Cross training

"Cross training” (or circuit training) is the phrase used to explain athletes training in other sports than the one that is their main focus (i.e. hockey in our case!), to work on inherent skills like muscle memory, reaction speeds, response time, stamina and tactical awareness/decision making. With so much variety available, multiple sports give the chance for a sportsman (or woman!) to work on aspects of their own game outside the constraints and pressures of their sporting environment. Of course, although if, as internationals, they are going to be playing still with games over the course of the summer when everyone else is resting (on the laurels even perhaps!)
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Legguard straps slipping loose

I've encountered a bit of an issue with my leg guards lately--the straps slip loose a little bit
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Skinny or fatboy?

I am buying a new goalie stick, I wondered what you thought was better out of the fatboy and skinny?
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The First Ever Goalkeeper Coach & Trainer Forum

Martijn Drijver, principal of the Drijver Goalie Academy based in The Netherlands has suggested it’s high time that goalkeeper Coaches and Trainers from around the world get together for a day of sharing, learning, discussions and doing ... and of course some fun.
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Wondering what the best set of OBO pants to buy is?

Is it the Robo Bored Shorts? Or the Robo Hot Pants?
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Jon’s Tips: Painting Your OBO Helmet

For all you creative OBO-ites who’ve been asking about painting your OBO helmets but aren’t sure how to go about it, here’s some ideas and advice based on recent experience. If you’re handy and keen, you can jazz up your helmet at a reasonable price on your own.
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Leg Burner!!

Join OBO and USA National Goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer for a leg burning fitness session!
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Can I paint my OBO helmet?

The helmet you have has a clear coat of lacquer which will need to be stripped before you paint....
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Taping arm pads

A simple but effective tip for those arm pad wearers out there, who use the removable Obo pads (which also give you more set-up options, if you think about it versus attached ones sewn into the body armour!), more specifically, is to tape them! With the design of the elbow pad that goes around the bone, rather than a hard shell fixed in place, you will see a lot of Obo arm pad users taping their pads to ensure the pad stays fixed in place and gives more flexibility when bending at the joint for those glove saves nearer the body. The tape helps hold the inner bicep protection in place for the newer range of Obo pads, whilst at the same time also helping keeping that bend at the joint for all important flexibility for those instantaneous reflex saves. Some electrical tape taped around the arm pad in this way, will help to keep the pad together and give important movement as stated. With taping, it essentially forces the foam into the bend that you need for that bending motion for save making whilst wearing the arm pads.
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Goalkeeper or shot stopper?

As you look to move on from the basics of shot stopping and evolving your game as a goalkeeper, you need to think (perhaps thinking hard and conscientiously about it, if you want to!) about how you play as a goalkeeper, and your roles and responsibilities within the team. About how you need to work to intercept and interrupt passes by the opposition to stop them from gaining a chance to score. When you consider it, a goalkeeper should be able to shut down attacks and passing opportunities, providing a presence behind their defence that is able to do their job when the defensive line is ‘caught short’. You will see goalkeepers at the elite levels who play a more proactive style, rushing out to tackle or clear away the ball, especially in the indoor game, where being active and aggressive in challenging and intercepting a pass is really important for a goalkeeper to succeed in the fast paced indoor arena.
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Own-goal rule: opinions wanted!

Hi again guys! For my column for Push hockey magazine this month, I'm taking a look at the "mandatory experiment" that is the own-goal rule. Personally, I'm with Jamie Dwyer: I think it stinks. But what do you guys think of it?
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The art of visualisation

Visualisation is a useful technique for any goalkeeper, to help them with their confidence and save making. Visualising making saves at specific times within the game (say, at short corners) and specific saves, the goalkeeper can visualise the process of the save to help them concrete technique and build on their confidence, whilst helping make those glorious, spectacular saves, because of the self belief developed from these thoughts running through your mind pretty much all the time! Popular in a variety of sports, it can be applied to our own favourite sport, our beloved hockey, and been made use of when we approach our goalkeeping.
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Plyometrics

With plyometrics (turns out it isn’t plymetrics, even though I thought otherwise, always thought it was plymetrics?!) needed for improving your jumping abilities and also useful for increasing agility and your explosive power, it is important that goalkeepers are made aware of this form of training and added it to their regime of outside-structured-training-training! They are a definitive aspect of athleticism when pushing out athletically and aggressively to save and explosiveness, ensuring an agile and athletic style that should crossover into your game and training sessions. It’s a standard part of training and exercising for football goalkeepers, who are expected to leave their feet to intercept and catch crosses, but they, for some reason, seem a little left out of the hockey repertoire.
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Turning with the face of the glove

With the glove offering a large surface area to block shots and turn away the ball on either side, it’s important to recognise that you should be facing them towards the play, so that you are already in a position. Like ice hockey goalies and footie goalies do anyway, with the analogy of already being in the right place for the right time (if that makes sense!). Pro-active and active hands are also better than lazy hands! Up and out is potentially how you want to have your gloves and normally the way to go, especially seen in Australia for example (potentially!), but you do see the same across Europe. And by having them faced, you can move with the glove, rather than trying to push out and swat upwards and at the ball.
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Hockeyworld Perth

Hockeyworld Bibra Lake is now open!! WA now has its very own Hockeyworld store and I have been lucky enough to be given the job of running it. Hockey is huge in WA with both the men's and women's Australian team based here and a strong club competition. There are a few different hockey stores in Perth but Hockeyworld is the first to exclusively offer the brands TK, Princess, BOP and the biggest range of OBO goalie gear.
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Lunging

Lunging, as the technique has become known as (or is referred to as, because it is, after all, a lunging motion!), has become a new and useful addition to the saving repertoire offered to us hockey goalkeepers. An option a lot like making splits saves, the difference being related to the ability to drive with the head and maintain balance and thus keep rebounds down and controlled (versus bouncing up and away!). Rather than pushing out low and dropping, the goalkeeper stays upright and extends out with the leg, pushing from an upright position to extend out with the leg to reach the ball, as opposed to diving and hitting the deck and the complications of recoveries and consequential save making.
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The number one

So. You want to be the number one, right? You want to be the first choice, the one your team turns to, to play for them and get the wins? The one with the honour, the prestige and all the glory; the go-to-guy, the hero, the saviour of your team, the highlight reel shot stopper. You want to be considered the best around, maybe even the best of the best. Well, good for you. But do you know what cost it’ll come at; the blood, sweat and tears that it will take you to achieve this dream? Because, let’s face it, it’s in no way easy and takes a lot of personal sacrifice and effort. It’s going to be a hard fought, tough ride. You may even end up earning it after a battle with an incumbent (i.e. the current starter who is well respected by the team/club and been in the starting spot for a while now), but you might lose it to someone else looking to do what you’re intent to achieve.
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The need for speed

Not the video game I used to enjoy playing as a youngster, but making use of a title with the phrase with an allusion to the same premise, when it comes to getting involved with the game and being able to instantly sprint out when called upon, rather than looking like you’re not interested in winning! Arguably, whilst a goalkeeper may not be ‘on the move’ all the time as their team mates go up and down the pitch, the goalkeeper needs to able to react explosively and be able to run as quickly as possible within their kit to charge down an attacker or rebound opportunity say. And when it comes to your role and play within the overall game as a goalkeeper, you have to be ‘quick off the mark’ and a ‘speed demon’ (well, maybe not, that’s more like ‘Need for Speed’ but the metaphor’s there!) in relation to sprinting out for loose balls or interceptions; same for foot work and getting across goal.
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Thermals

Along with baselayers, which are great for wicking away sweat as I’ve written about some time back, thermals can be pretty useful when playing in the winter months (whichever side of the globe you’re on, the earth spins on an axis after all!). In fact, there are some thermals that do that as well, so you can get rid of built up sweat (as you play well and build up a sweat, as they say in ice hockey, “working up a sweat out on the ice”!) and stay warm at the same time. Pretty useful, “killing two birds with one stone as the phrase goes”, goalkeeping wise! I currently have a pair of thermals that I also wear when skiing or maybe, eventually, snowboarding (if and when I get the rare opportunity to do some snow sports!) that are a pretty quality set that also wick away sweat, for warming the legs! Personally, I’m not a fan of British weather. I know it’s not the coldest place in the world (I’ve seen some awesome pictures of Canadian hockey goalies – I think they were – warming up outside in the snow!) but it can never make its mind up, so those dreary, cold and wet days when you’re playing in the damp that can get through your kit and the chill that gets to your bones, it’s handy to have something to keep you warm!
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FIH own goal rule. Our thoughts so far.

