What is a Routine and the Importance of it for a Goalie
Routine - A set of customary or unchanging and often mechanically performed activities or
procedures.
Think of yourself as a light bulb hanging in the center of your bedroom. Your
light is off and the room is dark. When you want your light to turn on, you have to hit the
light switch, then your light will turn on and brighten the room.
Think of yourself as the light bulb and think of your routine as the light switch
that turns you on. A goalie needs a routine in order to be ready just like a light hanging
in your room needs a switch to turn on. A goalie’s routine helps them get their mind and
body in the right place for the game so they are ready to go. If a goalie does not have a
routine then he’s doing nothing to turn his light on and make sure he’s ready for the
game.
What’s important when developing a Routine?
Everyone’s routine is different and has their own procedure. The most important
part about your routine is time and making sure you allow yourself enough time to do
your routine so you can get your head ready for the game. If you have a 20-25min
routine, then its important to make sure you get to the rink an hour before, start your
routine as soon as you get to the rink so you have enough time to get your equipment
on and relax before your team is ready to go out.
What’s included in a Routine?
You can include anything that YOU feel is important. It has to be things that will
get you ready for the game. Only YOU know when you're ready and only YOU should
know what you need to do in order to be ready.
EXAMPLES:
Stretching (By ourselves)
Hand Eye - Bouncing ball of the wall
Alone Time Away from the Team- Help get all distractions out of our head so we are
clear and focused on the game and not messing around
Drinking Water and eating Snacks
Goalies and Why a Routine Helps Build Consistency
I want you to remember the light switch and what turns it on. Now think of a
goalie who is off or not performing well. What do you think this goalie needs to start
working on in order for them to be ready?
CORRECT!!! A Routine… to get his mind ready for the battle!
