How to improve your lacrosse goalie skills. What are the key techniques for better saves. How to develop mental toughness as a goalie. What drills enhance reaction time and footwork. How to lead your defense effectively.
Mastering the Fundamentals: The Foundation of Goalie Excellence
Becoming an elite lacrosse goalie requires a solid foundation in the fundamentals. Top coaches emphasize the importance of mastering basic skills before progressing to more advanced techniques. These core competencies include proper footwork, understanding angles, and developing a strong clearing game.
Footwork: The Key to Agility and Positioning
Exceptional footwork is crucial for a goalie’s success. It allows for quick lateral movements and precise positioning to cut off shooting angles. Coaches recommend incorporating footwork drills into daily practice routines to improve agility and explosiveness across the crease.
- Ladder drills
- Cone shuffle exercises
- Quick-step drills
Understanding Angles: Maximizing Net Coverage
A goalie’s ability to read and cut off angles can significantly reduce scoring opportunities for opponents. How can goalies improve their angle play? By practicing positioning drills that focus on staying square to the shooter and maintaining proper depth in the crease. Regular repetition of these drills helps goalies develop an instinctive sense of optimal positioning.
Clearing: Initiating the Transition Game
An often-overlooked aspect of goaltending is the ability to clear the ball effectively. Strong clearing skills can turn a defensive stop into an offensive opportunity. Coaches advise goalies to practice quick, accurate outlet passes to midfielders and attackmen. This skill not only prevents turnovers but also jumpstarts the team’s transition game.
Developing Lightning-Fast Reactions: The Reflexes of a Champion
Elite lacrosse goalies are known for their incredible reaction times. These split-second responses can mean the difference between a save and a goal. How can aspiring goalies improve their reflexes? Coaches recommend a combination of specialized drills and mental preparation techniques.
Hand-Eye Coordination Drills
Enhancing hand-eye coordination is crucial for tracking and stopping high-velocity shots. Coaches suggest incorporating the following drills into training sessions:
- Tennis ball reaction drills
- Wall ball exercises
- Close-range catch and release drills
Visualization Techniques
Mental preparation plays a significant role in developing quick reflexes. Visualization exercises can help goalies anticipate and react to various shot types more effectively. By mentally rehearsing save scenarios, goalies can improve their real-time responses during games.
Enhancing Tracking and Ball Reading Skills
A goalie’s ability to read the ball off an opponent’s stick is paramount to making saves. This skill allows goalies to anticipate shot placement and react accordingly. How can goalies improve their tracking abilities? Coaches recommend focused drills that challenge goalies to follow the ball’s path from release to save.
Shot Tracking Drills
Implementing shot tracking drills during practice sessions can significantly improve a goalie’s ability to read and react to shots. These drills typically involve teammates taking various types of shots while the goalie focuses on following the ball’s trajectory from stick to goal.
Close-Range Reaction Drills
To further enhance tracking skills, coaches suggest incorporating close-range reaction drills. These exercises challenge goalies to make split-second decisions based on minimal visual cues, simulating the high-pressure situations encountered during games.
Explosive Movement: The Power Behind the Saves
Lacrosse goalies need to possess explosive power to make saves on close-range shots and react to quick changes in shot direction. Developing this explosiveness requires a combination of strength training and plyometric exercises.
Plyometric Training for Goalies
Plyometric exercises are designed to increase power and explosiveness. For lacrosse goalies, these exercises can translate directly to improved performance in the crease. Some effective plyometric exercises for goalies include:
- Box jumps
- Lateral bounds
- Medicine ball throws
Lateral Quickness Drills
Improving lateral speed is crucial for goalies to effectively cover the entire goal. Coaches recommend incorporating specific drills to enhance side-to-side movement:
- Lateral shuffle drills
- Reactive side-step exercises
- Cone drills with directional changes
Perfecting the Goalie Stance: The Foundation of Every Save
A proper goalie stance is the foundation upon which all other skills are built. It allows for quick reactions, balanced movement, and optimal positioning. What elements comprise the ideal lacrosse goalie stance?
Key Components of the Goalie Stance
Coaches emphasize the following aspects of a proper goalie stance:
- Knees bent at approximately 45 degrees
- Back straight, with shoulders aligned over knees
- Feet shoulder-width apart for stability
- Stick held upright with hands in front of the body
- Head up, eyes focused on the ball
Regular practice of this stance helps goalies maintain proper form even under game pressure, leading to more consistent performance.
Mastering the Art of Clearing: Turning Defense into Offense
Effective clearing is a critical skill that can significantly impact a team’s success. A goalie’s ability to quickly and accurately distribute the ball after a save can create fast-break opportunities and maintain possession. How can goalies improve their clearing techniques?
Developing Accurate Outlet Passes
Coaches recommend focusing on the following aspects to improve clearing skills:
- Quick transition from save to throwing position
- Practicing overhand and sidearm throws for versatility
- Targeting teammates on the run with lead passes
- Developing communication with teammates for coordinated clears
Clearing Drills for Goalies
Incorporating specific clearing drills into practice sessions can help goalies refine their techniques and decision-making skills. Some effective drills include:
- Rapid fire save-and-clear exercises
- Full-field clearing scenarios with defensive pressure
- Timed clearing drills to simulate game pressure
Strategic Shot Analysis: Understanding Your Opponents
Elite goalies don’t just rely on reflexes; they study their opponents to anticipate shot patterns and preferences. This strategic approach can give goalies a significant advantage during games. How can goalies effectively analyze shooters’ tendencies?
Scouting Reports and Film Study
Coaches emphasize the importance of thorough preparation through scouting reports and film study. This process involves:
- Analyzing individual shooter tendencies (preferred shot locations, release points)
- Studying team offensive patterns and set plays
- Tracking shot accuracy statistics for key offensive players
In-Game Analysis and Adjustments
Beyond pre-game preparation, top goalies continuously analyze shooters during the game. This real-time assessment allows for quick adjustments to positioning and save techniques based on observed patterns.
Commanding the Defense: The Goalie as Field General
A lacrosse goalie’s role extends beyond making saves; they are the quarterback of the defense. Effective communication and leadership from the goalie position can significantly enhance a team’s defensive performance. How can goalies develop these crucial skills?