For those not aware the FIH has introduced a new rule where own goals can now be scored if any player from either team touches the ball in the circle and the ball enters the goal.
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Decision making

Decision making is an essential part of goalkeeping in the wider role of influencing the game and eliminating scoring opportunities to reduce the number of shots you face during a game. Shot stopping is obviously down to technique and fundamentals (positioning, angles), but decision making is a skill that is so fundamental and essential, yet difficult to learn and arguably something not totally taught by goalkeeper coaches, in the sense that if you are working purely and simply on technique. You may be able to do well in training focusing on shot stopping and foot work and so on, but if drills are not representative of in-game action or skills, then maybe it is possible to argue that.
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The cocky goalkeeper

The idea of self confidence is important for goalkeepers when thinking about how to play at their best, game in game out. And one way of thinking about it, is to consider a goalkeeper as cocky or evaluate their cockiness. As I’ve tried to write about recently, it is important to play confidently, ensuring that you are confident to come out and make tackles or interceptions and to get to lose balls that attackers may latch on. If you don’t/didn’t feel happy doing this, then you’re going to struggle to decrease the amount of scoring opportunities you will face in a game. And if you did not feel confident enough going up against the top of the table team or playing in an important and decisive game that could affect your playing ‘career’ (I say, I’m not sure !), then you’ve got to be confident.
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Playing it ‘your way’

When it comes to sport in general and goalkeeping, we are all different and unique and approach things differently. Like opinions maybe, we’ve all got our own opinion on things! Take runners, it’s a poor analogy, but Mo Farah isn’t exactly going to switch to doing sprints and Usain Bolt isn’t going to do marathons! With lightning speed versus endurance in that example. Everyone has their own strengths and qualities (in life as in goalkeeping!) and it should be realised and acknowledged, that you need to play in the way that suits you. You cannot play like someone else, unless of course of course you play in a similar way and find it useful to ‘shadow’ the way they play from game footage, highlights etc. And when it comes to being aware of kit and how affects the way you play, is a good idea to look at your own set-up and find foam and protection that suits your goalkeeping style.
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Keeping emotions in check

One thing that isn’t always considered when delving into the complexities of the psychological impact of our ‘mental game’ on the way we play, is how we balance the emotions that we feel; the ups and downs, especially within a game where the ability to do so is pretty important and essential to our chances of a comeback say and ‘keeping our team in it’. But these things can and will impact our game if we let them, and it’s important to recognise this when playing in between the posts. Whereas our team mates might feel the highs of a goal scored or the lows and disgruntlement of a goal being allowed, our position and the way we deal with the stresses and pressure of the role is a hard task, with ‘our backs up against the wall’ and ‘up against it’ as they say. Our temperament needs to be more lucid and calm, able to withstand the hardships of a goalkeeper and the things that ‘do our head in’, enough to play to our best. In order to perform to our optimum best, we goalies need to focus on keeping our emotions in check, sufficiently capable of managing things internally to get through the game with our sanity intact!
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The goalkeeper duel

A game is essentially down to how the goalkeeper performs, at each end of the pitch. The more goals one of them allows, the more likely their team is to lose, obviously! Ultimately, it’s a battle between the goalkeepers. Yes, but really any game (as I’d like to think!), it boils down to how well the goalkeeper at each end performs. If one has a bad day the office then they’re probably going to lose and lose out in points, and if the other does well, with the backing of their team, they can win and take home the three points with and for their team! But really, if you are struggling to find motivation in a game to play well, then perhaps you may want to think about mirroring yourself and your goalkeeping performance in response to the other team’s goalkeeper that you are facing up to?! And a simple yet potentially effective way of rethinking psychological inspiration and the ‘mental game’, is to consider the chance to prove yourself as a goalkeeper and pitting yourself against your opposite number, to encourage yourself to outperform them.
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Being a goalkeeper is boring

I don’t particularly think it is (although it can be very frustrating behind a team with a poor record), but at times you’ve got to be a little controversial to make a point, especially in writing. Those saves that make you look flash or superman aren’t going to be in every game and as your playing life develops, you’ll probably start to reconsider how you think about the position! In training you will often have a lot to do, but during games, you may not, commanding your defence and stopping chances developing before they come to fruition. But really, the boredom affects your game in terms of your ability to concentrate, pay attention and be able to make the important, decisive save as it happens, whenever it occurs time wise during the game (say early on to help keep your team in with a chance of taking the lead, or near the end of the match, to ensure you win!).
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Welcome to ‘the suck’

“The suck” as the Americans call it (I think I’m right there, please correct me if I’m wrong any would-be American readers!), is to do with things sucking and just learning to live with it, in the modern sense, I *think*! It’s something I read about somewhere recently in some discussion online between ice hockey goalies and thought it could be applied for understanding the ‘mental game’ and how we as goalkeepers need to be able to deal with the pressures and pains of playing the position we love, but more than; to manage the sensitivity of not letting things get to us. Without the ability to overcome the ‘suck’ in a goalkeeper’s season, it can have terrible affects on your team’s season. Just like the attempt to use ‘swagger’ as a way in to looking at self confidence, this is the chance to use a conceptualisation of dealing with adversity and a chance to do the flipside and look at how you keep it together when things are getting difficult. Especially so within a game (where you want to turn things around to tie it up or make a comeback) and also in a season (if it has derailed).
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Goalie ‘swagger’

‘Swagger’ is not exactly what you expect to think of when referring to hockey. But when it comes to goalkeeping (which is a part of the sport!), then you might be open minded in reconsidering!
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Low gloves at short corners

Just like I wrote about a couple of years back about using high gloves to help make standing saves against drag flicks at corners, the opposite (low gloves) can be argued as well, for those menacing and difficult low placed flicks you cannot reach from your standing position. Thoughts and analysis on how gravity and holding them low equates to reaching such flicks, as well as a new trend that seems to be becoming popular at short corners.
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Aerial ‘punts’

Another article trying to 'think outside the box' and consider the goalkeeper's options for punting away high balls or punting a high ball as an outlet pass. Edit: managed to get some action shots after heading to Guildford to watch a game, where Mason thankfully did so!!
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‘Time wasting’ at the short corner

A quick article on the option of standing outside your goal to prepare for the corner. Not everyone uses it and might consider this sort of thinking to be a little tedious, but I think to think outside the box and enjoy writing about all things goalkeeping, so something to mull over if you've never considered it before!
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Goalkeepers ‘are like wine’

Goalkeepers are always told they will reach their peak at a later age and though some defy this expectation with their abilities, it is often safe to say the goalkeeper has a harder time of getting first eleven game action! Like wine, mature and develop as your career goes on.
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Looking to win

If you want to win the league or a tournament, you're going to learn how to win. Here's a rough guide!
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The ‘No goals rules’…

With easy goals not encouraged, the 'no goals' rules can be a useful reminder of how not to get scored on!
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Control your rebounds!

Rebound control is an important part of reducing the opposition's scoring chances.
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Experience is important!

Experience is a quintessential aspect of goalkeeping but making use of it to 'read' the game matters the most.
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Playing yourself out of a ‘slump’

'Slumps' can derail a season but going but to basics and working on your mental strength should work wonders!
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Intense goalkeeping

Playing with an intensity and determination to battle will help you to perform to your best.
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Always challenging the shot

By stepping further out and narrowing angles, you can more readily challenge shots with aggressive positioning.
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Following the injection

Following the injection at the short corner and being aware of dummies and set-ups will help make it easier to make the save.
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Solid foundations

Having a solid grasp of the basics and fundamentals will help you to play well as you move up the levels and improve as a goalkeeper.
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In-season Fitness

Hey goalies 🙂 I’m Soph, a goalie from the Lake District in the UK, and I’ve just been selected to attend the North Women’s U21 regional performance centre. However, at the moment, I’m not the fittest, and need to get fit quick, especially building on core strength. If anyone has any tips/exercises that are effective, … Continue reading "In-season Fitness"
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Dealing with drag flicks

Drag flicks can be difficult to deal with, but learning to make use of reactions and athleticism will make them easier to stop!
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Mistake making

Making sure you don't make regular mistakes and are able to bounce back from them is important for consistently good goalkeeping.
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High ‘diving’

High diving, extending out with a jumping motion like a dive, helps you reach those high balls you cannot get to when standing.
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A2 PE coursework

I am in year 13 and studying pe and we have to write a coursework on the sport we play. In this coursework there are two sections. Section B and Section C (Section A is filming in competitive situations). I am struggling with section B as in it we have to describe 2 attacking weakness’, 2 defensive weakness’ and … Continue reading "A2 PE coursework"
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Saving with the rhp

Making use of the rhp to make saves to the right will obviously help with shot stopping but also with rebound control.
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Attack the ball!

