Focussing Problem...

I'm relatively new to playing goal, only for about 2 1/2 years and I'm 17. An incredibly frequent and embarrassing problem that I have is losing my focus during a game, and can let in horribly weak goals. I consider myself to be fairly good at breakaways and other one on one things, but it's 5 on 5 that always messes me up. I find myself paying attention to another player for just a split second or so, and that's when the puckholder capitalizes. Is there any tricks or advice that anyone can give me to help me maintain focus on the shooter, and not the possibilities that he could make?
Another problem that frequently happens is when a slightly slower shot is heading five hole, instead of going right down in the butterfly, I get somehow only put down one leg, leaving the other one more or less open and a large gap in between in which the puck slowly dribbles by. Is there anything that anyone can offer to make me overcome this debilitating disorder? My team has a problem scoring and would really appreciate any help you can give me thanx!

[CKeelty]

You already have the solution to the focusing problem--you know you do it. Try visualization before a game, and even during a game, if you're not seeing any action. Follow the puck everywhere, no matter where it is. Most of the time I even move with it, even when it's in the opposing zone, playing my angles and coming out as if it were in my zone. The important thing is not to let yourself lose focus. Remember that any player can score at any time (even though it might not be true, YOU as a goalie should believe it) and always keep your eye on that puck. If you need time to relax, take it during breaks in the action.

As for the 5-hole problem, I just read something in Goalie's World about "soft drops" being a problem for a lot of goalies. I think it was Mitch Korn's article, and his recommendation was that if you're going to go down, go down hard, no matter what. That way your 5-hole is always closed. But my question is, if the shot is that slow, why are you going down at all? Why not stick it aside, pass it back out, or glove it?

I have problems off and on with keeping my focus (especially when I'm down by more than 5 goals). Though I don't always do it, I've found that on the way to the game ( I usually get a ride from somebody) if I visualize myself making routine glove saves, closing up my five hole, and low blocker saves that I do them better in games. My mantra has become "See the puck, stop the puck". It also helps if I get a little scared.

[CKeelty]

Being scared helps, because you instinctively focus better on what you're scared of. I, too, still have problems focusing when I've allowed the other team a huge lead. The important thing, I find, in these situations is to remind yourself that your team depends on you, to have faith in them, and even if the score makes a win seem impossible, remind yourself that stranger things have happened, and it's your job to make sure things don't get worse. Just look how many NHL teams have had 3, 4, and even 5-goal comebacks--do you think that would have been possible if their goaltender said "Ah, we've already lost," and just gave up?

[Squealagig]

I've never tried this but I had one guy tell me that when he plays really bad like letting in three goals in a row he fakes an equipment problem and that the minute or two break for him to pretend to fix the problem he relaxes, calms down and focusses again and consiquently plays better once he's "fixed" his problem.

[This message has been edited by Squealagig (edited January 10, 2000).]

[CKeelty]

Trouble is a lot of leagues don't allow timeout for equipment problems. I've faked injury on occasion, but only when my team is on their heals. When it's me who's struggling, no amount of time is usually enough.

Thanx for the help, I did feel I played alot better tonight, although I let in the most goals of all season (A nice healthy 9). The only reason was my team didn't show up defensively. There had to be at least 4 goals that were 2 on 0s, which all you can do is pray that you'll get something on. The rest were either mini breakaways or screened shots, but I had no problem with lil' dribblers and long shots. I'll have to have a lil' talk with my D-men, but thanx for your help!

This is a big help right here. Instead of trying to focus on the shooter focus on the puck and I mean never take your eyes off of that pice of rubber for even a split second or you will lose it. That way you cannot possibly focus on anyone else. dont be embarrased cause it happens to everyone.