Developing Clear and Concise Communication
Coaches stress the importance of loud, clear communication from goalies. This includes:
- Calling out offensive player movements and potential threats
- Directing defensive slides and rotations
- Alerting defenders to picks and off-ball cutters
Taking Charge of the Defense
Beyond basic communication, elite goalies take an active role in organizing and directing the defense. This involves:
- Understanding and relaying defensive strategies to teammates
- Making real-time adjustments based on offensive formations
- Providing constant feedback and encouragement to defenders
By embracing this leadership role, goalies can elevate the performance of the entire defensive unit.
Mental Toughness: The Psychological Edge of Elite Goalies
The mental aspect of goaltending is often what separates good goalies from great ones. Developing mental toughness allows goalies to maintain focus and perform under pressure. How can goalies build this crucial psychological resilience?
Visualization and Mental Preparation
Coaches recommend incorporating visualization techniques into a goalie’s preparation routine. This involves mentally rehearsing various game scenarios, including:
- Making difficult saves in high-pressure situations
- Bouncing back after allowing goals
- Successfully clearing the ball under defensive pressure
Developing a Positive Mindset
Maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity, is crucial for goalie success. Coaches suggest the following strategies:
- Practicing positive self-talk and affirmations
- Setting realistic, achievable goals for each game and practice
- Learning to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past mistakes
Breathing Techniques for Stress Management
Incorporating breathing exercises into a goalie’s routine can help manage stress and maintain focus during games. Simple techniques like deep belly breathing or box breathing can be practiced during breaks in play or between quarters.
Film Study: Leveraging Technology for Improvement
In the modern game, film study has become an indispensable tool for goalie development. Analyzing game footage provides invaluable insights into both individual and team performance. How can goalies effectively use film study to enhance their skills?
Self-Analysis: Critiquing Your Own Performance
Coaches recommend that goalies regularly review their own game film to identify areas for improvement. This process should include:
- Analyzing positioning on goals allowed
- Evaluating save technique and form
- Assessing communication and leadership on the field
Opponent Analysis: Scouting Future Matchups
Studying opponent film can provide goalies with a strategic advantage. This analysis should focus on:
- Identifying key shooters and their tendencies
- Recognizing common offensive patterns and set plays
- Understanding team-specific clearing strategies
Physical Conditioning: Building the Athletic Foundation
The demands of the goalie position require a high level of physical fitness. A well-conditioned goalie can maintain peak performance throughout the game and recover more quickly between practices and matches. What should a goalie-specific conditioning program include?
Endurance Training for Goalies
While goalies may not cover as much ground as field players, they still need excellent cardiovascular endurance. Coaches recommend incorporating the following into a goalie’s training regimen:
- Interval training to simulate the stop-and-start nature of the position
- Distance running for overall cardiovascular health
- Sport-specific conditioning drills that mimic in-game movements
Strength Training for Explosive Power
Developing strength, particularly in the lower body and core, is crucial for goalie performance. A targeted strength training program should include:
- Squats and lunges for lower body power
- Core exercises to improve stability and rotational strength
- Upper body exercises to enhance stick control and clearing ability
Setting High Standards: The Path to Continuous Improvement
Elite goalies are characterized by their unwavering commitment to excellence. Setting high personal standards and holding oneself accountable are crucial for ongoing development. How can goalies cultivate this mindset of continuous improvement?
Goal Setting: The Roadmap to Success
Coaches emphasize the importance of setting specific, measurable goals. This process should include:
- Short-term goals for individual practices and games
- Long-term goals for season-wide improvement
- Process-oriented goals that focus on skill development rather than just outcomes
Self-Evaluation and Accountability
Regular self-assessment is crucial for maintaining high standards. Goalies should:
- Keep a performance journal to track progress and identify trends
- Seek feedback from coaches and teammates
- Be honest about areas needing improvement and actively work on them
Embracing Leadership: The Goalie as Team Catalyst
The goalie position naturally lends itself to a leadership role. Embracing this responsibility can not only improve individual performance but also elevate the entire team. How can goalies develop their leadership skills both on and off the field?
Leading by Example: Setting the Tone for the Team
Coaches stress that effective leadership starts with personal conduct. Goalies should focus on:
- Demonstrating a strong work ethic in practice and games
- Maintaining a positive attitude, especially in challenging situations
- Showing respect for teammates, coaches, and opponents
Vocal Leadership: Motivating and Directing Teammates
Beyond leading by example, goalies should develop their ability to motivate and guide their team verbally. This includes:
- Providing encouragement and support to teammates
- Offering constructive feedback when appropriate
- Rallying the team during crucial moments in games
Perseverance Through Challenges: The Mental Game of Goaltending
The path to becoming an elite lacrosse goalie is often filled with challenges and setbacks. Developing resilience and the ability to persevere through difficult times is crucial for long-term success. How can goalies cultivate this mental toughness?
Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Coaches emphasize the importance of reframing failures and mistakes as chances for growth. Goalies should:
- Analyze errors to identify areas for improvement
- Focus on the lessons learned rather than dwelling on negative outcomes
- Use setbacks as motivation to work harder and improve
Maintaining Perspective and Long-Term Focus
Success in goaltending often requires a long-term perspective. Goalies can develop this mindset by:
Want to take your skills as a lacrosse goalie to the next level? Whether you’re just starting out between the pipes or looking to improve your game, following the advice of experienced coaches can give you a leg up on the competition.
Master the basics – footwork, angles, clearing
Before you can make those highlight-reel saves, you need to have proper fundamentals. Work on mastering footwork drills that improve your ability to move laterally and explosively across the crease. Quick feet will allow you to cut off angles and stay square to the shooter. Don’t forget about improving your clearing game as well. Develop fast, accurate outlet passes to start the transition game.
Develop lightning fast reaction time
Top goalies have cat-like reflexes, allowing them to react in the blink of an eye to the fastest shots. Do hand-eye coordination drills with tennis balls and reaction ball workouts to improve your reflexes. Visualization exercises can also help prepare you mentally to react instinctively in game situations.
Improve hand-eye coordination and tracking
Reading the ball off the shooter’s stick is crucial. Work on tracking drills where you follow the ball’s path as teammates rip shots. Test your hand-eye coordination by catching tennis balls thrown at close range. These drills will make you more adept at snagging blistering shots.
Work on explosiveness and lateral speed
Goalies need to explode from their stance to make saves on close-range shots. Plyometric exercises like box jumps and lateral shuffles will give you more explosiveness across the crease. Developing lateral quickness is also key, allowing you to move side-to-side to cut down angles.