Actively acting the shot helps challenge and will improve your save percentage.
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Final Year Project Help

Dear Goalkeepers, My name is Caitlin Clarke and i am an avid field hockey goalkeeper and product designer. I am just about to start my final year at Nottingham Trent University and wish to combine both my passions by designing something for goalkeepers for one of my final year projects. However, in order to do … Continue reading "Final Year Project Help"
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Learning from the ‘sweeper keeper’ myth?

Looking 'outside the box', I think something can be learnt about goalkeeping from the soccer 'sweeper keeper' myth.
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Focus on the ball!

Focusing on the ball will increase your success rate in saving shots.
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Quantity versus quality?

When analysing performance, quality of saves versus quantity of shots is a point of interest.
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TK or OBO?

Hi keepers! I want to put to rest the on going battle between these to brands and discover which is better/worse for whatever playing style people prefer. I will be going into my second season as a keeper having made the jump from the lowest team to the first team and have decided to buy … Continue reading "TK or OBO?"
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Playing with a meniscal tear

I’m currently playing with a minor meniscal tear in my left knee. I’ve been told by a lot of people that I shouldn’t be playing, but I’m going to be waiting a year or two for surgery and I’ve worked so hard to be where I am and I don’t want to give it up … Continue reading "Playing with a meniscal tear"
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Setting up deep at penalty corners

At top level hockey you can often see goalkeepers setting up deeper in the D against corners, giving them more time to react to the flick.
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What makes a great goalkeeper?

With the Olympics upon us, now is a good time to reflect on what it takes to be a goalkeeper at the elite level.
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Foot-eye co-ordination

Just like hand-eye co-ordination, having good co-ordination with your feet will make you feel more comfortable reacting for kicker saves.
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Marshal your defence!

Whilst shot stopping is an important part of the game, being a vocal presence helps organise your defence, whilst helping you maintain concentration.
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Responding to an allowed goal

Being scored on isn't fun but if you let it get to you, you won't perform to the best of your ability.
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Being consistent

Playing to a consistent level is going to help you do better over a season and the long term!
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Always looking to improve

Being analytical of your own performances and always looking to improve will help you perform better.
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Why looking good on the pitch is important

We recently asked you why it is important to look good on the pitch. Here are some of your responses… Why it is important to look so sharp on the pitch is because I want to look sharp and professional in your guys goalie gear. I feel it’s important to look sharp on the pitch … Continue reading "Why looking good on the pitch is important"
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Never say never!

Never giving up on the play shows good mental strength and the determination to win.
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Are you a ‘fighter’?

Fighting for your starting spot in a club or team is important for success!
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Can I paint my poly p helmet?

Question: I would like to know if I could paint my OBO Poly P helmet, and if so, what kind of paint is the most recommended? Answer: As the Poly P helmet is plastic, it’s a little bit easier to paint than some of the fiberglass masks. Most of the Poly helmets already have the … Continue reading "Can I paint my poly p helmet?"
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PUSH column: cold ‘keeping

Hello all. I’m writing my latest goalie column for PUSH magazine here in the UK, and I’m canvassing opinion on something that’s been pretty central to my game in the last few weeks: the weather. I’m wondering how you guys deal with extreme weather. How do you keep warm and focussed when the opposition’s not … Continue reading "PUSH column: cold ‘keeping"
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Improve your stick and glove saves

This is one of my favourite drills to do as a goalkeeper. It is great to use in the preseason or just when you want to mix things up from your usual training in gear. I use it mainly to improve my hand speed and also my ability to save balls with my stick. It … Continue reading "Improve your stick and glove saves"
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Book or PDF? Using an open source approach?!

Just a lot of random thoughts on how best to move forward with the plan of ever getting a book out there. Would be helpful to get comments and feedback on what people want or if at all they like the idea?!
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Hand-eye co-ordination

As promised, have finally got round to uploading some new content. Having read the feedback on the Facebook page and the KR site, have found an article I previously wrote, which may or may not be of any use considering people seem to know what to do!
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Stick Hand Coordination

Q. I am just wondering how people are improving their stick hand coordination / saves? and if people have any exercises that work well for this? A. Here’s a selection of comments made by our Facebook followers… Andrew Wilkie practise ball juggling works for me Jillian Fraser Practice. If you do repeated amounts of a … Continue reading "Stick Hand Coordination"
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Rotterdamse Hockey Keeper School

This season I started a goalkeeper academy in Rotterdam for all goalkeepers in the Rotterdam Area that are interested in getting the best possible training. Dutch international goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak is in charge of all excercises and together with his keeper trainers we train more than 50 goalkeepers every monday. If you want an impression … Continue reading "Rotterdamse Hockey Keeper School"
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Apology and new directive

A statement of apology and aim for the future of staying committed to this project.
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Spartan with OBO – An evening with Beth Storry, GB and England

Come and join us with Beth Storry, GB, England and World XI for an evening of goalee indulgence with her GB Coach and Co Founder of Spartan, Steve Bayer.  Take a look at the flyer and get back to us. Its taking place this Friday, 4 Nov 2011 at Oxford Hawks HC, England.  Its very … Continue reading "Spartan with OBO – An evening with Beth Storry, GB and England"
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What do you wear on your feet in goal?

Over the years I have had big problems finding shoes to fit from school to trainers. Currently I use a pair of Vanz/DC skateboarding shoes. Now they are wide and short just like my feet, fit lovely. But I have upped my game this year and as the shoes have no grip being very flat, … Continue reading "What do you wear on your feet in goal?"
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Magazine article: old goalies wanted!

I’m putting together a magazine article on changes in ‘keeping technique over the last twenty or thirty years… everyone here seems incredibly knowledgeable and opinionated about their ‘keeping, so if any of you go back a bit (like me!) and can remember, say, the offside rule, or cane pads and leather kickers, and fancy a … Continue reading "Magazine article: old goalies wanted!"
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Looking for goalkeepers in Hong Kong

Hi everyone, I’m a GK myself and I run a large club in Hong Kong called Valley that runs 5 mens and 5 ladies teams. We’ve got a bit of a goalkeeping crisis a present with only about 3-4 experienced goalkeepers to cover 10 teams, myself included.  We’re keen to hear from anyone in the … Continue reading "Looking for goalkeepers in Hong Kong"
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Learning to dive

We have been over a few of the basics but now its time for the fun stuff and this time its Diving. This is not a difficult skill to learn but does require some guts and determination to practice as if you get it wrong, it can hurt a little! The key learning points are: … Continue reading "Learning to dive"
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Warm up technique

This is a juggling warmup technique that we have been working on to get both sides of the braining firing for those all important games. This can be done by yourself or as can been seen in the video in pairs. Good luck, let me know how you go, or if you can manage to … Continue reading "Warm up technique"
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What’s the difference between hi rebound and hi control?

Question: I am planning on ordering new kickers (I’m currently using the obo robo high control), and was wondering the difference between the high rebound and high control. Answer: As the name suggests the High Rebound offer a more significant rebound effect to the kicker. The foam compresses and expands resulting in high paced clears … Continue reading "What’s the difference between hi rebound and hi control?"
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Technique in delaying/blocking breakaway player

Question: What is the best method of countering an attacker who intercepted in mid field and is heading straight for the centre of the D? Answer: I’m assuming you’re talking about counter attack breakaways from your question. A lot of this comes down to decision making and the skills associated with playing big slide tackling … Continue reading "Technique in delaying/blocking breakaway player"
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Working out how to react at the short corner

Last article of the day! How to tell the difference between a flick and straight strike at the corner.
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Collecting the ball

Catching up on lost time - think I should get my act together and posting articles I've stored up! Anyway, here's a super quick tip on collecting the ball if you haven't considered it before, although I guess the chances are slim... we don't all have ball boys at our games!
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Warming up the Dutch way

Another article on warming up, this time focusing on the Dutch method. If you are going to do it, make sure your shooter knows what they're doing, as I've heard a few horror stories!
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Training with a short stick

Another quick article, this time on using a short stick to help enforce making the save with the right hand glove or your glove.
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Removing your helmet to help being vocal

Just a super quick article on removing your helmet to be more vocal like Ali McGregor does!
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What glue to use

Question: My obo robo kickers are coming apart, could you please tell me what glue to use? The Velcro attaching the forehead cushion pad to to the inside of my helmet, what glue is best for this? Finally, the wrist protector on my left robo glove has come detached from the inside of the glove, … Continue reading "What glue to use"
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Contact

Question: Is the keeper allowed to kick the ball off an opposing player’s stick (kicker-stick contact)? Is the keeper allowed to hit the ball off another player’s stick with his/her goalie stick? Answer: Any contact by a keeper, whether kicker or stick must be to the ball first. If after contacting the ball, the keeper’s … Continue reading "Contact"
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Does kit colour make a difference?

