The Incredible Benefits of Using a Rage Cage Lacrosse Goalie Shot BlockerThe Incredible Benefits of Using a Rage Cage Lacrosse Goalie Shot Blocker
How a Rage Cage Can Help Goalies Improve Reaction Time
One of the key benefits of using a Rage Cage lacrosse goalie shot blocker is how it can help improve a goalie’s reaction time. The unique design of the Rage Cage, with its angled side netting, forces goalies to react faster to shots from all angles. Compared to a traditional goal, the Rage Cage removes the shooter from the goalie’s direct sightline until the very last second. This helps train a goalie’s peripheral vision and ability to quickly track the ball. Goalies have to anticipate the ball’s path and explosively move their body into position faster with a Rage Cage. The limited visibility rapidly improves reaction skills. In a game, shots can come from dodging attackmen or from quick ball movement, challenging a goalie to react instantly. The Rage Cage mimics these game-like shot angles. Improving reaction time by a fraction of a second with a Rage Cage can be the difference between making a game-changing save or not. Even professional goalies rely on the Rage Cage in practice to keep sharpening their reactive abilities. The Rage Cage is the perfect tool for developing lightning-quick reflexes and response time. By forcing goalies to hone these skills, the Rage Cage gives them the tools to better compete against the most dangerous shooters.
The Unique Design of the Rage Cage for Blocking Shots
The Rage Cage lacrosse goalie shot blocker has a very unique design optimized for improving a goalie’s shot stopping abilities. Unlike a regular lacrosse goal, the Rage Cage features angled side netting stretching across the entire goal crease area. This angled netting obscures the shooter from the goalie’s view and makes the release point hidden. Shooters can fire shots from close to the crease and the goalie won’t see the ball until it enters the shooting lanes. This allows shooters to take realistic shots like they would in a game while forcing the goalie to react purely based on their vision of the ball’s path. The Rage Cage’s side netting also diffuses and slows down shots slightly before they reach the goalie, simulating the effect of defensive players crowding the crease in a real game. Shots maintain their accuracy but lose some velocity, allowing goalies to practice blocking faster shots. Another benefit of the side netting is blocking any shots that miss the cage from sailing wide, protecting goalies from errant shots. The Rage Cage netting boxes goalies in, removing any sense of safety outside the goal area. This helps goalies learn to protect the net without relying on escaping out of the crease. With no way out, goalies must use proper technique and positioning to block every shot. Every aspect of the Rage Cage’s design aims to improve goalies’ shot stopping skills. The dense netting also ensures goalies don’t become reliant on easy saves. By blocking vision before the shot, goalies develop better reaction time and fundamental save techniques they can rely on in any game situation.
Why the Rage Cage is Ideal for Lacrosse Training Drills
Lacrosse coaches frequently utilize Rage Cage goalie shot blockers for training drills because of the unique benefits it provides. The design of the Rage Cage is perfect for honing goalie skills with targeted drills. The angled side netting allows coaches to stand outside the goal crease and simulate shots from almost any angle. This provides realistic game-like shots for goalie training. Coaches can fire repeated shots, working on specific save techniques like hugging the post or stopping low-to-high shots. The constant shot angle changes improve goalie adaptability. Shooters can also use the Rage Cage for shooting drills, developing accuracy shooting around and over the side netting. For passing drills, the Rage Cage contains missed passes, allowing uninterrupted skill repetition. One major advantage of the Rage Cage for drills is safety. Shots aimed outside the goal are contained by netting, preventing wild shots. Goalies are protected inside the cage from all angles, allowing them to focus fully on the drills rather than worrying about errant shots. The durable construction and heavy netting of Rage Cage holds up well to the rigors of constant practice. Portability is another asset, as Rage Cages can be moved easily for shooting stations or passing drills. Coaches looking to maximize practice time and intensify lacrosse skill development depend on the Rage Cage for the versatility it provides for all-around player and goalie training.
How Rage Cages Allow Goalies to See the Ball Better
Pro-Level Training for All
Even professional goalies incorporate the Rage Cage into their training regimens to maintain peak reactive abilities. The device’s effectiveness in developing lightning-quick reflexes makes it an invaluable asset for goalies at all levels of play.