Perfect your stance, ready position
Nail down proper goalie mechanics. Keep your knees bent, back straight, and shoulders over knees in your stance. This athletic position will allow you to move in any direction while keeping your center of gravity. Be sure to hold your stick correctly as well, keeping the head up and your hands in front of you.
Drill clearing techniques and outlet passes
A goalie jumpstarts the transition game with a good outlet pass. Work on quickly transferring from your crouch to an overhand throw. Practice hitting teammates on the run with crisp, accurate passes upfield. Clearing drills should be part of your regular routine.
Analyze shooters’ tendencies and shot accuracy
Study up on the opposition by analyzing shooter tendencies. Learn which offensive players prefer skipping shots low or ripping top corners. Tracking stats like shot accuracy can tell you each player’s sweet spots. This scouting report will be invaluable game day.
Learn to direct and command the defense
Take charge of the defense by acting as a field general. Work on loud, clear communication so you can direct teammates to slide, pick up men, or watch out for cutters. Your view of the whole field puts you in the perfect spot to quarterback the defense.
Don’t underestimate the importance of communication
Speaking up goes hand-in-hand with commanding the defense. Be vocal about calling out picks and skip passes so your defenders aren’t caught off guard. Letting teammates know “I’ve got ball” builds trust and prevents confusion.
Stay mentally tough and focused for 60 minutes
Rattle-proof your mindset so you can maintain focus even when the heat is on. Develop mental toughness through visualization, positive self-talk, and breathing exercises. Staying tuned in mentally for the entire game will lead to more consistency in the cage.
Watch game film to study opponents’ offense
Hit the film room to gain intel on upcoming foes. Look for offensive patterns and weaknesses you can exploit. Studying personnel will reveal if attackmen favor certain moves or shots. This film study will give you a head start coming up with a gameplan.
Focus on conditioning – build strength and stamina
Goalies need top-notch conditioning to withstand the demands of the position. Do sprints, distance running, and agility drills to boost stamina. Don’t neglect strength training either – hit the weight room to build power for quicker lateral movements and explosive saves.
Set high standards and hold yourself accountable
Bring a competitive mentality every day. Set the bar high for yourself rather than just meeting the minimum standards. Hold yourself accountable for working hard and getting better each practice. This attitude will drive you to keep elevating your game.
Embrace leadership role – lead on and off field
Being a vocal leader comes naturally with the goalie position. Step up and lead by example with your work ethic and intensity. Set the tone with positive energy that motivates teammates. Leadership in the locker room translates to leadership on the field.
Keep persevering through struggles – success takes time
Don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow. Stick with your routine and trust the process. Persevering through frustrations and plateaus will pay off eventually. Staying positive and continuing to put in work is key to taking your game to the next level.
If you want to have the quick reflexes of an elite lacrosse goalie, you need to train your body and mind to react instinctively. Improving your reaction time should be a top priority in your development as a netminder.
Develop lightning fast reaction time
The best goalies in the game have cat-like reflexes, allowing them to respond immediately to blistering shots. You can sharpen your reactions through focused drills that test and push the limits of your hand-eye coordination. Work on snatching tennis balls out of the air when thrown from close range. This challenges your ability to zero in on the ball and synchronize your hands and eyes. Juggling is another great reaction builder as you have to adjust to the ball’s continuously changing trajectory.
Footwork and agility drills also hone reactive skills. Ladder drills, cone hops, and slide boards all improve explosiveness from your stance while working on lateral speed. Change up directions frequently to keep challenging your body to react. Plyometric exercises like box jumps are fantastic for training rapid muscle contractions.
While you want your reactions to be instinctual, mental preparation is also key. Visualization techniques allow you to mentally rehearse making saves. See yourself reacting quickly and decisively in different game situations. This imagery work accelerates your ability to process visual stimuli and translate it into instant physical reactions.
Reaction ball drills take hand-eye work to another level. These balls have an unstable weight distribution inside that makes each bounce unpredictable. Simply catching a reaction ball off a wall forces you to adapt your hand positioning at the last millisecond. Adding in throws or tennis racket swings heightens the challenge even more.
Tracking drills boost your ability to follow the ball from an attacker’s stick to yours. Have a teammate rip shots while you focus intently on watching the ball’s trajectory from release to saving it. Staying dialed in on the ball’s path will quicken your reaction time. Test yourself by narrowing your vision only to the ball or using your peripheral vision instead.
Game-like shooting drills are invaluable for conditioning quick reflexes as a goalie. Face unpredictable shots from different angles that keep you moving and reacting spontaneously. Mimicking high-speed game situations is the best way to ingrain reactive habits. Remember to keep your eyes on the ball until it is in your stick or hits the net.
Developing lightning-fast reactions takes time and consistent practice. But dedicated work on improving your reflexes and processing speed will give you the split-second advantage needed to stop the toughest shots.
Having superb hand-eye coordination and ability to track the ball is vital for lacrosse goalies. You need to hone your skills at following the ball from the shooter’s stick to making the save. Targeted drills can help develop this critical coordination.
Improve hand-eye coordination and tracking
Locking your eyes on the ball from the moment it leaves the shooter’s pocket is key. Work on tracking drills where a teammate rips shots while you intently watch the ball’s entire trajectory before making the stop. Focus on keeping your vision zeroed in as the ball travels towards you. Let your hands react instinctively based on the visual cues.
Test your hand-eye precision with tennis ball catches. Have a partner stand close and toss balls from different angles and heights. Move your hands and body as needed to smoothly catch each one. This drill trains the neuromuscular connections between your eyes and hands.
Juggling is another great coordination builder. Keep your eyes fixed as you juggle a ball with your stick or hands. Work on controlling the ball while noticing its path in your peripheral vision. This improves your spatial awareness and ability to adjust to erratic bounces.
Footwork drills also hone hand-eye abilities. Try moving your feet in dynamic patterns while bouncing a ball. Maintain dribbling control while laterally sliding, pivoting, jumping, and stick handling. These multi-tasking drills strengthen eye-hand connection when in motion.
For advanced tracking work, practice watching shots unfold behind you using a mirror. As your partner winds up behind, watch his motion in the mirror. When the ball is released, pivot and track it over your shoulder into your stick. This drill links visual tracking and reactive body movements.
Training your eyes to lock onto the ball from start to finish is challenging but doable. Commit to improvement through daily coordination drills. With consistent practice, tracking the ball and precisely directing your hands will start to feel natural.