Question: Does the colour of a goalie’s kit make a difference to the opposition. i.e. does the striker get distracted by bright colours? Answer: The studies I’m aware of in regards to colour have been done with football and ice hockey. There are two different schools of thought, one is to blend in and the … Continue reading "Does kit colour make a difference?"
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WHBS european hockey tour

After 18 months of fundraising a squad of 29 great hockey players from Westlake Boys High in Auckland leave for Singapore today on their way to Holland and UK. I am really grateful to OBO for generously sponsoring my entry in the tour programme and I am looking forward to giving my OBO Cloud gear … Continue reading "WHBS european hockey tour"
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Keeping warm

Just another quick article on keeping warm during/between halves at a match.
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‘Bouncing’

Just a quick article on the technique of 'bouncing'.
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Baselayers

Sorry for not writing more this past year; been more busy than I'd hoped with studying. Here's a very quick article to point you in the direction of baselayers if you didn't know about them before!
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OBO joins FHF

For the next 12 months OBO will appear as a sponsor of FHF (fieldhockeyforum.com). Look out for the OBO logo in the top right hand corner of the forum… In particular we will sponsor the ‘Goalie Zone’… FHF made the announcement on their fifth birthday. OBO had this to say on the happy event 😉 … Happy Birthday to FHF! For … Continue reading "OBO joins FHF"
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OBO training equipment review.

I’ve just submitted the following reviews to the Barrington Sports website and thought that I’d share them here too.  I’ve had the Obo training gear since September 2010 so feel that I’ve used the equipment enough for me to write a well informed review.   I have a pair of Deflecta’s, a Flicka stick and … Continue reading "OBO training equipment review."
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What kit to buy

Question: I’ve been playing the position goalie since I was eight. In 2005 my parents managed to buy me the OBO Cloud 9 Goal keeper kit. I’m currently playing club hockey and have represented my Province as well as Zimbabwe Schools Hockey a number of times and played for the Zimbabwe U21 National Team. I’m … Continue reading "What kit to buy"
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Looking for a goal keeper

Hello, I am part of a Grammar Windsor hockey team in Auckland, our last goalie has just informed us that she is unable to play this coming season.  So if any female out there wants to come and have a play we are having tryouts for our champ 1 team on Wednesday 16th, you can go to our website www.grammarwindsor.org.nz, to … Continue reading "Looking for a goal keeper"
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American Keeper looking for club team to play with

Hi World, I am an American Collegiate GoalKeeper who is looking into living in Holland for a year/ a semester . I am wicked interested in finding a club to play for while there. Although my stay would not be for two or three years, I want to know if it is realistic to join … Continue reading "American Keeper looking for club team to play with"
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Amazing Goalie Academy

OBO community, In close co-operation with OBO founder Simon and Bas from Verbunt Hockey we are working to make the goalie experience even better! The idea is to launch a website where we can share everything about goalkeeping and especially goal keeping development. Coaches/Trainers can submit drills and techniques supported by video (of course) and … Continue reading "Amazing Goalie Academy"
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Watch and learn off other goalkeepers

Been pretty busy lately and will be this year, so unfortunately can't post as much as I'd like. Nothing spectacular, but a basic concept about how to learn by watching other goalkeepers (generally of the higher levels!).
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Handling nerves

I tend to hype myself up too much for a match and then I end up getting so nervous of letting the team down that I usually end up making a crucial mistake. Tomorrow the womens team I joined have our first match….against the womens team from the club I played for, for 7 years. … Continue reading "Handling nerves"
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Communication

Question: I’ve been playing for three years and all my skills have developed, all but my communication. Every team I play for has said that they look for a keeper with strong communication skills and I feel that if I can improve my communication I’ll improve my shot of making the teams I tryout for. … Continue reading "Communication"
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Acting, Analysing, Deciding and Decision Making

Decision Making, Analyzing, Deciding and Acting are key concepts in hockey goalkeeping. You may have the right attitude, speed, concentration, agility, power, reflexes and yet goals still go in that should not go in due to many different reasons! Goalkeepers must have the ability to correctly analyse, decide and act in crucial situations. Lack of this or incorrect analyzing, deciding … Continue reading "Acting, Analysing, Deciding and Decision Making"
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Maximising Focus and Concentration During a Game

What do we know about focussing on the ball just before a shot at the goal ? A goalie will have little or no chance of a successful save unless there is total focus on the ball as it is travelling towards the goal. Obviously you want to focus (or concentrate) 100 % on the … Continue reading "Maximising Focus and Concentration During a Game"
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Decision Making

Question: Hello, can you tell me what should I do, when the attacker is coming closer to goal and I come out but he shoot in this time before the 1-1 is there? Greetings Alex Answer: Hi Alex, your question is a tricky one and a lot will depend on where the breakdown you’re describing … Continue reading "Decision Making"
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Inbetween Seasons Training

With this years season finishing in April and the next season not starting till September I am looking at various drill/training that I can do to keep my fitness up whilst keeping my reactions up to scratch, footwork still fast and etc. Just wondering if anyone has any tips on how they keep themselves going over … Continue reading "Inbetween Seasons Training"
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The Mental Aspects of Goalkeeping

A great resource download for all you amazing people on staying sharp between the ears!
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Alternative uses for OBO gear

Gary (photo man for OBO) recently put a set of OBO body armour to good use as you can see below … Gene Simmons of KISS would be proud!
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Beating the lob

Lobs can be a tricky thing to deal with; here's how to stop them.
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Dominate your D!

The D is your zone; you need to learn to control it.
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Warming up

Warming up is an essential part of a pre-game routine. By warming up properly, you will be ready to go as soon as the whistle is blown.
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P-flicks: commit or react?

On spot flicks, the goalkeeper can either pick where to go and commit, or react to the flick. By reacting, the goalkeeper increases their chances of making the save.
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Playing the passed shot

Playing against a pass is a difficult situation for the goalkeeper. If you come out and try to commit yourself to taking on a player, then you leave open space to shoot into. Instead, by staying deep and waiting for the pass, you can successfully make the save.
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Shots outside the D

For a shot to be a goal it needs to be scored within the D. If a shot is taken from outside the D and no-one touches it within the D, then it won't count as a goal. By leaving it, you will give your team a 16 and the chance to restart play to their advantage.
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Being set for the shot

When making a save, you need to be in position in time. If you are still moving, then you can put yourself off balance or turn away from the shot. Instead, it is important to cut down your movement and pre-set for the save.
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Whistles and strokes

Hey everyone– I’m both a veteran keeper and an official.  I’ve got a question about your experiences with penalty strokes. FIH rule 13.7 reads: g.  the whistle is blown when the player taking the stroke and the player defending it are in position h.  the player taking the stroke must not take it until the … Continue reading "Whistles and strokes"
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What should I use to clean the inside of my mask?

Question: I was wondering if you could tell me what I should use to clean the inside of my OBO mask… Answer: What you use to clean your mask will depend on how dirty it’s gotten. If you’re cleaning it fairly regularly you can wash and rinse with warm water and an anti-bacterial soap. If … Continue reading "What should I use to clean the inside of my mask?"
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The self-pass

The new self-pass option is also available to goalkeepers. The goalkeeper can take advantage of this at a 16, learning to further the options of their team by freeing up a defender who would normally take the free hit.
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“Logging”

"Logging" is still an important save selection at the short corner, even if drag flicks are becoming more prominent at the high levels of the game. The goalkeeper should be going down on a straight strike at goal, so that they can get behind the shot. Here's how to 'lie down' on the shot.
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How does the difference of the indoor game affect the keeper?