Engineering Excellence: The Rage Cage’s Unique Design
What sets the Rage Cage apart from traditional lacrosse goals? Its innovative design is purpose-built to enhance a goalie’s shot-stopping capabilities.
- Angled side netting covers the entire goal crease area
- Hidden release points for shooters
- Slight diffusion and slowing of shots before reaching the goalie
- Containment of errant shots for improved safety
The Rage Cage’s angled netting creates a visual barrier between the shooter and the goalie, forcing the latter to react purely based on the ball’s path. This design element simulates the crowded crease conditions often encountered in real games, where defensive players may obstruct clear views of shooters.
Simulating Game Conditions
How does the Rage Cage replicate actual game scenarios? The side netting slightly reduces shot velocity while maintaining accuracy, mimicking the effect of shots traveling through traffic. This allows goalies to practice against high-speed shots in a controlled environment.
Safety and Focus
An often-overlooked benefit of the Rage Cage is its ability to contain errant shots. This protective feature allows goalies to fully concentrate on their technique without worrying about wild shots from unexpected angles.
Elevating Practice Sessions: Rage Cage in Training Drills
Lacrosse coaches have embraced the Rage Cage as an essential tool for conducting effective training drills. But what makes it so valuable in practice scenarios?
- Enables realistic shot simulation from various angles
- Facilitates targeted drills for specific save techniques
- Improves goalie adaptability through constant angle changes
- Enhances shooter accuracy training
- Contains missed passes for uninterrupted drills
The Rage Cage’s design allows coaches to simulate shots from almost any angle, closely replicating game situations. This versatility enables focused training on particular save techniques, such as hugging the post or stopping low-to-high shots.
Comprehensive Skill Development
Beyond goalie training, how does the Rage Cage benefit other players? Shooters can use it to improve their accuracy, learning to place shots around and over the side netting. For passing drills, the cage’s ability to contain errant passes ensures continuous practice without interruption.
Practical Advantages
What makes the Rage Cage particularly coach-friendly? Its durable construction withstands intense practice sessions, while its portability allows for easy repositioning during drills. These practical features make the Rage Cage an indispensable asset for coaches looking to maximize practice efficiency.
Sharpening Visual Acuity: Enhanced Ball Tracking
Tracking the ball from an attacker’s stick to the goal is a crucial skill for lacrosse goalies. How does the Rage Cage help improve this ability?
- Forces reliance on ball movement rather than shooter cues
- Encourages focus on the ball’s path and speed
- Simulates obstructed views common in game situations
- Develops instinctive positioning based on visual input
The Rage Cage’s angled netting compels goalies to concentrate solely on the ball’s trajectory, rather than relying on visual cues from the shooter’s body or stick movement. This focused attention helps goalies develop a keener sense for predicting shot placement based on minimal visual information.
Adapting to Limited Visibility
In real games, goalies often face shots through traffic or with partially obstructed views. How does the Rage Cage prepare goalies for these scenarios? By consistently training with limited visibility, goalies learn to make split-second decisions based on brief glimpses of the ball, improving their overall shot-stopping abilities.
Building Confidence: Mental Toughness and the Rage Cage
Beyond physical skills, the Rage Cage plays a crucial role in developing a goalie’s mental fortitude. How does this unique training tool contribute to psychological preparation?
- Creates a challenging environment that builds resilience
- Encourages trust in instincts and trained reactions
- Simulates high-pressure scenarios for mental conditioning
- Boosts confidence through measurable skill improvements
The demanding nature of training with a Rage Cage helps goalies develop mental toughness. As they successfully track and stop shots under challenging conditions, goalies build confidence in their abilities to perform under pressure.
Fostering Instinctive Play
How does the Rage Cage promote instinctive goaltending? By repeatedly facing shots with limited visual information, goalies learn to trust their trained reactions and positioning. This instinctive play is crucial in high-stakes game situations where overthinking can lead to hesitation.
Customizable Training: Adapting the Rage Cage for Skill Levels
One of the Rage Cage’s strengths is its versatility across skill levels. How can coaches tailor Rage Cage training to suit different goalie abilities?
- Adjustable shooting distances for varying difficulty
- Progressive drills that increase in complexity
- Combination with other training tools for comprehensive development
- Customizable shot speeds and angles
Coaches can easily modify Rage Cage drills to match a goalie’s current skill level. For beginners, shots can be taken from further distances, allowing more reaction time. As goalies improve, the shooting distance can be decreased, and shot complexity increased.
