Practice vs Games...

[Roymond]

Ok I have a delema... I play awesome in practice, but i choke in games. I just started goaltending about 3 or 4 months ago, and i would do horrible in both games and practices, i was the back-up, but in the last month, i have done excellent in practice, barely letting a goal in during the scrimages, and nothing during the drills, and they decided to stick me in net for the game today. let's just say i choked, 10 goals... Lucky for me, it's just rec. roller hockey. But I need to learn how to play in a game like i do for practice, so when i start ice, (in about 3 or 4 months) i can play to my full potential. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

I don't know which this topic should go in, Doctor on Ice or Roller Doctor, so i posted it in both...

[Chilis93]

Your problem could your concentration. I had the same problem 7 months ago. I was really nervous before the games and was so excited. But then my coach told that I have no reason to be nervous because I know where to stand, playing the angles, etc. and he told me to ignore the fans in the stands.
I followed his advices and it really worked.

[BKLYNNetminder]

I played the best game of the season when my coach said, "Don't worry about it, just try your best."

Try to relax a little.

[GoalieAtWork]

Nerves and attitude - the final frontier.

You need to learn how to focus past the nervousness, and concentrate on the job at hand. Learn to maintain confidence regardless of the stress and nature of the game.

When I learn how to do this, I'll let you know!

[sloth2946]

GAW is right, confidence is the key. It would seem that you lack confidence in your abilities. If you practice well you should rely on the fact that you can do it in practice, the only difference is that there are guys wearing funny striped shirts in games. Other then that, there is no difference. Rely on the lessons and skills learned in practice and know in your heart that it will translate into a good performance in a game.

Finally....remember, goals happen. Move on to the next shot. And most of all, relax. If you give up a stinker or lose the game, guess what, the sun will still rise and the world will continue to revolve if you gave up the goal or not.

[Rogue]

I am the opposite. In a game there is more on the line and I get 'up' for those games, I find I am very focused in games. Practices really don't challenge me so I usually don't play as well. I have started playing little games within the game during practices to challenge myself and it has helped me stay focused during practices. I say all that to suggest this:

You might try breaking your games up into pieces, either periods or if that's too long into time increments (5-10 minutes?). Don't focus on the big picture of this giant 3 period game (don't overwhelm yourself) but play little 5-10 minute 'games' and work to shut the other team out in that small 'time goal'. Once you reach that goal, move to the next time increment goal.

I also suggest you remember one of the most basic goaltending rules. If you're scored on, quickly determine if you could have done something different (placement, challenge more, etc.) but then just as quickly FORGET THAT GOAL. Don't continue to dwell on the goal you allowed but shift all your focus and concentration on stopping that puck!