Question: My name is Josh and I’m not sure if you remember me but you were a coach of mine. I was a keeper in on the U-20 team in ’99 when Shiv cialis buy canada carried 5 keepers (I think it was 5). I had been an alternate on the U-16 the year before. … Continue reading "How does the difference of the indoor game affect the keeper?"
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Aerials into the D

Aerial passes into the D are difficult for a goalkeeper to deal with, especially if a player gets on the end of the pass and deflects it onto goal. The goalkeeper can actively react to this danger, coming out aggressively to beat the opposition player to the ball and clear it; thus eliminating the scoring chance.
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Maintaining concentration

It is important to maintain concentration throughout the game. If you play on a strong team and don't face many shots, then you will need to stay alert for long periods of time, even though you having nothing to do, until you face a shot, so you can readily stop it. This is an art form which is difficult to craft, but if you can, you will be very successful.
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Face the shot on the corner

Previously goalkeepers set up on short corners facing the injection to watch it happen, before turning and moving out to face the shot. Rather than statically watching the injection, it is now more commonplace to see the goalkeeper focusing on the shot; facing forward already to move out to stop the ball, giving them extra advantage of time and ability to track the shot. If you get a chance to watch high level games, you'll notice how it is being used. As the game changes, so does technique. The majority of the Hoofdklasse goalies face forward on short corners, as do the goalies in the English National Premier League. It is becoming more universal, with Belgian's number 1 using at, along with USA's starting men's team goalie, as a couple of examples.
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Raising your gloves on short corners

Facing a powerful drag flick aimed high on a short corner, the goalkeeper stands little chance in making the save if they have their gloves down low. Therefore, you need to raise your gloves on such situations, if you want to have a chance of making the save.
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Flicka Wherefore Art Thou?

Anyone know anywhere that the flicka stick can be purchased in the U.K?
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Making the Robo HR Right Glove even more ‘Perfect’

Hi Keepers, I’m Tommy Alexander and I play for Scotland U21s and Surbiton in England! If your the type of keeper who likes to angle the gloves and let the foam do the work (like me), this will suit you! I was a massive fan of the OBO Hi Control right hand glove but playing … Continue reading "Making the Robo HR Right Glove even more ‘Perfect’"
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Attacking clearances

Attacking clearances are a great way of eliminating a scoring chance, running in to get rid of the ball before an attacker can get to it. Standing up and kicking away, you do not take yourself out of the play as you would with a dive; allowing you to get back into the game if things mess up!
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Staying mentally strong

The mental game is often ignored by goalkeepers and coaches alike. However, it is essential in order to succeed. The best goalkeepers are those who believe in themselves; nothing can 'get them down'. To play well, you need to play with confidence and it's worthwhile working out for yourself how to encourage this!
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Tips On Using The OBO Training D’FLECTA Mat

Product info Balls will be hit at the D’FLECTA, which alter ball directions in both height and width. This simulates deflections and helps train reaction times and hand eye coordination of goalkeepers. Tips on using the D’FLECTA mat Fast ball speeds and striker deflections now play a big roll in scoring goals. The mat enables … Continue reading "Tips On Using The OBO Training D’FLECTA Mat"
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Tips On Using The OBO Training FLICKA Stick

Product info This stick allows a coach, player or parent to flick the ball easily at the goalkeeper. The speed is controlled by the user and can be used softly for beginners using their hands and more power for advanced keepers simulating top level drag flicks. Tips on using the FLICKA stick Once mastered the … Continue reading "Tips On Using The OBO Training FLICKA Stick"
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Tips On Using The OBO Training BOBBLA Ball

Product info The BOBBLA ball will launch on December 1st 2009 and should be available from your local OBO stockist (keep an eye out for pricing details soon!). The balls will be available in bags by the dozen… they look like eggs get it! Sorry no more yolking around – for more info check out this post. Tips on … Continue reading "Tips On Using The OBO Training BOBBLA Ball"
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Passes Across The Back-Line

Defenders often like to pass the ball around the back of the pitch, in order to open up pitch space and allow for an attack through the middle; holding the ball and passing it amongst themselves to force the opposition to press forward (and thus making gaps appear). For this to happen, the goalkeeper must play their role in stepping out of the way!
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FLICKA Example Video

Some ideas and examples of using the OBO FLICKA Stick in action plus a few ideas on repetition training for aerial shots.
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D’FLECTA Example Video

Here is a video showing the OBO D'FLECTA mat in action and a few ideas for some drills that work on reactions.
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BOBBLA Example Video

Here is a video showing the OBO BOBBLA training ball in action and a few ideas for some drills that work on repetition and reaction training.
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OBO Training Products On German TV

Some footage of the training products in action from Germany.
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Euro Hockey League 2009 Begins!

Just a quick reminder that the Euro Hockey League begins this weekend! Round 1.1 will be played between the 9th and 11th October. Round 1.2 is scheduled for 25th – 27th October in France. For more info on the draw and news check out this article from the EHL website.
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Different Arm Pad Set-Ups

With the style of removable arm pads and separate chest pads, rather than a full all-in-one body suit, the goalkeeper has a lot of choice concerning their protection. With the 'padding down' style of goalkeeping offering a number of combinations, the goalkeeper can choose how to set up their arm protection in relation to the reflex qualities that freedom of movement allows.
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Standing when the ball is outside your half

When the ball is outside of your team's half, you can actively step forward to be nearer the action. Ready to react as the game develops, you can play aggressively to gain the advantage; already ready to move into intercept an attacker or pass into the D, to prevent a scoring chance.
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OBO Training Names and Nicknames

Hello hockey fans, We have been informed of a few nick names people have thought of for the training products such as the egg, bat wing and the shark fin which is cool we like them! We thought we should explain the names we have chosen for the products are based on what the product … Continue reading "OBO Training Names and Nicknames"
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Field Hockey Pitch Template

Here are some useful Field Hockey Pitch templates that may be handy to coaches to explain the all important top secret plays and short corner attacks. Full Pitch Download Full Pitch PDF Half Pitch Download Half Pitch PDF The D Download The D PDF Check them out on our Facebook Album…http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104779&id=115237238829&l=4572cbb4fe
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OBO Training Product Video

We recently released some OBO Training Product Pictures. We had several requests to see the products in action so here is a product introduction showing the products being used…please let us know your thoughts via the comments. The products will go on sale wordwide on December 1st 2009. Keep an eye out for some beta … Continue reading "OBO Training Product Video"
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Recommended use, hot pants, groin guard

Question: I play for club and school in Australia and I train with a division one team on the side. Last week during division one training I was hit in the belly of my kicker last years Yahoo and it kind of hurt. I was fine at the time and I continued to train. Afterwards … Continue reading "Recommended use, hot pants, groin guard"
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OBO Training Product Pictures

As many people are aware we have been busy working on a range of training products with a focus on helping goalkeepers to train more effectively and have more fun! We are pleased to now reveal more details about the products and show you some photos of what the 3 products are shaping up like. … Continue reading "OBO Training Product Pictures"
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What to do after the shot

Down on the play, you are left between a 'rock and a hard place'; having limited time to recover into your ready stance in readiness for the next save. Working out what to do next and deciding on when to recover, will affect the future outcome of the situation.
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Analysing your in-game play

It is important to analyse any game you play; allowing you to evaluate key areas of weakness that can be improved, as well as working out your strengths. Whilst a bad game is best forgotten, you can look back on your performance to learn from your mistakes and not commit them in the future.
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Coaching & training goalkeepers

Team trainings are necessary in developing the tactical skills a goalkeeper needs. It also enables the goalie to become an integral part of the teams defence and makes the defence trust his directions. cialis pills But the team training is not fit to train the specialist technical skills a goalkeeper needs. It is therefore imperative for … Continue reading "Coaching & training goalkeepers"
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Keep your gloves in front of your body!

Holding your gloves allows you to be get control of more raised shots by being nearer to the incoming ball, instead of having to react to every shot; pushing into the save. This is important when facing faster and harder shots, where you have less time to react to the shot, and therefore have a harder time controlling where the rebound will end up.
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Slippery Stuff!

Hey guys and gals, I don’t know about anyone else, but i love slide-tackling the striker thinking that they have just scored another goal because they get a 1v1 with the goalie. I’m ready and waiting, and then bam! they are on the ground and the ball is back over the halfway line. write blog … Continue reading "Slippery Stuff!"
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Strengthen Those Wrists!