Integrating Advanced Techniques
How can experienced goalies continue to benefit from the Rage Cage? Advanced drills can incorporate multiple shooters, rapid-fire shots, or combine Rage Cage training with footwork exercises to challenge even the most skilled goalies.
The Future of Goalie Training: Technological Integration
As sports technology continues to advance, how might the Rage Cage evolve to incorporate new training methodologies?
- Potential for sensor integration to track save percentages and reaction times
- Possible augmented reality overlays for advanced visual training
- Development of smart netting that provides instant feedback on shot placement
- Integration with video analysis tools for comprehensive performance review
The future of Rage Cage technology could see the integration of sensors and smart materials to provide real-time data on goalie performance. This data could be used to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
Virtual Reality Applications
Could virtual reality enhance Rage Cage training? The combination of physical Rage Cage drills with VR simulations could offer goalies an immersive training experience, allowing them to face a wider variety of shot scenarios than possible in traditional practice settings.
As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness, tools like the Rage Cage will play an increasingly important role in developing the next generation of elite goalies. By providing a unique and effective training environment, the Rage Cage is not just improving individual goalies – it’s elevating the entire sport of lacrosse.
Rage Cage Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity and Performance
To maximize the benefits of a Rage Cage, proper maintenance is crucial. How can coaches and players ensure their Rage Cage remains in top condition for ongoing training?
- Regular inspection of netting for wear and tear
- Proper storage to prevent weather damage
- Cleaning to remove dirt and debris
- Timely replacement of worn components
Maintaining a Rage Cage is relatively straightforward but essential for its longevity. Regular inspections can catch minor issues before they become major problems, ensuring the device remains safe and effective for training.
Extending Lifespan
What steps can be taken to extend the life of a Rage Cage? Storing the cage indoors or under a protective cover when not in use can prevent weather-related damage. Additionally, using the correct tension when setting up the netting can prevent unnecessary strain on the materials.
Replacement Parts
How often should Rage Cage components be replaced? While the frequency of replacement depends on usage, it’s generally recommended to replace the netting every 1-2 years for heavily used cages. Frame components typically last longer but should be checked regularly for signs of wear.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Investing in a Rage Cage
For coaches and programs considering a Rage Cage, understanding the long-term value is crucial. How does the initial investment in a Rage Cage translate to tangible benefits?
- Improved goalie performance leading to better team results
- Reduced risk of injury through controlled training environments
- Versatility allows for use across multiple skill levels and drills
- Potential for sharing costs across teams or programs
While the upfront cost of a Rage Cage may seem significant, its versatility and effectiveness in improving goalie performance often justify the investment. Improved goalie play can have a dramatic impact on a team’s success, potentially leading to more wins and program recognition.
Long-Term Savings
How can a Rage Cage lead to cost savings over time? By providing a controlled environment for high-intensity training, Rage Cages can reduce the wear and tear on regulation goals and netting. Additionally, the improved safety features may lead to fewer injuries during practice, potentially reducing medical costs and lost playing time.
Shared Resource
For programs with limited budgets, how can the cost of a Rage Cage be justified? Consider sharing the resource across multiple teams or age groups within a program. The versatility of the Rage Cage makes it valuable for players from youth levels through to adult leagues, maximizing its utility and cost-effectiveness.
As the lacrosse community continues to recognize the value of specialized training tools, the Rage Cage stands out as a versatile and effective investment in player development. Its ability to enhance goalie performance, improve overall team play, and provide a safe training environment makes it an increasingly essential piece of equipment for serious lacrosse programs.
