Three C's of Goaltending

Comprehensive

Utilizing a complete approach to goaltender training that encompasses all aspects of goaltending, including skill development, mental development, conditioning, nutrition, knowledge of the game and how to study other goaltenders.

Consistent

Providing a simple understanding (the what, when, where & why) of the technique incorporated with the technical training (the how) to promote using the right move in the right save situation.

Continuous

Promoting a long-term approach to goaltender development through progressive training that matures proficiency in goaltender fundamentals over the goaltender’s career in the net.

Fundamentals Through Repetition

90% of goaltending is being at the right place at the right time!

In order to train a goaltender to react to a shot with the correct movement the goaltender’s ‘muscle memory’ must be set. To do this the goaltender must practice the correct movement over and over again so that it becomes engrained into their play. By performing the correct movement repeatedly a goaltender becomes comfortable with the save and all incorrect movements feel awkward, uncomfortable and are quickly corrected. Whenever TGC instructors are teaching the fundamentals to goaltenders or correcting bad habits, repetition is the key teaching technique that we use.

Style Selection

Style is about getting it done while making it look easy!
There are 30 starting goaltenders in the NHL and none of them use the exact same save selection in all situations. The Goalie Club acknowledges that there is no ‘one style fits all’ solution to goaltending and approaches teaching each goaltender with that thinking. A key element to TGC camps and clinics is the teaching of theory during our off-ice program. Goaltenders discuss the varying styles used by NHL goaltenders and the adjustments that are made within those styles. They are then encouraged to experiment with these styles on the ice to find the techniques that suit them best. This leaves goaltenders comfortable and confident with the style that they are taught and approach the game with.

Learning Through Hard Work

Anyone can become a goalie, but a goaltender knows  they must be the hardest working player on the ice!

The Goalie Club Goalie School has pioneered an innovative on-ice rotation called the ‘Dedicated Program’ that provides goaltenders with a 2:1 work to rest ratio even if they are participating in a 3:1 goalie to instructor ratio. The program uses an extra station rotation scheme to work goaltenders not in the net. It is designed to help with hand positioning, balance, slides, pivots, and quickness. Through this program dedicated goaltenders can work even harder on the ice and get even more out of their time with The Goalie Club. Since all of our theory is discussed in the classroom goaltenders are able to fully utilize their on-ice time to work on the theory they just learned.

Learning Through Enjoyment

At TGC, if it’s not fun it’s not goaltending!

We all know what they say about ‘all work and no play’. With this in mind The Goalie Club school uses a number of different teaching tools both on and off the ice to ensure that goaltenders are having fun while working hard. You’ll often hear coaches cheering for a great Fodjot Save, or see a goaltender doing a dead cockroach on the ice, or watch two teams competing to win The Goalie Fued, or catch a glimpse of a dozen goaltenders play tennis ball hockey.

Getting On The Path To No Goals

Go For It!

You will notice that TGC exclusively uses the term goaltender in lieu of the term goalie. Although a subtle difference in terms, a distinct difference in meaning is evident. The term goalie is meant to define a person between the pipes who defends the goal. Anyone can serve in this capacity, albeit to various degrees of success. The term goaltender is meant to define a student of the art of goaltending-one who thrives to continuously learn and improve to be the best goalie they can be. The Total Goalie program is built on the premise of creating good goaltenders, not just good goalies.