Hey guys and gals, “I see so many goalkeepers have there hands down by their sides and then cannot move them quick enough to get them to any aerial shots.” (Quoted from my coach). I do it sometimes i must admit that, but i have found something that can potentially help the lazy people out … Continue reading "Strengthen Those Wrists!"
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Beginner to Advanced Goalie

Now that you've put on the pads and learnt the basics of 'keeping, it's time to put your ambition into action. To reach your peak and play to your best, you have to work hard to ensure your technique and game style develops properly. If you want the glory at the end of the hard journey, then you'll happily work hard for it!
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NZ Hockey Goalkeeping Resource

Here is a great Goalkeeping manual in PDF format produced by New Zealand Hockey. “This booklet is designed for beginner goalkeepers as well as coaches who want help with specific training for their goalkeeper. It will also be useful for more experienced goalkeepers who want drills and games to improve their techniques.” To download the … Continue reading "NZ Hockey Goalkeeping Resource"
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Diving stick saves

Diving stick side is the most obvious example of an athletic goalkeeper, with the goalie extended out low to the stick side to stop the ball along the ground. This is the most basic dive, the one websites or team training session leaders preached to you about. It’s the simplest, and the most obvious; it … Continue reading "Diving stick saves"
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Lateral movement

Moving in shuffles is an essential part of getting around the D; staying in front of the play where you can block, rather than being side-on and turned away from goal.
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Stick Choice

Question: Hi Jon, Hope all is going well for you. Tom’s hockey is continuing to go well – he is now 19 and studying Actuarial Science at the University of Cape Town and playing in their 2nd side. Both 1st & 2nd sides play in the Grand Challenge league, which is probably the strongest league … Continue reading "Stick Choice"
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Moving around your D

Moving around your D is just as important as controlling it; if you’re not moving into position every time the ball moves, you’re not going to be into position to make the save. Shuffling is the main vehicle for moving around, for sideways movement across the D and between attackers, but don’t rule out running … Continue reading "Moving around your D"
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What glue?

Question: My son is a hockey goalkeeper and owns a Robo hockey helmet. We purchased this fantastic helmet about a year ago. The only, ongoing problem we have is that everytime he removes the sweatband from inside the helmet, the piece of velcro which holds the sweatband in the helmet comes loose. We have tried … Continue reading "What glue?"
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Finding The post

Sometimes when moving around goal and focusing on the play around you, you can forget where you are in relation to the post and lose your angles; 'tapping' the post is a simple way of getting round this.
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Advanced positioning

To make the most of angle play, and challenging the shooter’s angle of the possible shot, you must understand your positioning in relation to the goal, and the ball itself. By really challenging the angle, and ‘getting in the face’ of the shooter, you should be able to force the shot wide; coming out so … Continue reading "Advanced positioning"
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Making use of your angles

Now that you have grown used to positioning yourself in the correct angle around goal and the D, it is important to employ your angles in playing a situation to your advantage. Learning to be aggressive with your positioning to challenge the shooter really gives you an edge when faced with an open opportunity against … Continue reading "Making use of your angles"
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Deciding on your stance

The age old perspective is that positioning in a stance is up for to you to decide, according to your height, weight etc. or should follow a theoretic stance. Again, everybody is different, so not everyone’s going to be happy doing the same thing. Body posture affects both how you make the save and how … Continue reading "Deciding on your stance"
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The Ready Stance

The ready stance is your basic form of positioning – readying for the shot, and possible action. In essence, you should be in your ready stance whenever the game is in your end; you should be prepared for anything, as anything could happen. I personally change up and adapt my stance to suit different game … Continue reading "The Ready Stance"
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Understanding The Stances

With the modern stance developing with the increased need for movement, and making use of the hands to make reflexive saves at the higher area of the net, two distinctive styles haves started to stand out. The varying stances will be described and evaluated next: the Y style popular in Europe and the X stance, … Continue reading "Understanding The Stances"
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Making a blocking shape: standing barriers

A lot of goalkeepers, like the school of North American goalkeeping, prefer to have a stance where the body provides a constant blocking shape, keeping a tight stance during all of the play, with the closed legs providing a vertical barrier against possible shots, without any chance of the ball squeezing through. With the body … Continue reading "Making a blocking shape: standing barriers"
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Understanding Angles

The principal of angles dictates your whole game; playing the angles and setting up in front of a shot is all about cutting down shooting space, giving you a greater chance of making the save, rather than leaving too much open and having to make every save by throwing yourself around. Learning the different angles … Continue reading "Understanding Angles"
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The Arc Around The Goal

As the ball moves around the pitch, more shooting lanes open up. As you face these different angles, you have to be able to move across with the ball; moving into cover the new angle, changing angles to suit the change in play and allow you to make the save against the new shot. ‘The … Continue reading "The Arc Around The Goal"
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Kicking

Kicking is fundamental to field hockey goalkeeping; goalkeepers are separated by their ability to pass the ball with their feet. With the ‘foot’ rule for outfield players, we are the only person who is allowed to legally use their feet to our own and our team’s advantage. It is therefore essential that you have good … Continue reading "Kicking"
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Tournament Kit Bag Essentials

While at a tournament and a long way from home it can be very off putting to not have equipment that is needed to do the job and perform at your highest level. For some of us (me too) representative duties can be quite a daunting task given that it may well be the first … Continue reading "Tournament Kit Bag Essentials"
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Robo HI CONTROL hand protectors

I am a goalkeeper playing in South Africa and am looking to upgrade my Cloud 9 hand protectors as they aren't standing up to my current level of hockey. One of my concerns with the RHP is that it tends to fold in on itself when saving faster shots either logging or in the air and has trapped myfingers between the stick face and inner surface of the hand protector. Is this a problem with the Robo hi-control protector?
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Common Injuries And Treatments

The problem with injuries, other than actually having to deal with the suffering of sitting out when you feel you should be playing, and then putting up with the pain involved, is that being sporting injuries, they are more of a specialist subject that are hard to deal with, and are not very well understood. … Continue reading "Common Injuries And Treatments"
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Self Pass Free Hit Rule 2009

Here is a link to the world hockey post about cialis online pharmacy the rule change. Here is a great tutorial that helps to understand the new rule change. This video was made by UNSW Hockey Club.Link A few comments were made on the Field Hockey Forum here stating peoples opinions on the rule change … Continue reading "Self Pass Free Hit Rule 2009"
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Going ‘Dutch’

These days you will see a fair amount of goalkeepers in different leagues going without full arm protection. ‘Padding down’ with a goalkeeper removing their arm guards completely to gain extra movement (without the added weight or restriction of bulky arm padding) and speed in glove saves, is often referred to as ‘going Dutch’ because … Continue reading "Going ‘Dutch’"
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OBO WebSite Developers Win Award

Fracture’s new website features managing director James McKee (left) and Nick Shaw. Auckland website design company Fracture has always aimed to be different and last month its unique approach was recognised by a significant international accolade. Its web design work for local architects Jasmax won the business category of the South by Southwest Interactive Awards, … Continue reading "OBO WebSite Developers Win Award"
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Short Corners: Getting Caught Out On The Drag Flick

When facing a drag flick from the top of the D on a short corner the biggest problem for the goalkeeper is to know how long to stand up (or remain standing) to deal with the incoming shot. If the destination is not given away, with the ability of the shooter to disguise it, you … Continue reading "Short Corners: Getting Caught Out On The Drag Flick"
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Champions Youth Cup

SportsLink Australia has sent us the following information… My name is Alexis and i work for Ivan Boulton FIH grade one coach and director of SportsLink Australia. I”ve been asked to let you know about an exciting new hockey tournament which is set to get underway in July and November of this year, ‘The Champions … Continue reading "Champions Youth Cup"
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The Second Save

Consequent rebound shots after the initial save are one of the hardest jobs for a goalkeeper to deal with. Unable to clear the ball and with going straight back out into play, further shots are guaranteed, with the shooter having more and more chances to bury it. The longer the ball stays in the D, … Continue reading "The Second Save"
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Not Getting Into Your Stance In Time

Getting into the stance, when the action is not specifically close, is something that troubles a whole range of keepers with saving and decision making ability, which can cost them in the game. It is so important to get into your ready stance before the stance – the better prepared you are, the more chance … Continue reading "Not Getting Into Your Stance In Time"
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Daily Eating Plan

Get used to planning what you’re going to eat each day. Planning helps to stop eating whatever, whenever. Check the labels for the amount of fat, carbs, and protein they contain.This is an example of an eating plan for a player who has a light run in the morning followed by training or game in … Continue reading "Daily Eating Plan"
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Hydration

Drinking adequate amounts of fluid can prevent dehydration, reduce heat disorders, and provide a convenient source of energy. It can get pretty hot in all that gear and fluids help regulate your body's temperature. Ensuring you have sufficient fluids before and during training, can improve your performance. Replacing lost fluid after training helps in your body's recovery.
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How to be a Steel Ball of Muscle