How a Rage Cage Can Help Goalies Improve Reaction Time
One of the key benefits of using a Rage Cage lacrosse goalie shot blocker is how it can help improve a goalie’s reaction time. The unique design of the Rage Cage, with its angled side netting, forces goalies to react faster to shots from all angles. Compared to a traditional goal, the Rage Cage removes the shooter from the goalie’s direct sightline until the very last second. This helps train a goalie’s peripheral vision and ability to quickly track the ball. Goalies have to anticipate the ball’s path and explosively move their body into position faster with a Rage Cage. The limited visibility rapidly improves reaction skills. In a game, shots can come from dodging attackmen or from quick ball movement, challenging a goalie to react instantly. The Rage Cage mimics these game-like shot angles. Improving reaction time by a fraction of a second with a Rage Cage can be the difference between making a game-changing save or not. Even professional goalies rely on the Rage Cage in practice to keep sharpening their reactive abilities. The Rage Cage is the perfect tool for developing lightning-quick reflexes and response time. By forcing goalies to hone these skills, the Rage Cage gives them the tools to better compete against the most dangerous shooters.
The Unique Design of the Rage Cage for Blocking Shots
The Rage Cage lacrosse goalie shot blocker has a very unique design optimized for improving a goalie’s shot stopping abilities. Unlike a regular lacrosse goal, the Rage Cage features angled side netting stretching across the entire goal crease area. This angled netting obscures the shooter from the goalie’s view and makes the release point hidden. Shooters can fire shots from close to the crease and the goalie won’t see the ball until it enters the shooting lanes. This allows shooters to take realistic shots like they would in a game while forcing the goalie to react purely based on their vision of the ball’s path. The Rage Cage’s side netting also diffuses and slows down shots slightly before they reach the goalie, simulating the effect of defensive players crowding the crease in a real game. Shots maintain their accuracy but lose some velocity, allowing goalies to practice blocking faster shots. Another benefit of the side netting is blocking any shots that miss the cage from sailing wide, protecting goalies from errant shots. The Rage Cage netting boxes goalies in, removing any sense of safety outside the goal area. This helps goalies learn to protect the net without relying on escaping out of the crease. With no way out, goalies must use proper technique and positioning to block every shot. Every aspect of the Rage Cage’s design aims to improve goalies’ shot stopping skills. The dense netting also ensures goalies don’t become reliant on easy saves. By blocking vision before the shot, goalies develop better reaction time and fundamental save techniques they can rely on in any game situation.
Why the Rage Cage is Ideal for Lacrosse Training Drills
Lacrosse coaches frequently utilize Rage Cage goalie shot blockers for training drills because of the unique benefits it provides. The design of the Rage Cage is perfect for honing goalie skills with targeted drills. The angled side netting allows coaches to stand outside the goal crease and simulate shots from almost any angle. This provides realistic game-like shots for goalie training. Coaches can fire repeated shots, working on specific save techniques like hugging the post or stopping low-to-high shots. The constant shot angle changes improve goalie adaptability. Shooters can also use the Rage Cage for shooting drills, developing accuracy shooting around and over the side netting. For passing drills, the Rage Cage contains missed passes, allowing uninterrupted skill repetition. One major advantage of the Rage Cage for drills is safety. Shots aimed outside the goal are contained by netting, preventing wild shots. Goalies are protected inside the cage from all angles, allowing them to focus fully on the drills rather than worrying about errant shots. The durable construction and heavy netting of Rage Cage holds up well to the rigors of constant practice. Portability is another asset, as Rage Cages can be moved easily for shooting stations or passing drills. Coaches looking to maximize practice time and intensify lacrosse skill development depend on the Rage Cage for the versatility it provides for all-around player and goalie training.
How Rage Cages Allow Goalies to See the Ball Better
One of the biggest challenges for lacrosse goalies is tracking the ball from an attacker’s stick to the goal. Rage Cage shot blockers help improve goalies’ ability to pick up and follow the ball’s path. The angled side netting forces goalies to rely less on visually tracking the shooter’s stick and body position. With shooters obscured, goalies learn to watch the ball from the moment it enters the shooting lane, letting it guide their movement and save reactions. This allows a split-second longer for the goalie to read the shot trajectory and move to the save spot. Goalies develop better visual focus and hand-eye coordination tracking shots into their stick or body for blocks and saves. The Rage Cage’s shot-diffusing net also slows shots down slightly, giving goalies extra time to visually track the ball. Slowing shots a fraction helps goalies read hand rotation on shot releases, anticipating shot placement. With no long-distance peripheral view in the Rage Cage, goalies are forced to hone their visual skills and keep their eyes glued to the ball. The extra repetition focusing only on the ball builds critical visual tracking habits. Goalies who train heavily with the Rage Cage can transfer these visual skills directly into game situations. Their enhanced ball tracking gives them a major advantage in seeing shots cleanly from any attacking stick or bounce situation. Simply put, Rage Cage goalie blockers build better ball tracking for faster visual reactions.