Soon you’ll have the eagle-eyed focus and quick hands needed to snag scorching shots. Just remember to keep your eye on the ball!
Explosiveness and lateral quickness are critical physical attributes for dominating between the pipes. Goalies must develop the ability to move suddenly and change direction to counter attackers’ dodges.
Work on explosiveness and lateral speed
Elite goalies explode out of their stance to challenge shooters. Work on reacting instantly to visual cues by bursting from a ready position into rapid lateral slides. Set up cones to practice explosively pushing off and driving to each one. Shoot for minimizing transition time from stationary to surging side-to-side.
Plyometric exercises build powerful muscles that contract forcefully with little recovery time needed. Box jumps, tuck jumps, squat jumps and bounding drills are fantastic plyometrics for goalies. Time the jumps to simulate reacting to a dodging attackman. Focus on producing immediate power output.
Set up agility ladders or speed ladders to refine lateral quickness. Slide through the ladder driving off the outside leg to work on push-off power. Vary foot patterns to improve side-to-side agility. Ladders build strength specific to fast goalie movements.
Quick feet drills using slide boards or furniture sliders under your shoes are another great option. Skate side to side working on explosively changing direction. Challenge your lateral speed and stability by reaching for tennis balls while sliding.
Cone drills also build lateral agility. Set up a line of cones and practice shuffle stepping or grapevine running to each one. Sprint to cones pointing different directions to improve multi-directional speed.
To prevent injury, always warm up properly before explosive training. Hydrate well and don’t overdo high-intensity plyometrics. With smart training, you can develop the lightning fast reactions imperative for thwarting dodges.
By drilling explosiveness and quickness, you’ll have the physical tools to cover the cage against the shiftiest attackers.
Having proper lacrosse goalie mechanics starts with mastering your stance and ready position. Dialing in the optimal positioning of your feet, hands, and shoulders will give you a solid foundation.
Perfect your stance, ready position
An athletic stance lets you move decisively in any direction to confront shots. Set your feet shoulder-width apart with knees bent. Keep your back straight and shoulders directly over knees to center gravity. Hold your stick firmly in front with the head up and hands positioned for quick passes or saves.
Focus on balancing your weight evenly on the balls of your feet. This allows you to react and push off either foot based on the shooter’s movements. Avoid leaning forward or backward.
In your ready position, grip the shaft tight enough to control your stick but stay relaxed in your shoulders. Cradling too tightly can slow your hands. Eyes should be focused straight ahead reading the field.
From your stance, work on exploding into your ready position. Drive your hands straight out towards shooters as you shuffle step. Quickly get into ready posture and then recover back into your stance.
Practice having your stick positioned at different heights depending on shot locations. Keeping it too low will leave the top corners exposed. When facing a close dodger, raise up for high rocket saves.
Footwork drills are key for honing stance agility. Do lateral shuffles, pivots, drop steps and crossover runs while maintaining proper posture. Work both sides evenly to prevent muscle imbalances.
Ask coaches to watch and critique your mechanics. Video yourself as well to spot any issues. Staying athletic while square to the ball takes concentration and reps. But with practice, your muscle memory will lock in correct form.
By adopting proper positioning, you’ll gain the balance and mobility needed to confront shots decisively. Mastering your stance and ready position is step one to developing consistent technique and confidence in the cage.
Starting the transition game with accurate outlet passes is a vital role for goalies. Use drills to refine your throwing mechanics and build connections with teammates.
Drill clearing techniques and outlet passes
Practice transferring quickly from your crouched stance into overhand throws upfield. Work on exploding up, stepping towards your target, and unleashing strong passes on the run.
Do repetitions throwing to different spots on the field to simulate real clearing scenarios. Vary pass distances, angles and trajectories. Throwing on the move challenges stability and aim.
Set up clearing drills with a line of defenders in front. Work on protecting your stick, pivoting away from pressure, and safely clearing through traffic. Fight to create clean passing lanes amid chaos.
Coordinate fast break drills with midfielders to link clearing and transition. After an outlet pass, sprint upfield for a return feed and shot. This connects the dots from save to fast break opportunity.
Accuracy is paramount so do target practice regularly. Aim for spots on the run and throw until hitting them feels automatic. Dialing in your passing precision removes guessing during games.
Communication is key for productive clearing drills. Call out imagined scenarios like “hot” or “one more” so teammates react realistically. This builds trust and rhythm in your connections.
Analyze film to spot clearing inefficiencies and telltale habits in your mechanics. Self-scouting creates awareness and motivates improvement.
Perfecting your outlet passing requires focused repetitions. But excelling at clears will give your team a huge transitional edge. Turn those saves into instant fast break chances!
Studying your opponents’ offensive tendencies will give you a strategic edge. Analyzing shooter accuracy and shot selection reveals insights that can inform your gameday preparations.
Analyze shooters’ tendencies and shot accuracy
Breakdown film to gather intelligence on upcoming foes. Make notes on each player’s dodging habits, favorite moves, shooting mechanics, and accuracy percentages. Look for patterns that reveal strengths, weaknesses and go-to shots.
Chart stats like shooting percentage, shot location and shooting hand for key offensive players. Crunching these numbers will uncover the most dangerous scoring threats and each one’s “sweet spots.”
Note which personnel shoot high or low, skip or bounce, wind up or snap, and tend to aim near or far pipes. This scouting report will tell you their likely shot before it happens.
Don’t underestimate the utility of stats. While game film shows qualitative tendencies, metrics quantify effectiveness. Together they provide a detailed picture of personnel and preferences.
Update your intel over the course of a season. As more data comes in, look for changes in accuracy or shot selection. Also track which defensive strategies were effective against top scorers.
Study patterns at the team level too. Catalog offensive sets, two-man games, and situations where they like to shoot. This helps you anticipate shots based on formations and motion.
Scouting analysis takes time and focus but gives invaluable perspective. Entering games armed with keen awareness of shooters’ accuracy and go-to moves will put their tendencies in your crosshairs.
As a lacrosse goalie, you have a unique vantage point to quarterback the defense. Use your vision and voice to direct teammates and shut down offenses.
Learn to direct and command the defense
Your view of the entire field from the cage provides invaluable perspective. Work on barking out instructions and alerts to help defenders gain advantages.
