Blog

Providing the best advice for Goaltenders globally!

Didn't make the team.....What after?

Alexander

Monday, 07 October 2019

1675 Hits

0 Comments

Didn't make the team?

Make it a new beginning not an end with a NEW ATTITUDE & renewed motivation

Reflecting back on the tryout period prior to the season as we enter the first couple of weeks of hockey season, it is safe to say these were some very anxious moments for goalies (and parents too)

And, some of you didn't make the team you tried out for. Believe me, I've seen it happen numerous times including a couple of personal experiences & I must admit it wasn't the the most pleasant of times.

So, today, I thought I would pass on some advice which, I hope, will motivate you to begin the process of improving your chances next time.

I know the first question that comes to mind, when you get the bad news, is WHY?

Truth is, sometimes it doesn't make a lot of sense, even when you get the answer. (if you get an answer) Maybe it was just that the competition was tough (a lot of exceptionally good goalies in your age group) or you didn't perform up to the expectation of the coaches or your skills were lacking. Or maybe, "politics" came into play. Maybe it was your demeanor, how you presented yourself in the net. Maybe the coach thought he would give a second year goaltender(s) the opportunity, or the coach just felt more comfortable (confident) with the other guy (or girl).

You can't hang on to the thought that the coach didn't like you, or they didn't see you at your best, or you should have been selected because you allowed fewer goals than the other goalie(s) .

Whatever the reason, you must move on.

Understand, that, unless we do fail from time to time, we will never become the best we can be. Most top end athletes (goaltenders) will tell you that they failed numerous times during their rise to the top, and these failures were the motivation that really drove them to become successful. (check out the Jordan Binnington story) They learned from the failing experience and were able to "move on", understand their deficiencies, and vowed to work diligently on those deficiencies to make the necessary corrections and improve.

And, so, failing is a necessary part to improving your game.

The question is, what are YOU going to do about it?

The first thing you need to do is take a hard, honest look at your game and identify the parts that need improvement

Although you may attempt to do this yourself, I suggest you enlist someone whom you consider to be an unbiased, experienced coach to review your game with the use of video or observation. Just remember, they will need to be brutally honest and, so, you may hear things you don't want to hear. However, if you REALLY want to improve, then the need for honesty.

During the initial review process, 3 or 4 areas for improvement may be identified. Once, identified, develop a plan and commit it to writing. This will provide direction and keep you on track, plus allow you to measure how you are progressing at a future point in time versus where you began. You will likely have to do this several times during season, similar the approach used at the professional hockey level.

I suggest that you include your parents in the plan. They can act in a supporting role where necessary. But remember, the puck is in your rink. It's YOUR plan and not the responsibility of Mom or Dad or a coach to lead you along. They supply direction and support only. YOU must provide the motivation, dedication & hard work.

If you truly WANT (not wish, like to, would be nice) to be a top end, above average or elite goaltender then you need to put in the work, provide the self-motivation and DEVELOP THOSE GOOD, PERSONAL HABITS necessary.

There is absolutely no substitute. There is no "magic formula" You must put in the time and the work.

AND, NO ONE ELSE CAN DO IT FOR YOU!

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?