Goalie Camp Next Week - Complete Beginner

[Gymstara]

Hi everyone

My name is Tara, I am 25, and I am just starting to play. I was a figure skater, and made the switch over I have had a few private lessons, done a few clinics and stick time, and my coach recommended I do the goalie camp at our rink. He said I am a natural. The camp is coming up next week, and I am getting really nervous. It is mostly kids (I think there are 2 other adults), and I am the only girl.

What can I expect? It is 3 hours on ice, 3 hours off. What do I need to wear for off ice training? What do I need to bring that I wouldn't think of? What should I do to get the most out of my experience? I am nervous about having the endurance to get through it also. Any tips/advice/warnings would be appreciated!

Tara

[MyassesHam]

What level is the camp? If it's beginner/novice level, they won't be working you too hard. If you're in proper shape, eat well before the camp, and just try to absorb as much as you can.

[Gymstara]

Originally Posted by MyassesHam

What level is the camp? If it's beginner/novice level, they won't be working you too hard. If you're in proper shape, eat well before the camp, and just try to absorb as much as you can.

It is for all levels. I am guessing there will be other beginners too. I hope so!

[Timberwoof]

For the off-ice section, I'd recommend you wear clothes. If it's at the rink, bring a sweater in case it's somewhere cold.

To prepare for the on-ice part, eat a good meal eight hours ahead of time.

For the on-ice, bring all your goalie gear and a bottle with water or half-and-half water and Gatorade. If you're worried about your endurance, then be smart about it: don't overwork yourself in the first half and miss the second half. Instead, pay attention to how you feel physically, and back off on some drills if you need to rest. If you get tired, don't give up and get off the ice; stay and pay attention to the coach. Do drills just once or twice instead of three or four times.

You will do a whole lot of drills. It's okay if you're not stellar at every one of them: that's why you're going to the camp. As soon as you can, write down the drills in a notebook, and if you have the opportunity in stick-time or pick-up, practice ones that you can do.

You may find that the new skills and stuff affect your play for the worse over the next few weeks. (That's what happened to me. For a little while I was conflicted about how to move ... eventually my new and better stance took over and I got better.) Stick with it!

Don't worry about the kids. Just be a good example and work at the drills; don't give up. Something I do when I learn a new skill is to practice it a few times while waiting in line to do it in front of the net.

Have fun!

[goalies-r-us]

Off ice, just wear what you'd wear if you were going to the gym for a workout, or going for a run -- good athletic shoes, shorts, t-shirt/tank-top, and appropriate "support gear" as needed depending on your endowments. You'll probably do some running, some agility stuff (ladder running), jumps, stretching, etc.

[icehockeyaf96]

Originally Posted by Gymstara

Hi everyone

My name is Tara, I am 25, and I am just starting to play. I was a figure skater, and made the switch over I have had a few private lessons, done a few clinics and stick time, and my coach recommended I do the goalie camp at our rink. He said I am a natural. The camp is coming up next week, and I am getting really nervous. It is mostly kids (I think there are 2 other adults), and I am the only girl.

What can I expect? It is 3 hours on ice, 3 hours off. What do I need to wear for off ice training? What do I need to bring that I wouldn't think of? What should I do to get the most out of my experience? I am nervous about having the endurance to get through it also. Any tips/advice/warnings would be appreciated!

Tara

In case you weren't already fully geared up as a goalie at the prior lessons, you will need some goalie gear: Buy goalie skates. They are different from figure and player skates. You will also need a goalie helmet, chest protector, pants, a female version of a jock (called a jill) protector, leg pads, goalie stick, glove and blocker.

It helps to wear some form of wicking shirt/underarmor type apparel to keep you drier.

Call the director of the clinic to find out what off ice training you will be doing for 3 hours so you'll know what to wear. I'll bet part of those 3 hours off ice is a chalk talk and maybe a break for lunch. It will not be a marathon. Some of the off ice time might be playing soccer or walking around outside the rink.

Don't worry about being the only girl and being older. I see quite an age range in all the clinics my son attends. They will break you into groups, depending on your experience/size so you'll be working at the proper level.

Good luck! I wish I could get my girls to take up the sport...

[busyhckymom]

Goog luck in net! dont worry about being a girl, daughter is often only girl goalie but she is fine with it.
also for a full week of goalie camp dont be surprised you will be sore. daughter was sore from her camp, even tho she is staying in shape she hasnt been on ice to work those muscle as often. even 2 weeks later she is in another camp and is sore again. (but this camp is run by olympic female athletes so i can see why shes sore! ) dont worry about age or gender just learn what you need to and have fun.

[Kahnighit]

For on-ice: be an active participant. Think of some things you want to learn/improve upon or have questions about prior to the start of the clinic. You may not have a chance to do or ask everything but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Ask questions, don't be shy. Sometimes coaches will just say "when A happens, do B". I always want to know the why. Not necessarily because I don't believe them but because it helps with the underlying philosophy/tactics/strategy.

If you're taught techniques new to you, practice them in slow motion while it's not your turn doing the drill. It'll help you remember the movement for practice at a later time and starts training the muscle memory. Also, try to watch what's going on at the same time and have your ears open in case someone else asks a question.

Anytime a coach stops a drill to go over something with whoever is in net make sure you're tuned in. This is one of the easiest ways to learn from other's "mistakes".

As Timber said, write down every drill you did as soon as possible. Detail what the point was and how it was executed.

I went to a clinic one month after i started. A great experience and I'm sure I avoided ingraining a lot of bad habits as a result.

Good luck

[midlife crisis]

Hi Tara,

How was your camp?

I'm in the same position as you, a real rookie and a girl. ( a lot older than you )

I've been able to play 3 times a week all summer and that has been both a blast and great experience.

I was playing with all women until May. Then had the opportunity to play with a beginners group. Turned out I was the only female. It was a little strange at first but now I really love it. The guys are great, they shoot so much harder, it is a bit scary but so much fun. It really makes you step up your game. I highly recommend it.