Bruises, sprains, knocks and even broken bones come with the territory of a goalkeeper. Protein helps in the repair and recovery of damaged muscles and tissues, and in the recovery of energy stores. Consuming sufficient amounts of protein enables your body to recovery from training and to build strength. For young goalkeepers, protein is also … Continue reading "How to be a Steel Ball of Muscle"
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How not to be a butterball of fat

Extra weight can slow you down. Although fat helps protect the organs from damage, we prefer our gear to do that. Simply put, if you eat more than your body needs, you get fat. Obviously the moral is not to overeat. Consume enough food to provide energy for all your daily activities - training, recovery, growth etc.
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How to be a Fireball of Energy

How to be a Fireball of Energy Think of your energy levels as a fire no fuel, the fire goes out and your energy levels decline. You need to continually feed the fire to keep your energy levels up. It's important that you have sufficient fuel before, during, and after your training to keep your fire burning. If you've ever felt tired, light headed, uncoordinated or weak, it might just be that you're low on fuel and your fire is going out. If you have high levels of fuel stored before training, you will be able to use that energy to train harder, for longer. Carbohydrate is the body's fuel that stokes up your fire. Good sources of carbohydrates come from breads, grains, pastas, fruit and vegetables.
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Nutrition

Nutrition Today's goalkeeper needs to be a super hero - speed, strength, courage, energy, reflexes, coordination, agility, skill, decisiveness, and determination. It's no longer the fat person who gets put in goal just because they take up the most space.
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Goalkeeping in Field Hockey: 2nd Edition

A document containing all of the training tips from our old website up to September 2005 along with Jon’s expert advice in the Q&A section. Select which format of download below: Goalkeeping in Field Hockey 2nd Edition (PDF 3.07mb) OR Goalkeeping in Field Hockey (ZIP 2.57mb) Created by Pete Carling. You will need the free … Continue reading "Goalkeeping in Field Hockey: 2nd Edition"
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Goalkeeping in Field Hockey

A document containing all of the training tips from our old website up to October 2000 along with Jon’s expert advice in the Q&A section. Select which format of download below: Goalkeeping in Field Hockey (PDF 1.71mb) OR Goalkeeping in Field Hockey (ZIP 1.66mb) Created by Rene Verbeek. You will need the free Adobe Reader … Continue reading "Goalkeeping in Field Hockey"
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OBO Goalkeeping Manual

Download the OBO goalkeeping manual on training, techniques, coaching and materials from OBO. This PDF can be downloaded here. You will need the free Adobe Reader to open the PDF. .
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Play it forward

Whether it is the New Year, the holidays, or just the opportunity to look back, life presents us with a chance to take stock of all we have. One of my all-time favorite books (and movies) is Pay It Forward. The story revolves around a boy's class project, the concept of what we can realize if we pass on the good that comes to us. Many of us have been given a great many gifts. I'll speak for myself and say many of my greatest gifts have come through sport. In the spirit of passing on what we have and the chance to give back, I offer a list of how we can play it forward.
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Rules

There was a day when any lifted shot at goal had to be controlled and cleared by the keeper. Control meant stopping the ball and dropping it straight down to clear. Keepers were required to wear gloves and essentially had to catch the shot without closing their hand on the ball and drop it down. Opposing forwards knew exactly where the first save had to go and were quick to pounce on the dropped shot. If the equipment made the job difficult enough, the consequences of bad technique made the lifted shot brutal. If your save caused the ball to be pushed or deflected you were rewarded with a penalty stroke against you. If you think that was ancient history, those rules were on the books in the 1980's.

Fixing split kickers and legguards

Recently I've received some questions from people having problems with bonded foam separating in kickers and leg guards. First off, if your leg guards or kickers are under one year from time of purchase they should be under warranty. If that fits your situation, you should take the matter up with the agent who sold you your gear. If the pads are older than a year, than try this...

Goalkeeping – An Age Old (Old Age) Perspective

BY IAN TAYLOR; ONE TIME GOALKEEPER I thought it would be interesting to pen a few personal thoughts on the union, the great and the good and how it appears through an “old mans eyes” The noble art of keeping is changing as it ever has, each generation adapting, creating new skills, techniques and styles. … Continue reading "Goalkeeping – An Age Old (Old Age) Perspective"
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Penalty Corners: Drag Flicks

Drag flicks present a huge problem for keepers in that they increase the variables that a keeper must deal with on penalty corners. Previously, the straight hit was the primary option and logging became the popular technique for dealing with the well struck shot.

Agility Drills: Reflex Work

Starting with reaction training, please check Rachel's Tips on the OBO website. She has a good tip on REFLEX TRAINING. I do a lot of work with tennis balls in place of hockey balls in reaction drills but obviously that's pretty tough on your own. I like to work on aerial saves with just a helmet, hand protectors and a stick and having someone hit tennis balls with a racquet. You can further add to the reaction element by facing your back to the hitter and turning on their call be fore the shot so you have to find the ball first.

Throat Guards

Recently there's been a thread on the Community section on throat guards and I'll throw my two cents in. Wearing a throat guard has nothing to do with vanity and everything to do with protection. Drag flicks, deflections and point blank chip shots make it difficult to predict how you'll be able to react and where you're going to get hit.

Selections: Making/Picking the Team

Selections, mention the word and the reactions for keepers competing for a spot on a team range from a rise in pulse and butterflies the size of basketballs in his/her stomach to nerves of steel and a confidence that says
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Team Dynamics

In the ideal world every goalkeeper is a starting keeper. You play every minute of every game and never let in a goal. Reality tells us this isn't true. The world is filled with keepers with a wide range of skills and a limited number of teams. Not every keeper gets to play, but that's not to say that every keeper can't have an impact on his or her team's performance. How goalkeepers work together on a team is an important dynamic on and off the field.

Goalkeeping Books and Other Resources

Recently I got a question asking about books on goalkeeping. I looked on my bookshelf and quickly realized that most of the titles I've accumulated on the subject are long since out of print. Books may not yet have gone the way of the vinyl album, but increasingly other media is replacing them. Video and computers help make the printed word come alive and open a completely new library that everyone can access. The Internet can be a tremendous resource for the resourceful coach or keeper.

The Mental Game

In the quest to become better players, goalkeepers train thousands of hours, burn millions of calories and spend hundreds of dollars on equipment. Yet when it comes to the difference between becoming a good keeper and a great keeper, the answer may lie between their ears. The mental game can be a critical part to success.

Decision-Making and Team Defense

Good decision-making may be one of the most critical elements of successful team defense. It can also be one of the most difficult elements of the game to learn. Good decision-making especially as it applies to team defense depends on assessing options, developing a plan of defense, communicating the plan and executing the needed skills, usually in less than five seconds.

Equipment: Part 2

Last tip we made a start to covering goalkeeper equipment. We talked about what to look for, how to take care of it and specifically looked at equipment bags, kickers and leg guards. In this second part, we'll look at helmets, hand protection, body pads, pants and assorted other items.

Carbohydrate and fluid intake by Rachel Durdin

Fluids
As a goalkeeper we are wearing so much protective equipment that our body cannot effectively cool itself. I am sure you all know the feeling of coming off the playing field after a hard training or game covered in sweat. It is very important to replace the fluid we lose so that our body is adequately hydrated and can perform optimally during the next session.

Equipment: Part 1

One of the most important parts of any keeper's game is his (or her) equipment. Good equipment, effectively used, is one of the cornerstones of goalkeeping. When a keeper chooses his equipment, he's choosing a style of play. That's an important choice. Unfortunately, that's not a choice that all keepers get to make for themselves. Many keepers are provided with kit through their clubs or schools. Other keepers are responsible for providing their own equipment. Whether you or your team is responsible for your equipment, money can be an issue. You can't spend what you don't have. Having said that, there are ways to get the most out of the kit you do have and a number of things to consider when selecting new equipment.

Penalty Strokes

I am often asked questions like the following: Can you please send me information on strokes. I am a goal keeper and had a stroke against me on Wednesday and I missed it. I think it was probably because I didn't dive but rather reached out for it with my leg. How do I know when to dive or how, and how do I read them so that I can at least dive in the right direction. Can you also tell me how to build up my confidence on diving so that I can dive correctly.

Penalty flicks to the right

I have been goalkeeping for 3 years now and I am 16. I now play for the Cambridge (England) fourth team. I have noticed that penalty flicks are ever increasingly going to my right. When standing in the middle of the goal it is too far to make a save with our foot and too close to dive down with my stick. Can you suggest how I might be able to save these? I am also thinking of buying some Cloud 9 kickers and legguards. Would you say it is really worth spending the extra money for Robo legguards at the men's level I am playing at?

