Field hockey goalie drills & training

The role of goalkeeper is of critical importance in the sport of field hockey. The last line of defense for a team, the field hockey goalkeeper must be able to save shots on goal. The goalkeeper should also have the ability to communicate and form part of a cohesive defensive unit.

 TYPES-
          A field hockey goalkeeper must train regularly with her teammates. A goalkeeper will often be required to participate in team drills and play in scrimmages during practice. To develop to their full potential field hockey goalkeepers should participate in individual goalkeeper training. Some teams will have an assistant coach capable of providing this; other goalkeepers may have to attend private sessions to get specific goalkeeper training. Goalkeeper training drills will typically focus on shot saving and footwork.
Significance-               
Specific goalkeeper training is vital to the development of all field hockey goalkeepers, whether a young beginner or an elite level player. West Vancouver Field Hockey club recommends stance, movement and shot saving to be important areas to train for a goalkeeper.

 Risks-       
A field hockey goalkeeper will face a number of balls traveling toward him at high speeds during a goalkeeper training session. For this reason it is important that a goalkeeper uses the correct safety equipment to avoid contusion or fracture injury. Field hockey goalkeeper equipment includes helmet, gloves, throat collar, chest protector and leg padding.