[harri1]

leaferguy - I am glad you said that you had one point of contention about the self-talk. If you are able to keep all thoughts, negative or positive, out of your head throughout an entire game that is excellent. I particularly like the term "benching the mind". Very interesting.

Of course, the goalie that doesn't think and just acts on instincts will be more effective but I think it is human nature for thoughts to pop into one's head during a hockey game. I think the trick, especially, after a goal, is to stop oneself from negative self talk/reactions and replace it with positive/productive self talk. Most people will automatically have a negative thought pop into their head when something negative happens to them, the key is to stop that negative thought from growing and impacting the rest of the game. Once a goalie can catch themself thinking a negative self-talk and exchange it for a positive/productive self-talk that goalie is ready to refocus on the present.

Goalies please consider the following questions:

What happens when you let in a goal that you know is particularly weak? Have you ever had a negative thought or reaction creep into your game after a bad play? What are some negative thoughts or reactions that have hurt your game? Are you able to get back on track when something negative happens? Do you have a set way of dealing with all setbacks that does not involve blame, swearing, tantrums or sulking? Goalies, if you are unhappy with any answers to any of the questions then it is time to analyze your approach.

I think being aware of self-talk is extremely important for most goaltenders because the natural reaction in life, for most people, is a negative reaction to an adverse situation. It is important to remember that we can all build the tools to deal with setbacks in positive ways that will keep us on track for success.