Call out dodging matchups like “We’ve got #22 left” to assign responsibilities. Remind backs to watch for backdoor cuts and skip passes so they don’t get caught ball-watching.
Once you make a save, immediately yell “Clear left!” or whichever side has an open outlet. Quick communication speeds the transition game.
On clears, guide teammates into better positioning by shouting “Get wide!” or “Come back!” Good spacing gives you passing targets.
Act as a coach, noticing formations and movements that expose weaknesses. Shout reminders about scouting reports on shooter tendencies.
Project total confidence through a commanding tone. Your leadership sets the emotional energy. If you seem rattled, the defense may follow suit.
Make sure your voice carries authority but avoids angry yelling. No one listens to screams. Stay cool and constructive.
Sync your vocal leadership with on-field gesturing. Visual cues capture attention and reinforce messages.
Earning defenders’ trust as a director takes time. But your unique vantage point provides the insight to make the defense a cohesive unit.
Constant communication is essential for goalies to anchor the defense. Making your voice heard builds trust and prevents mental lapses.
Don’t underestimate the importance of communication
As quarterback, you need to be a vocal leader behind the cage. Bark out reminders and alerts so teammates never feel unsure of assignments.
Call out picks and screens as they unfold to prevent defenders from getting caught off guard and giving up open shots.
When you notice gaps in coverage, immediately yell out instructions to fill the void. Proactively “talking” the defense eliminates confusion.
After making saves, loudly command where the clear needs to go. Verbalizing outlet options kickstarts the transition.
On clears when you feel pressure, loudly call “Hot!” so defenders instinctively provide safety valves. Keep voicing scenarios to shape reactions.
When passing to a teammate, shout “Ball!” so they turn early and anticipate the feed. This prevents chaotic turnovers.
Let defenders know “I’ve got ball” when you have the angle covered. This trust prevents over-rotations and stick-swinging.
Stay positive when communicating. Constructive direction motivates. Angry yelling just shuts teammates down.
Keep working on command skills daily. Your voice ties the defense together. As a loud quarterback, your leadership will frustrate offenses!
Remaining mentally sharp and resilient for a full 60 minute game separates average goalies from great ones. Developing an unflappable mindset takes dedication.
Stay mentally tough and focused for 60 minutes
Goalies must maintain composure even when the pressure mounts late in close games. Build mental stamina through visualization techniques.
Picture game scenarios and see yourself responding with poise. Imagine making big saves or overcoming mistakes without losing focus.
Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Put yourself in stressful practice situations frequently so pressure feels familiar.
Develop pre-game and in-game rituals that center your mind and boost confidence. Consistent routines breed calmness.
Stay in the moment and don’t dwell on the past. Whether you made an epic save or gave up a soft goal, instantly refocus on the next shot.
Be your own biggest supporter. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and self-belief.
When fatigued, exaggerate positive body language and energy. Your team feeds off your vibes, so exude grit.
Trust your preparation and embrace the big stage. The more hostile the environment, the more glory in rising to the challenge.
Mental stamina takes time to build. But conditioning yourself to sustain focus in crunch time is worth the investment.
Studying game footage of upcoming opponents provides invaluable scouting intelligence for goalies. Breaking down offensive tendencies will put you a step ahead on game day.
Watch game film to study opponents’ offense
Hit the film room to gain inside perspective on personnel, formations, plays and capabilities. Look for patterns and weaknesses to exploit.
Chart stats like shooting percentage, shot location and shooting hand for key offensive players. This quantifies strengths and sweet spots.
Note which players prefer skipping shots low or ripping top corners. Catalog individual dodging moves and mechanics.
Pay attention to two-man games that generate open looks. Diagram favorite sets that previously led to scores.
Mark down situational trends like shooting more behind in score or on man up chances. Pinpoint when they like to strike.
Don’t just record strengths; probe for flaws. Does the ball-carrier lower his elbow dodging left? Do midfielders telegraph passes?
Compare recent games to identify new wrinkles or adjustments. Watch body language for insights into morale.
Share findings with your defenders and coach. Brainstorm strategies tailored to expose weaknesses.
Game prep takes time but unlocks advantages. Entering contests armed with thorough film study gives your defense an edge.
Focus on conditioning – build strength and stamina
Becoming the best lacrosse goalie requires dedication, hard work, and focus. As the last line of defense, the goalie’s job is arguably the most important on the field. A strong goalie can be the difference between winning and losing. So if your dream is to reach the top level of goaltending, here are 15 must-know tips from top coaches to help you get there:
1. Conditioning is crucial
Lacrosse is a fast-paced, high-energy sport. Goalies need to be able to move quickly in their crease and recover after making saves. Developing strength, stamina, and agility through conditioning drills and workout routines is essential. Train like the elite goalies do, focusing on explosiveness and lateral motion. Plyometric exercises, sprints, agility ladders – it’s all necessary. Don’t neglect your endurance either. A strong aerobic base will allow you to stay strong all game long. Conditioning is the foundation. Build yours up.
2. Perfect your fundamentals
Mastering the proper fundamentals and techniques is critical for goalies. Stance, footwork, angles, positioning, seeing the ball – these are the basics. Drill them relentlessly. Keep your knees bent, weight centered, and head up. Shuffle smoothly to adjust your angle. Cut down the shooter’s net by stepping to the ball. Get in front of shots. The great goalies make the difficult saves look routine because their fundamentals are rock-solid.
3. Analyze your game
Keep track of your performances – both good and bad. Review game footage to identify strengths and weaknesses. See where shooters are targeting you. Are certain shots giving you trouble? Look at situations where you’re not seeing the ball well. Analyzing your gameplay will reveal areas for improvement. Set goals based on those revelations. Self-analysis is how the elite goalies refine their game.
4. Seek coaching
Even the pros have coaches. Don’t try to go it alone. Expert goalie coaches can detect flaws in your technique that you can’t see yourself. They also provide an outside perspective on situations and offer guidance on improving specific skills. Private lessons, camps, clinics – take advantage of whatever coaching you can get. Ask questions and absorb as much knowledge as possible from those who have done it before.
5. Play against the best
To be the best, you have to compete against the best. When playing with your team, ask to face the top shooters in practice. Seek out elite club and travel teams in tournaments and recruiting showcases. Going against great offensive talent will test you, reveal weaknesses, and accelerate your development. Don’t shy away from challenges – embrace them.