Why Rage Cages are Great for Developing Technique
The Rage Cage lacrosse shot blocker is an excellent training tool for developing superior goalie techniques. The unique environment of the Rage Cage forces goalies to rely purely on technique rather than just athleticism to make saves. With shooters obscured and shots fired from short distances, goalies cannot cheat or take extra steps to reach shots. This highlights flaws in over-committing, poor footwork, and inefficient save mechanics. Repetitive training in the Rage Cage ingrains muscle memory for textbook save technique. Goalies learn to precisely position their body behind shots, moving laterally on an angle to remain square. Keeping shoulders facing the shooter, goalies work on proper hand position and stick placement to maximize save efficiency. The Rage Cage teaches economy of movement and disciplined footwork and hand skills for making saves. Proper goalie techniques also become safer by practicing in the Rage Cage’s confined space. With no wide-open net to reach for errant shots, goalies develop efficient positioning and movements staying centered in the goal mouth. This avoids over-extending on shots taken just inches outside the crease. The Rage Cage forces a complete focus on technique mastery through repetitive practice. Goalies who develop polished technical skills in the Rage Cage will succeed by relying on textbook form as second nature. With flawless technique, goalies transform into confident shot stoppers ready to withstand any high-pressure game attack.
How the Rage Cage Protects Goalies When Facing Hard Shots
Lacrosse goalies must be able to withstand blistering shots from short range, making protection a key consideration during practice. Rage Cage goalie shot blockers provide padded protective boundaries to allow facing shots without fear of injury. The wrapped padding on the metal frame protects goalies from direct impact from missed shots. Shots aimed outside the netting rebound safely away rather than striking unprotected body parts. The dense netting also diffuses the speed and power of close-range shots before impact, cushioning saves made with the stick or body. Practicing without fear builds goalie confidence to get in front of any shot. More importantly, the Rage Cage contains all shots taken at the goal, eliminating exposure to errant missed shots. Containment from all shooting angles allows focusing on save techniques rather than dodging unsafe shots. The enclosed design gives goalies reassurance they can miss a save without taking a direct hit. This reassurance is vital for goalies learning proper positioning to make tough saves. While gear like helmets and padding help, the Rage Cage is an added shield protecting goalies from unintentional yet painful shots. Goalies who regularly train with a Rage Cage gain experience safely absorbing and redirecting the force from any shot taken in tight quarters or crowded game situations. Facing shots head-on makes goalies better prepared for any on-field shot impact during games.
The Durability of Rage Cage Netting and Frames
For goalies and shooters to get the most training benefits from a Rage Cage, it must withstand repeated shot impacts and hold up to routine repositioning. Premium Rage Cages feature highly durable netting and steel tubing frames to handle vigorous practice. The nets are made from dense #42 multifilament nylon woven tightly to avoid ripping. This ultra-strong netting can flex and stretch to absorb hundreds of hard shots without compromise. Bindings and reinforcement bands ensure the net stays securely attached to the frame even when moving the cage frequently. The netting lasts through years of use for maximum value. Rage Cage frames also provide lasting durability, made from powder-coated steel tubing. The 12-gauge tubing has 1” cross-section for added strength when shots deflect off the frame. Frames come with rounded corners and padded framing to prevent cuts and hold padding securely. The powder coating fights rusting from outdoor use and from errant shots chipping the paint. Sturdy steel junction brackets connect the frame securely. Overall, the heavy-duty construction allows the Rage Cage to contain the hardest shots from short range. Built to last through practice after practice, the rugged netting and tubing mean the Rage Cage will be a long-term investment for developing better goalies. Withstanding intense use lets the Rage Cage shot blocker maintain its unmatched benefits improving save skills and technique season after season.
