Need help with glove hand speed/reaction?

[Mad_Greek]

Just wondering what drills (on and off ice) that someone can do the increase their glove hand speed and reaction time?

First I will provide a bit of backgroud as I think it is important:-

I am a fairly big goalie at around 6'1" and about 220 to 225 lbs depending on conditioning, etc.

I have been back playing for around 3 years after a 7 year layoff. During my layoff I started bodybuilding and went from around 160 lbs to a high of 255 lbs.

Before my layoff, my strength was down low and my glove, with my weakness being my blocker. Since coming back, I have shed over 30 lbs and my down low coverage is pretty good. I read low really well, but high not so good.

I am pretty much a blocking goalie up high, transitioning to reactive down low. Positioning is really key for me though and I do like to go down a lot, it just feels more comfortable for me.

I should add that over the time of the layoff and now, I developed a degenerative eye condition and had to have a cornia transplant in my right eye 2 years ago. My vision has improved, but is still not great, which I do believe has affected my puck tracking ability and depth perception from shots past or near the blue line.


Problem:-

I am still having trouble with my glove speed /reactions.

As stated above, I think it has a bit to do with my tracking ability do to my eyes, but also, I seem to have lost a bit of the connection between my brain and hand to make my glove react via reflex type movements (where you don't have to think about it). I think another factor is that I lost a lot of flexibility in the shoulders and arms from building up so much mass before too (though I am focusing my training on conditioning now, not building mass).

I often find that I don't move my glove much, or can catch pucks easily that are lower, but not top shelf.

I am wondering what I can do as far as drills to improve the movement of my glove hand and my reaction ability?

I am sorry this was a bit long-winded, but I felt it was important to explain myself well as to help in providing me with suggestions.

Thanks for your time!

[LuckOfTheGoalie]

nothing too much but off-ice I have someone behind me throw a tennis ball at a wall and I have to catch it.. it helps because you dont really know where it is going therefore, will increase your reaction time.

[Mad_Greek]

Originally Posted by LuckOfTheGoalie

nothing too much but off-ice I have someone behind me throw a tennis ball at a wall and I have to catch it.. it helps because you dont really know where it is going therefore, will increase your reaction time.

I have herd that one before, I guess it is a matter of getting some1 to help me out.

Thanks

[foodsample]

You should check your glove/blocker positioning. I know some bigger goalies can get away with leaving their hands down on their sides, but being 5'11 myself my coach has taught me to keep the glove/blocker infront a bit, so that you can use what is called quiet eye, where you follow the puck into your glove/blocker (i believe that is waht its called?). Here is a pic I found from a post by Dino that shows proper positioning pretty good for your up position. Pardon to Dino for not askin before using this photo!

[steelhmr]

great thread. i suffer from the same condition (as far as bad glove hand). its frustrating me because it is lagging so far behind my blocker side (which i think is above avg for my skill level). i will try holding it further in front of me.

[ryanduffy33]

i would get one of those reaction balls with the bumps on it and throw it against the wall

[njt42]

Originally Posted by ryanduffy33

i would get one of those reaction balls with the bumps on it and throw it against the wall

I just got mine in the mail today.

[holythegoalie2]

Powerthirst

[christobal33]

Originally Posted by LuckOfTheGoalie

nothing too much but off-ice I have someone behind me throw a tennis ball at a wall and I have to catch it.. it helps because you dont really know where it is going therefore, will increase your reaction time.

exactly what i was going to suggest. good drill for sure.

[Devilman]

Those reaction balls work great!
Try playing Squash or Racquet ball if you get a chance. Get cardio workout and really good for eye/hand co-ordination and reflexes

[hroark2112]

Learn to juggle.

[connors83]

Ping pong.

[influenza]

Originally Posted by connors83

Ping pong.

That is a great suggestion. Two of my friends play goal, and I think are the best goalies I know. Can't just be coincidence!

[Mad_Greek]

Originally Posted by foodsample

You should check your glove/blocker positioning. I know some bigger goalies can get away with leaving their hands down on their sides, but being 5'11 myself my coach has taught me to keep the glove/blocker infront a bit, so that you can use what is called quiet eye, where you follow the puck into your glove/blocker (i believe that is waht its called?). Here is a pic I found from a post by Dino that shows proper positioning pretty good for your up position. Pardon to Dino for not askin before using this photo!

This is something I have been taught too, I just really have to start focusing on making sure that I am doing it. I have really been trying to hold my glove out more in front lately, I think I just end up droping it down too much at my side the rest of the time.

As for the other suggestions, thanks guys. I use to play a little racquet ball at my old gym, but they took out the courts, might have to find another place. Definitely a good workout too!

[dukes]

I throw a tennis ball at a yoga ball (sounds funny) and since it's a circular surface it can bounce anywhere...sometimes wide though which is the drawback. But the other tips above all work well too. I find my glove hand is decent but top shelf is a bit challenging.