6. Train your reaction time
Saving shots is all about reaction time. The quicker you react, the better chance you have of stopping the ball. Set up drills with coaches and teammates to simulate real game shots. Work on having your hands up and ready in your stance so you can react fast. Do visual tracking exercises to key in on the ball sooner. No amount of positioning will matter if you’re not quick enough when the ball is released.
7. Communicate with your defense
As the goalie, you see the entire field and can direct your defense. Continuously talk to them – call out picks and skips, slide early if needed, adjust the slide package. Keep them organized. Lead the defense confidently, with authority. Good communication keeps everyone on the same page and prevents breakdowns. Make sure to listen to your defenders too and process their input.
8. Have a short memory
Goalies need short memories. Whether you give up a soft goal or make an incredible save, put it behind you immediately. Don’t dwell on past plays or get comfortable after a great save. Stay focused in the present moment on the next shot. Keep your intensity and concentration high at all times, regardless of what just happened.
9. Watch the greats
Study the top college and pro goalies. Analyze their positioning, technique and style. How do they move in the crease? What reads are they making? Look for elements you can incorporate into your own game. Imitate their hand and footwork drills. Read interviews and learn about their training. Getting into the minds of great goalies will inspire you and provide models to follow.
10. Keep your eyes on the ball
Never take your eyes off the ball, especially on shots. Some goalies have a bad habit of watching the shooter’s stick and body movements instead. But the only thing that matters is the ball. Laser focus on it from the shooter’s stick, throughout its trajectory, into your stick. If your eyes stray, you’ll be late reacting. Keep your head still and eyes fixed on that ball!
11. Have a growth mindset
Believe that your abilities as a goalie can continually improve through hard work and learning. Embrace challenges. Don’t fear failure, but rather view it as feedback for growth. You will encounter setbacks – learn from them. Reflect on losses and figure out where you can get better. Stay committed to the process, not outcome. Keep grinding away and progress will come. Adopting a growth mindset is essential to reaching your potential.
12. Understand shooter tendencies
Gain an edge by studying your opponents’ go-to moves and shooting tendencies. Where do they try to place the ball? High corners, low corners, bounce shots? How do they set up their shot? Do they favor certain releases? Take notes so you can anticipate their shots. Knowing opponents’ favorite moves will help you read and react quicker. The great goalies put in film study.
13. Simulate game situations
Practice how you play. Set up drills that mimic game scenarios. Have coaches and teammates make cuts, execute picks and work from X just like a real offense would. Face odd-man rushes. Scramble drills will improve your rebound reactions. Get out of the confined drills and into game-like scenarios. The more realistic practice you get, the better prepared you’ll be between the pipes.
14. Stay mentally sharp
Goalie is one of the most mentally demanding positions in sports. Be mentally sharp by staying focused, visualizing success, and maintaining confidence through positive self-talk. Manage your emotions – don’t dwell on mistakes, but don’t get complacent either. Meditation and mental training exercises will keep you dialed in. You have to be mentally tough to thrive under pressure as a goalie.
15. Commit to your craft
Finally, be 100% committed to perfecting your goalie craft. Make sacrifices. Put in the extra work before and after practice. Fuel and rest your body properly. Becoming an elite lacrosse goalie requires immense dedication. Stay disciplined, determined and focused every single day. Outwork your competition and stop at nothing on your quest to be the best goalie on the field!
Reaching the top level in lacrosse goaltending is extremely difficult, but very rewarding. Follow these tips from the experts, trust the process, and with hard work and persistence, your goalie dreams can become reality. Believe in your abilities and don’t ever stop pushing yourself to improve. You got this!
Set high standards and hold yourself accountable
Reaching the top level in lacrosse goaltending takes immense dedication and persistence. If becoming the best is your goal, you need to set high standards for yourself and hold yourself accountable every single day. Greatness doesn’t happen by accident – it requires tremendous work and discipline. Use these 15 must-know tips from top coaches to maximize your potential:
1. Train with purpose
Elite lacrosse goalies don’t just go through the motions in practice. They train with fierce purpose and intention. Make every drill and workout focused and game-like. Push yourself hard on sprints. Treat agility ladder drills like it’s the fourth quarter. Hold yourself to the highest effort and focus, even when you’re tired. Bring energy and compete every rep.
2. Focus on progress
Don’t get caught up in outcome and results. What matters most is your long-term development. Are you improving your technique? Increasing your conditioning? Sharpening your reaction time? These are the key indicators to focus on. Comparison is the thief of joy. Stay patient with yourself and keep your eyes on your own progress.
3. Be self-critical
The great goalies are hyper self-critical. They hold themselves to an extremely high standard. After games and practices, reflect honestly on what went right, what went wrong, and where you can improve. Don’t rationalize mistakes – learn from them. Identify weaknesses and create plans to strengthen them. Adopt a growth mindset, but also challenge yourself.
4. Hold teammates accountable
As a leader, you set the tone for the entire defense. Hold teammates accountable by demanding full effort and focus at practice. Constructively critique poor techniques. Lead by example with your work ethic, hustle, and intensity. The goalie who accepts mediocrity from others will never reach their peak. Raise the bar high.
5. Master the boring stuff
The fundamentals of goaltending – footwork, angles, clearing, communication – can seem monotonous. But they are the foundation of the position. Stay committed to sharpening them daily through deliberate practice. Repetition ingrains good mechanics and technique. The boring drills make game situations feel easy. Embrace the grind.
6. Fix flaws immediately
When you identify a weakness in your game, take action right away to correct it. Are you struggling with low shots? Schedule extra reps with a coach. Not clearing cleanly? Do 50 extra passes after practice. Spotting flaws is only step one. Dedicate yourself fully to fixing them if you want to reach your potential.
7. Never stop learning
No matter how good you get, there are always areas to improve. Watch film and learn new strategic concepts. Add drills to build a weakness. Refine your technique. Study the elite goalies and adopt their training methods. Complacency is the enemy of growth. Stay hungry and obsessed with progressing as a goalie.
8. Outwork your competition
You get what you put in. To separate yourself from the pack, you need to outwork your competition. Shooters still practicing? Stay and face 100 more shots. Extra conditioning after practice when others leave. No nights off – stick to your workout routine. Make small sacrifices daily to gain an edge. Success comes from discipline and determination.
9. Fuel and recover properly
You can’t reach your potential on poor nutrition and sleep. Follow a clean diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbs. Hydrate before, during and after activity. Prioritize sleep – it’s crucial for muscle repair, focus and reaction time. Take care of your body to get the most out of your training.