How Rage Cages Help Goalies Gain Confidence Facing Shooters
One of the biggest mental challenges for lacrosse goalies is overcoming fear and self-doubt when facing dangerous shooters. Regular training with a Rage Cage shot blocker builds the confidence goalies need to excel. The protected environment of the Rage Cage allows goalies to make mistakes without painful consequences, boosting their self-assurance trying new techniques. Facing simulated game shots removes the intimidation factor, proving goalies can stop the toughest angles and placements. As goalies become comfortable controlling and absorbing hard shots in the Rage Cage, apprehension is replaced with readiness to react in games. Repetition in the Rage Cage also breeds success which translates into confidence. As goalies successfully make saves from obscured angles, belief in their abilities grows. Goalies develop trust in proper positioning and technique honed through practice in the cage. Quick reactions become built-in muscle memory goalies rely on confidently in high-pressure game moments. Additionally, the safety netting provides a comfort zone for goalies to take chances moving for difficult saves. By removing the fear of mistakes, goalies try for more heroic saves they may shy away from otherwise. This expands their confidence zone and belief in their athleticism. With the Rage Cage building up goalie abilities through positive training, a sense of confidence replaces doubt when stepping onto the field in any matchup.
Why Youth and High School Goalies Benefit from Rage Cages
Lacrosse goalies just beginning at the youth and high school level gain invaluable skills development from training with a Rage Cage shot blocker. The Rage Cage is perfectly suited for goalies with limited experience facing live shots. The enclosed netting allows shots from short distances without anxiety or injury risk from missed shots. Young goalies learn proper positioning and movement tracking shots into the cage. With shots diffused slightly by the netting, reflexes are built up progressively handling faster shot speeds. The confidence-building nature of the Rage Cage is also ideal for developing goalies. Without fear of pain from close-range shots, goalies can build self-assurance in their abilities saving basic to advanced shots. Learning structured techniques for stick saves, body saves, and outlet passing shapes good fundamentals. Repetition builds muscle memory so goalies rely less on thinking and more on reactions. The Rage Cage gives invaluable game-speed shot reps for new goalies. With the cage’s help building skills against all types of releases and placement, goalies will be conditioned to excel by game time. The Rage Cage removes typical early obstacles of lacking experience and confidence. With progressive shot exposure and safety provided, youth and high school goalies develop their talents rapidly to meet the challenge of opponents trying to beat them.
How Rage Cages Can Be Used Year-Round for Practice
One of the advantages of the Rage Cage lacrosse shot blocker is the ability to use it nearly year-round for goalie practice. The enclosed netting and padded frame allow set up both indoors and outdoors in any weather conditions. The Rage Cage contains shots inside the netting, meaning no lost practice time chasing errant shots indoors. The flat base means it can be used on any hard surface, like gym floors or blacktop. The Rage Cage fits through standard doors for easy access bringing it in and out. Outdoors, the all-weather construction stands up to sun, rain, and snow. The powder coated finish avoids rusting for off-season backyard practice. Strong netting and tubing ensure the Rage Cage stays intact if knocked over on windy days. Portability makes it simple to transport to an open field or community field house. Dedicated goalies can maximize repetitions honing their skills anytime with an indoor/outdoor Rage Cage. Off-season development in the Rage Cage pays dividends coming into preseason camps ahead of the competition. Year-round practice improves fundamentals and builds the reflexive technique needed to thrive in high-pressure games. With a Rage Cage, goalies can seize every opportunity to sharpen skills, whether it’s the peak of summer or the dead of winter. Constructed for durability and designed for any conditions, Rage Cages are the ideal tool for never stopping goalie improvement.
Rage Cage Settings for Different Skill Levels
One of the best features of the Rage Cage lacrosse shot blocker is the ability to modify the netting tightness and angle for goalies of different skill levels. For beginners, the netting can be left fairly loose to allow more direct shot visibility and slightly slower shots. As goalies progress, netting can be tightened incrementally to obscure more of the shooter and quicken shot velocity off the netting. Experienced goalies can pin down the side netting completely to react purely off reading the ball’s path. The Rage Cage frame comes with multiple settings, allowing the side netting to be angled anywhere from 30 to 60 degrees. Wider angles open up the sightlines for newer goalies, while narrower angles block vision to challenge advanced goalies. The dual settings allow the Rage Cage to be tailored for youth, high school, college and pro-level goalies with the same unit. Individual practice needs can also be accommodated, like working on reacting to bounce shots versus overhand shots. As goalies master certain techniques, the Rage Cage can be adjusted to work on sharpening other skills. The ability to ramp up the difficulty and customize practice gives long-term value. Goalies using a Rage Cage tailored for their needs will experience steady skill progression without plateauing. With adjustable netting tightness and angles, the Rage Cage grows along with developing goalies at any stage.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Your Rage Cage
Here are some top tips for lacrosse goalies and coaches to get the most training benefits from a Rage Cage shot blocker:
- Use your Rage Cage regularly in practice, at least 2-3 times per week for serious skill development. Consistent repetition breeds reaction instinct.
