrosse apparel and equipment is found conveniently at Madlax in McLean or in our online store at www.Madlax.com/shop.

Description: This is a specialty camp for a player wishing to become a complete and dominant goaltender for his/her age. The goalie position is the most important position on the field. A dominant goalie will win games for his/her team! This proven goalie teaching method will enable goalies to learn techniques that will improve anticipation, quickness, confidence and leadership in the goal and on the field. This clinic will definitely fill up fast so be sure to register soon.

Goalie Plan:

• Session 1: Fundamentals: Hand Placement, Foot Placement

• Session 2: Angles, Steps, Efficiency

• Session 3: Clearing and Communication

• Session 4: Advanced Speed Techniques Integrated with Hand/Eye Drills

• Session 5: Simulation of Live Game Situations and Cerebral Awareness

Goalie Concepts:

• Comprehensive lesson regiment; “Be The Best”

• This clinic is a unique and modern take on goaltending at the highest level

• New Innovative equipment incorporated into sessions

• A detailed evaluation of each players development and strengths

• Custom programs tailored to each specific player’s needs and goals

• This intimate setting is highly conducive to making sure you are more than prepared for the upcoming season

Extra Special Camp Features

• Free Equipment Awarded Daily to Campers of the Day

• 10% Discount in MadLax Stores through August

• MVP Awards

• Free Reversible Game Jersey

• Sponsor Awards to Outstanding Goalies

Harrison Holak, Director, In Action in College for Catholic University.

All- Conference Goalie!

LACROSSE EQUIPMENT NEEDED BY ALL CAMPERS:

We will email a 10% in-store discount coupon in June before the camp to all those who are registered at least a week prior to camp. We will also supply reversible jerseys for the campers to keep.

Helmet with Chin Strap

Mouthpiece

Goalie Gloves

Complete Goalie Stick

Cleats

Chest Protector

Throat Guard for helmet

Athletic Supporter with Cup

Shane Corcoran, Madlax 2018, Navy 2023

COVID-19 SAFE CAMPS

We are very excited to offer summer camps for boys and girls still in Virginia! All Madlax Camps will be managed so the campers can remain safe and still have fun while learning lacrosse!

How These Camps Will be Managed (until further notice):

Every family to sign an additional new COVID waiver for each athlete before the camp, HERE.

We will follow current VA state guidelines that allow gatherings of 50 people. (this may change to 250 people on July 1).

We will actually have teams/groups of only 15 or less that your son will be with all week. We will start with teams by grade/age and move players within the first hour if necessary based on size or skill. After that they will literally only be with their team/group of 15 or less all week.

Coaches will run organized and carefully planned drills where limited contact between your child(ren) occurs. There will be unavoidable contact as they play but we will emphasize no ‘intentional’ body contact to be a lot safer. Lacrosse will be played as a ‘low contact’ sport at our camps. We will not coach face-offs or have anyone take face-offs.

Campers will not be required to wear masks under helmets or at all before or during camp.

Coaches will try to keep 10+ feet of distance on the field but will NOT wear masks on the field. Often coaches will be closer than 6 feet in the normal course of players running around and coaches coaching but again it will not be intentional.

Parents should wear masks for check-in and pick-up.

Drop off and pick up by parents and everyone driving the child(ren) is required. After check-in, we will require that all parents return and stay in cars if they must stay at Linway Terrace Park. When this changes we will communicate it with parents. We need to control exposure, be able to contact trace and stay within our gathering limits on the field. During pick up please do not go down to field. We will send child(ren) to you after you park and come to area off the field to meet them.

Social distancing will be prioritized in camp during water breaks and pre/post camp periods. Again, please understand this will not be the case on the actual field during drills and games when helmets are on.

We will maintain exact records of who is on each field each hour in each team/group in case of future contact tracing needs.

If a player, family member, parent or coach comes in direct contact or tests positive for COVID-19, Madlax MUST be notified so we can communicate with all families. Such occurrences may likely result in 10 days of separation from Madlax camps

No playing on the Linway playground at all. Players must bring and use their own gear and equipment. No sharing of anything including water, goggles/gear, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, etc. Bags will be separated within group s as well.

We will have hand sanitizer readily available the entire session.

We will not provide water jugs or extra water so please send your child(ren) with 2-3 water bottles.

Hockey Goalie Stick Review

Exact matches only

Search in title

Search in content

Hockey goalie sticks.

Every hockey player needs a tool, and goalkeepers are no exception.

Many mistakenly believe that the goalkeeper does not really need a stick – he does not own the puck, except that he beats.

Let’s figure out what characteristics are important when choosing and what will be the optimal model?

New hockey stick “ZaryaD A Dex” domestic company ZaryaD has released a stick for gatekeepers. In November 2022, the first clubs went on sale. At the moment, this is the first stick produced in Russia, it is used to protect the gate by Ilya Proskuryakov, who plays for the Chelyabinsk HC Traktor, who plays in the 2022/23 KHL championship.

ZaryaD A Dex Goalie Stick

Umatex carbon fiber makes the stick light and strong.
Synterm foam dampens shock and vibration and helps control risk.
The construction is monolithic, so the club has a good balance.
Available in 5 colors and in 3 finishes: no grip, standard and reinforced.
Available in adult sizes.
Professional level.

Bauer Supreme 3S pro 9 Goalie Stick0021

Another personal recommendation of ours is the Bauer Supreme 3S pro

Goalie Stick

Available in int/sr sizes
Professional Level
Blade uses Textreme material to reduce club weight and increase durability
Composite shaft
Ergo+ technology gives the stick the perfect balance

Bauer Supreme M5 Pro 9 Goalie Stick0021

The Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Goalie Stick replaces the 3S pro with some additions:

Uses an Aerofoam core to dampen vibration from impact washers
The same Textreme in the hook and perfect balance
UD Carbon shaft
Dimensions int/sr

Bauer’s top-of-the-line clubs such as the Supreme Ultrasonic or Mach will feature even lighter weights. Thanks to the 3D shaped ergospine technology, the clubs remain the lightest on the market today.

Goalie stick Sherwood Rekker m90

For those who like heavier, there is a good option from Sherwood Rekker m90
Made of carbon fiber
Strong enough
Optimum balance in price-quality ratio

Goalie stick CCM Axis pro

Axis pro stick

available for fans of CCM goalkeeping equipment

Shaft made of Nanolite and Sigmatex – lightweight durable carbon weaves
Zero Flux Guitar Stick gives good flexibility and absorbs vibrations.

Bauer Hyperlite Goalie Stick

Only the Bauer Hyperlite can compete with this stick with its rounded blade and ER Spine handle.
3K carbon shaft
Blade with HyperCore technology similar to field stick.
All this together gives a weight of 595 grams.
All of the above clubs were professional grade.
But companies do not forget about young goalkeepers and those who have been playing recently.

GSX Prodigy Goalie Stick

The Bauer GSX Prodigy stick is ideal for both the beginner and the confident goalkeeper.
Completely made of composite
Classic design
The GSX range is available in all sizes.

Warrior Swagger 2 Goalie Stick

Goalie Stick Warrior Swagger 2 will be a good option for fans Im
Features a wooden shaft and a durable foam core for long life for hook and guitar.

When choosing a club, remember that it is not necessary to take the top line and chase for light weight, it is better to pay attention to the balance and comfort of the stick in your hand.

Tags: goalkeepers, charge, sticks, equipment