10. Stay focused under pressure
Elite goalies thrive under pressure when the game is on the line. To develop mental toughness, put yourself in challenging situations. Tell yourself to make the next save or you lose the game. Face extra shooters and embrace the rush you feel. The more pressure you train under, the more confident you’ll feel in clutch moments.
11. Correct mistakes immediately
When you identify a mistake, fix it right away before it becomes habit. Are you stepping late on shot reaction? Rep the footwork until it’s perfect. Missing hip-high shots? Have a coach shoot 50 at that spot until you save them all. Ingraining good technique requires immediate correction. Don’t allow flaws to linger.
12. Compete every minute
The great goalies bring an intense competitive spirit to everything they do. They battle every shot in practice like it’s the game-winner. They turn clear drills into competitions. Every minute demands focus and effort. Adopt that mindset of constant competition and your game will reach new heights.
13. Embrace tough coaching
The best goalies don’t wither under hard coaching – they rise to the challenge. When a coach criticizes you, embrace it. They want you to reach your potential. View hard coaching as an opportunity improve. The goalies who get rattled by criticism will never fulfill their talent. Develop resilience and a growth mindset.
14. Stay committed to your craft
There will be setbacks, but your commitment to perfecting your goalie craft must not waver. Trust the process. Focus on the small daily improvements. Keep believing in yourself even when others don’t. The great goalies persevere through all adversity on their way to the top. Stay devoted to your goalie dreams.
15. Demand greatness of yourself
Ultimately, reaching the top level requires demanding greatness from yourself daily. Hold yourself to the highest standard through accountability, determination, resilience and persistence. Outwork and outsmart your competition. Become obsessed with excellence. Set big goals and stop at nothing to achieve them. Demand greatness in all you do.
Reaching your full potential as a lacrosse goalie is extremely difficult, but incredibly rewarding. By setting high standards for yourself and holding yourself accountable daily, you can make your goalie dreams a reality. Stay focused, determined, and committed to the process – greatness awaits.
Hey friends, are you looking to step up your lacrosse goalie game and become the rockstar between the pipes your team needs? I feel you. Goalie is one of the toughest positions in lacrosse – you’ve gotta have cat-like reflexes, nerves of steel, and the confidence to command the defense. It’s a big responsibility. But have no fear! I’ve gathered some top insider tips from championship-winning goalie coaches to help you improve your skills and embrace the leadership role on and off the field. Let’s dive right in!
Embrace leadership role – lead on and off field
Here’s the deal – lacrosse goalies aren’t just shot stoppers, you’re also a vital team leader! Your coaches and teammates are relying on you to quarterback the defense and be a vocal force. As legendary goalie coach Doc Schneider says, “Take command! Run your defense and dictate to them what you want them to do.” Speak up and guide your defenders on slides, picks, and shutting down the crease. And don’t forget the mental game – during timeouts, be the guy pumping up your D and reminding them of assignments. Goalies like two-time champ Trevor Tierney exude confidence and energize their squad. Bring that swagger and your defense will play with poise.
Your leadership matters off the field too. Set the tone with your work ethic. Arrive early and stay late putting in extra reps. Establish yourself as someone committed to improvement, no matter how good you already are. Encourage teammates to join you for extra training. And don’t just be about lax 24/7. Build camaraderie by making connections beyond the sport. Your team needs to know they can count on you in big moments. So step up and be a leader in all aspects of the lacrosse brotherhood.
Master the fundamentals
Now let’s break down the need-to-know fundamentals for dominating between the pipes. First and foremost is footwork. Quick feet and precise movements are essential for tracking shots and being in position to make saves. Not just side to side slides, but short quick steps to square your body and drop into an athletic stance. Master your feet first without a stick – jump ladder drills, agility cones, and fast feet ladders should become your new best friends!
Of course you gotta have soft hands too. Get a rebounder and dial in different hand positions – thumbs up for high shots, thumbs down for low-to-high, palms out for point blank stuff. Rep it out until snagging hot shots becomes second nature. Work on different hand speeds too – from quick snaps to full extension reaching. Saving skip shots takes soft but super quick hands to redirect without giving up rebounds.
Improve situational awareness
Alright, now we’re talking next level mental stuff. The great goalies aren’t just athletic shot stoppers – they know the situation and anticipate the shot before it happens. Top coaches like Dom Starsia preach improving visual scanning to see the whole field. What’s the score and time? How’s the dodger’s speed and are defenders in position? Study tendencies like dominant hands and shot locations. Then put yourself in the shooter’s shoes and get a jump on their options. The best goalies are thinkers between the pipes. So keep your head on a swivel and stay two steps ahead by reading and reacting quickly.
Anticipation also means knowing player personnel – who’s got the cannon crank shot vs. a low angle finesse style? Scouting reports and film study pay off big time for dialing in tendencies. Some final food for thought – even if you pick the right shot, always expect a fake or last second switch. Stay balanced and don’t overcommit. Patience is key until the ball is out of their stick. Then bring the heat!
Have a short memory, learn from mistakes
Alright, real talk – you’re gonna get hung out to dry sometimes and give up goals. It’s gonna happen. The key is having a short memory and not getting rattled. So you let up a soft one or got caught out of position – shake it off and focus on the next shot. The greats like John Galloway have the ability to reset and refocus after getting scored on. Don’t dwell on mistakes, but do take mental notes on what to improve for next time. Study film and work on correcting errors.
And here’s one extra pro tip on handling mistakes – don’t call out your defenders if they lapse! Keep that negative energy to yourself. As a leader, stay positive and have your teammate’s back, even if they make a bad slide or get beat. Keep communicating, keep your body language upbeat, and move onto the next play.
Win the clearing game
Alright, we’ve talked a lot about stopping shots, but let’s discuss clearing and starting the transition game. This is an underrated but monster part of succeeding as a goalie. After a save, look upfield ASAP and find your outlets. Hit them in stride for a fast break or at least a clear. Be super vocal directing players to spots for support. And sell out on errant passes to get possessions back! Dominant goalies like Maryland’s Niko Amato consistently create transition opportunities after saves.
Work on your clearing mechanics too – sidearm slings, overhand outlet passes, and clearing long downfield. Drill your accuracy under pressure. An awesome goalie-specific drill is the 3-Man Clear: After a save, face a 3-on-1 fast break coming at you. Outlet to a defender then retreat and make the next save. This works footwork, outlet passing, and scanned awareness all in one. Mad intense!