- Focus practice on specific shot types – bounce shots, side arm, overhand cannon – tailored to what the goalie needs to work on most. Targeted training improves weaknesses.
- For added challenge, hang tarps or screens on the center frame bar to further limit visibility before shots. This sharpens reaction time and save technique.
- Integrate agility drills with shots to mimic game movements. Shuffle side to side before each shot or drop down and stand up quickly.
- Use tennis balls on the turf outside the crease to force eyes up and not down at feet during drills. Head up improves tracking.
- Move the Rage Cage around the crease during drills so goalies learn to save from all angles. Repositioning keeps goalies adaptable.
- Use the Rage Cage for defensive drills too. Defenders can practice checking and blocking inside the cage.
- For youth goalies, start closer and use softer shots to build confidence stopping basic shots before increasing speed and distance.
- Advanced goalies should pin down netting tightly and take shots from within 3 yards. This hones explosive save reactions.
- Videotape Rage Cage sessions to review technique and positioning later. Analysis improves training focus.
With smart and strategic use tailored to skill level, any goalie can maximize the performance benefits of the Rage Cage shot blocker.
Rage Cage Drills to Improve Reaction and Save Abilities
Here are some excellent lacrosse goalie drill ideas using the Rage Cage for developing lightning-quick reactions and better save techniques:
- Rapid Fire Shots – Take 10-15 shots rapidly from a close range, mixing up high and low placements. Forces continuous reaction and movement.
- Perimeter Shots – Take shots while circling the cage from different angles. Challenges goalie to cover all posts and peripherals.
- Dodge and Shoot – Simulate dodging an attackman above GLE then take a shot. Mimics game approach and shot angles.
- Screened Shots – Coach stands in front of the shooter to visually screen the shot for a split second, requiring reaction off just seeing ball.
- Behind-the-Back Shots – Focus on reacting quickly to deceptive shots. Forces goalies to watch ball, not body rotations.
- Bounce Shot Blocking – Work on tracking and stopping skip or high-to-low bounce shots which change trajectory.
- Rapid Post-to-Post – Shot taken to force movement across crease, followed immediately by a second shot to opposite post.
- Step Out and Shoot – From behind goal, step out and take quick time-and-room shots. Surprise goalies mimicking fast breaks.
- Deflection Saves – Shot aimed at a target above goal so goalie must deflect it with their stick. Sharpens hand-eye coordination.
- Breakaway Saves – Have goalie start at the top of the crease and retreat on shot, simulating a fast break. Reaction and recovery.
Varying Rage Cage drills like these keeps goalies sharp by mastering the specific game-like shot situations they’ll face on the field.
How to Choose the Right Rage Cage for Your Needs
With different Rage Cage models available, here are tips for lacrosse goalies and coaches to select the best Rage Cage shot blocker for their needs:
- Consider the skill level – youth, high school, college, pro? Advanced goalies need more angled netting and tighter pockets.
- Determine portability needs – will it stay in one place or need to be moved often? Wheeled bases add transportability.
- Measure your existing crease size to ensure proper fit. The Rage Cage should fill the entire goal mouth.
- Decide on indoor, outdoor or both usage. Outdoor cages need more weather-resistant construction.
- Pick netting density – higher density nets diffuse shots more but reduce visibility for advanced goalies.
- Select adjustable or fixed angled netting. Adjustable allows changing angles as goalies improve.
- Determine if backdrop netting is needed to contain missed shots and errant passes.
- Evaluate if you’ll use it for shooting target practice also or just goalie training.
- Choose any accessory add-ons – wrapped post padding, shooter teaching aids, carrying case bags.
- Compare brands for construction quality. Higher price often means more durability.
With the right Rage Cage model tailored to your needs, goalies will maximize their training experience and shot-stopping skill development.
