BradfordsGoalAcademy

Elite-level goaltenders are strong mentally!

A goaltender may possess the skills to move in and around the crease area effectively, however, these skills do not necessarily translate into successful goaltending. For example, a goaltender may be a terrific skater laterally, but may also have zero confidence in stopping the puck. Therefore, goaltenders must strive to develop their “mind game” just as much, if not more, as their “physical game”. It must be stressed to all goaltenders at all levels of hockey that to be successful in the Art of Goaltending; one must become strong mentally.

There are several mental aspects to the Game of Hockey that every serious goaltender must acknowledge. Each mental aspect is usually custom-made on a personal level. They are created and strengthened over many hockey seasons as goaltenders implement them successfully into their personal Goaltending Systems.

One of the several “mental aspects” is identified as follows:

Game Day Preparation

Elite-level athletes from every sport indicate how important game day routines are to them! Repeating specific tasks brings the mind to a familiar and successful space.

Part #1: Game Day - Morning

NOTE TO GOALTENDERS: It is imperative for goaltenders to begin their GAME DAY by replaying the Mental Imagery Databases in their minds (see http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/br...-database.html for additional information on Mental Imagery Databases).

Goaltenders .... it is as simple as closing your eyes and re-living your past outstanding saves in each category. Re-live each play from the start to the successful conclusion!

Part #2: Game Day - At The Hockey Arena

It is recommended that goaltenders make the Mental Imagery Databases part of their everyday pre-game preparation. For example, a goaltender should strive to find some quiet moments by him/herself at the arena to reflect on . . . just how great of a goaltender he/she truly is!

ATTENTION GOALTENDERS: Find a quiet section in the arena (e.g., up in the seats, down the hallway, or in an additional empty locker room). Strive to recall all those "Great Saves" you have made in the past! After a few moments, open your eyes with a newly found positive attitude and keep your mind focused on all the outstanding saves! Following this preparation process …

“... IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO GET YOUR GAME FACE ON … AND … TIME TO GET IN THE ZONE!”

Part #3: Game Day - Getting In The Zone!

The ZONE: There is a special mental “ZONE” which goaltenders must learn to enter in order for their performances to reach elite status! The “ZONE” is a special place when performances are exceptional, consistent, automatic, and flowing. Elite athletes are able to ignore all the external pressures and let their bodies deliver performances that have been learned so well. The “ZONE”, which refers to an athlete’s highest peak of achievement, characterizes a state in which athletes perform to the best of their ability.

ATTENTION GOALTENDERS: It is imperative that you develop strategies to get “in the zone” during your hockey games if you truly wish to reach the highest levels of hockey! Developing a positive attitude throughout your game day preparations is the key to SHOWING UP to play ... and ... will help you "get in the zone"!

Goaltenders … become "Mentally Prepared" for all your games ... and ... May ALL your saves be GREAT ones!

Brent Bradford, Co-Author of a NEW Goaltender Instructional Book
www.GoaliesAreNotTargets.com