Challenge shooters with aggressive play
Alright, want elite advanced tips from the pros? Challenge shooters and bait them into low percentage shots. How? Come out higher from the crease and leave your net exposed when the situation allows it. Cut down angles aggressively on skip passes across the perimeter. Threaten to intercept before the shot and mess with their head! NCAA champ Christian Carson explains: “I try to intercept it almost as a defender would … I want to put pressure on them to second guess their shot.” Love it! You’ve got the quickness, so use it. Just make sure to retreat quickly if they drive and stay disciplined on your positioning.
Also, don’t be afraid to come out of the goal and take away their time and space as a passer. Don’t overcommit and give up alley dodges, but a well timed trail check or soft double can disrupt their offense. I’m telling you, embracing the athletic, aggressive style like college elites can be game changing. Get out of that crease and make something happen!
Final thoughts
Well friends, we just covered a ton of next level lacrosse goalie tips and strategies straight from the big leagues. This position is super demanding but so rewarding when you put in the work. Follow the leadership principles and fundamentals from the pros and watch your game rise to dominance. Amp up the footwork, hand quickness, situational awareness and communication. Work on mastering clears and challenging shooters. And remember to have a short memory, constantly learn, and support your defenders. Do this and they’ll be thanking you as the MVP brick wall goalie making clutch saves down the stretch. Thanks for listening and stay awesome out there in the crease!
Keep persevering through struggles – success takes time
Becoming an elite lacrosse goalie takes dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the hard work. Many of the top goalies in the sport didn’t achieve success overnight – it was the culmination of years of practice, training, and learning from both successes and failures. If you want to reach your full potential in the cage, you must be ready to embrace the struggles and keep working when things get tough.
One of the first challenges for any lacrosse goalie is simply getting comfortable wearing all that bulky protective gear. The helmet, chest pad, arm guards, and leg pads can feel restrictive at first. Stick with it through those initial awkward practices until the gear starts to feel like a second skin. Focus on moving naturally and finding your range of motion. Work on fundamentals like stance, footwork, and hand positioning until the motions feel automatic. As your skills improve, the gear will become less of an impediment.
Shot stopping itself is an ongoing process of refinement. You’ll flail at first, not getting in front of shots cleanly. Other times shots will leak through holes in your technique. Instead of getting frustrated, study how and why you gave up goals. Break down shooters’ tendencies and work on defending those situations in practice. Track stats like save percentage to measure small progress over time. With extensive repetition and adjustments, your technique and rebound control will become more consistent.
Don’t get discouraged if coaches are initially reluctant to put you in goal full time. Coaches tend to favor experienced upperclassmen in pressure situations, so you may need to be patient and keep proving yourself in practice. Use any opportunity as a chance to gain live game rep experience. Ask coaches for honest feedback on your game performance and any areas needing improvement. Volunteer for extra goalie training sessions whenever possible. Your skills and mental toughness will be tested, but staying focused and determined will eventually earn you increased responsibility.
The life of a lacrosse goalie can be a lonely one. You’re the last line of defense, meaning a disproportionate amount of pressure and blame falls on your shoulders. After giving up a bad goal, you can’t dwell on mistakes and let doubts creep in. Have confidence in your preparation and training. Refocus on the next shot. Maintain communication with defenders and direct them to be in the best positions to help you. Keep mentoring and supporting teammates, even when the scoreboard doesn’t go your way.
Your willingness to sacrifice your body is part of what makes lacrosse a great game. Shot speed and accuracy will rise dramatically as you advance to high school and college levels. Without proper technique, you risk injuring your knees, wrists, shoulders and other body parts essential for goalie play. Learn how to position your body correctly and move athletically to absorb shots safely. Do strength training to add muscle and withstand ball impacts. Wear protective equipment designed specifically for lacrosse goaltending. Taking care of your body now will allow you to keep playing the sport you love late into your career.
Mastering advanced goalie skills like clearing, outlet passing, and acting as a “field general” takes time. Work on firing outlet passes to transition quickly to offense after a save. Practice clearing mechanics like swinging gate until the motions are second nature. Study how elite goalies like Trevor Baptiste effectively quarterback the defense. Develop your communication skills to direction defenders confidently. Goalies who can spark fast breaks and command the defense bring invaluable intangibles beyond just shot stopping.
Your mental game is just as crucial as physical skills for lacrosse goalie success. You have to be willing to get hit by rubber balls flying at 100+ mph regularly yet still maintain focus. Top goalies use meditation, visualization, positive self-talk, and other techniques to get in the right mindset. Set performance goals and do scouting reports on opposing shooters. Have the discipline to adhere to practice routines. Remember that careless turnovers and mental lapses will undermine your best efforts in the cage. Staying mentally engaged and resilient through ups and downs will separate you from the pack.
Stats and wins are nice markers of success, but don’t get obsessed over results out of your control. Instead focus on consistency with the saveable shots you should be stopping. Strive to be an athlete willing to work for the good of the team, not just personal glory. Develop a personal lacrosse goalie style that fits your strengths. Compete with passion, but also show poise under pressure. You want to be remembered for making an impact beyond just on-field performance.
Goalies put untold unseen hours into perfecting their craft away from the spotlight. You may need to sacrifice “normal” teenage activities to do extra training, drills, and film study. Not everyone will understand your dedication. Lean on family support and tune out any naysayers. Remember that every top lacrosse goalie once had to grind away in obscurity like you before achieving success. Your commitment will pay dividends down the road.
Part of lacrosse goalie greatness is learning how to bounce back from mistakes and short-term failures. You will inevitably give up bad goals, blow big leads, or lose starting spots due to slumps. Don’t lose your confidence or doubt your abilities during the low times. Analyze why things went wrong and put in the work to improve. Prove you belong through steadfast dedication, not just talent. Adopting this resilient mentality will allow you to survive the ups and downs.
Your quest to become an elite lacrosse goalie does not follow a straight line. There are countless challenges you must work through over years: mastering skills, gaining experience, correcting mistakes, adjusting techniques, earning trust of coaches, and more. Not even the very best were immune from setbacks and adversity early on. What separates top goalies is the perseverance and determination to keep learning through all the highs and lows. Keep your passion burning bright through daily effort, and someday your lacrosse goalie greatness will come.