Saying constructive things

I'm a well respected keeper in Ireland, and need help. When you are talking at the back, what should one say, because my captain keeps saying I'm not saying constructive things, but my coach says that I'm fine.

Also, this is going to sound strange, but at the moment, I can't concentrate on the game, and aren't making the outstanding saves I used to make. I am confident, and am still willing to do anything to keep the ball out of the net, but I have tried to tell my coach about it, but all she says is that I've got too many coaches coaching me that I've got too much information. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

What shoes?

There is one answer I need to know. What kind of shoes should I wear?

Should I change my technique?

I have played hockey for nine years and have played international hockey up to under 21 level. At a short corner I position myself at the usual 3 paces out from the goal line and kneel down on my right knee. This technique works brilliantly for all levels of short corner hitting I have played against. At senior club level most flicked short corners are of a mediocre standard and my current technique suffices. However, at a higher level I am concerned that my position will not allow me the time to react to a good, high and powerful flick. Should I change my technique or work on my current one until it is successful for me.

Communicate with your coach

I was playing for a team and then I changed to a new one cause it lost all of it's life (because of the money) and in the new team, the coach is an international player who happened to be a goalie, I was very happy at first cause I thought I'd learn a lot but it's a year from that and he refuses to teach me anything by making himself as a fool so I've begged him to teach me and I don't know what to do and I'd think I can improve my skills if he does, so have you got any ideas?

Slide tackling indoors

I have two questions, both with are a result of recent experiences indoors (I'm a great believer in the positive value of Indoor keeping).

1. Some indoor surfaces are very tacky, making sliding almost impossible, (I can usually manage about a meter on these surfaces). Do you have any suggestions on situations where you want to attack, but can not make full use of a slide? (e.g. one on ones)

2. If I don't charge a short corner for whatever reason a get in the "set" position. However I used to play in goal for a foot ball team and I can set myself too low. A number of times the ball hits the net and the words stand tall ring round my helmet; but I think there is a more fundamental problem with my technique. When a ball comes straight at me the simplest thing to do is stand tall and let it bounce off my chest plate. Instead, and this is where football comes in, I try to play the ball with stick and glove. In order to do this I shift my weight so that I fall back and then twist my torso to bring round my hands. I know I should not, but it only happens on the fastest shots that are at my shoulders, either side of the helmet, when it is a reflex action. Do you have any suggestions/drills that will help me with these shots/my technique?

Playing with courage

I would like some help please. I am 16 and was playing for my local mens' team on Saturday and had a ball drilled into my face from 4 yards. This shook me up loads but I wasn't hurt. I then played in a national cup match on Sunday and played so badly. I was always on my line and wasn't committing to take the ball and control my D. I knew what I was doing wrong but still I didn't want to correct it. I was just wondering if you've had any experiences like this and if so what you did or if you have any advice for me?

Turf vs grass

I am a varsity goal keeper in a high school at mass. I am a rookie goal keeper but this session I had made 13 shutouts. I was reading your articles & I noticed that its turf playing you are talking about. My high school has a wonderfully maintained grass field & all the other teams have grass fields also that I play. So I was wondering if the slide tackles or any other moves you know that would help my game on grass fields? Any information would be gratefully appreciated as I wish to play in college. Thank you very much & I love reading your articles!

Drills for indoor

I'm writing in regards to GK drills for Indoor hockey. If you have the time would you mind forwarding some to me?

Always stand a little over to one side

Thought you might want to add this to your penalty flicks answer - a goalkeeper passed this on to me and it works really well....always stand a little over to one side - the side you don't want the attacker to pass to! The majority of time they will pass to the other side.

This has happened every single time for me ... and I easily save the stroke on my stronger side!

Off season training

I live in South Africa and am the 1st team keeper for Maties (University of Stellenbosch) Hockey Club and the Western Province U21 B side keeper. I only achieved this at the end of the past season. There is a great deal of competition between myself and the now 2nd team keeper and the Western Province (W.P.) U21 A keeper and I hear that there are a few more up and coming keepers coming to the club FOR next years season. As a result of my desire to stay in the 1st side as well as to get in to the W.P. U21 A side and maybe junior nationals, I would like to know what I can do in the off season to improve my performance for next year. By that I mean what sort of off-season training should I be doing?? Bearing I mind that I am in desperate need to get fit and lose some weight. I think that the biggest problem is not the training, but rather the motivation....could you help??

Distance running

I have always incorporated distance running into my training, especially in the off-season, but recently someone told me that extensive aerobic exercise like distance running can slow down your reactions, which is not exactly a good thing if you're a keeper. I know that sprinters refrain from doing long aerobic exercise, as it slows their sprinting time. Do you know if there is any concrete evidence to support this claim?

Front strap slips

I recently got a set of cloud 9 kickers there brilliant just the front strap keeps coming up over my runners, how do you stop it happening?

Can I turn my left hand?

I'm a Goalkeeper that searches all the time for new skills. Can I turn my left hand in 90° when the ball comes? But only the hand, nothing more. I do this often when the players shot in the training, but I don't make this in the tournament because the referee can say that was a penalty. So can I do that?

Quickly getting across to the right post

My daughter is a 10th grade High School varsity goalie in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA. When she is on the left post, what is the best way quickly get to the right post to defend a quick shot across the front of the cage for a deflect shot on the right post. She is stronger to her left and needs a better technique to get to the right faster to cover these quick shots to the right post when she is set on the left post defending stick activity there.

What to eat or drink before a game

A have a few questions regarding goalkeeping. 1. Do you have any tips regarding what a goalkeeper should eat and drink before a hockey-game? (e.g. no sugar - lots of sugar.) 2. When I am playing an indoor game I have this little problem: When I have just made a save and standing still my heart is beating like hell and I get a bit dizzy. Are there any things to prevent this?

Repairing kickers

I'm using white OBO pads. This is the second year of use. Both kickers are coming apart at the seems near the top. It's hard to explain, but do you have any suggestions on how to repair the foam. This is affecting how secure the boot stays on.

Course training sessions

As a young keeper (15), even at county level the training for keepers consists of lining up players who then fire off a volley of shots from the top-D and little else. I have not got the means to pay for a professional coach and while yours and other websites offer a great deal of help in terms of exercises there are few players (or coaches) who will put aside the time to go through dedicated goalie sessions. Living in Heartfordshire (England) are there any course training sessions etc. that I could attend to help me advance my keeping? Are there people in my area that I should contact? I have been pointed towards John Hurst as the local man in the know.

Which tape?

Which kind of tape can be best used to protect your kickers and hand protectors from wearing to fast?

2 v 1s

I am a college goalkeeper and I did read your tips concerning 2 v 1 situations but I had a further question. When the situation is 2 v 1 (the 1 being the goalkeeper, no other defenders) in the circle, how then do you suggest to play the ball? I know that a lot of goalkeeping is situational and experimenting is necessary but again I am looking for some guidelines as to what you would suggest. I have grown up with one method and a new one is being introduced and I am trying to decide which is more sound and effective.

Can you run out of the circle and kicker the ball?

I was just wondering if you can run out of the circle and kick the ball - as I got penalised for it last time and a penalty corner was awarded. Another thing, can a keeper be penalised for using the wrong side of his stick??? Lastly, can you give me any tips on penalty flicks please.

How can I deal with the dazzle?

I am in my first year of goalkeeping - playing for my club and English County (Under 14s)

I played on Sunday and had a great deal of trouble from a low afternoon sun - and lost sight of the ball on one or two occasions. I wear glasses normally - but contact lenses for sport. How can I deal with the dazzle?

I did let in one or two (or three/perhaps four) goals too many - it wasn't my best performance - how do you cope with the bad days? I've had plenty of good days - feeling good about my performance and my teams', this is the first time the game went from bad to worse.

Doing the splits

I have reached the stage in goalkeeping where I want to learn how to do the Splits. I don't have a clue how to do them and I don't want to try without some advice because I could injure myself. Can you give me some advice?

Timing problem or the umpire?

I saw your tips page on the Obo web page and would like your views on slide tackles.

I play for Winchester H.C. in the UK. I have been playing as a club goalkeeper since 1982.

This weekend I conceded 3 penalty flicks of which I saved 2. The Umpire awarded them every time I did a slide tackle on the centre forward. As most centre forwards do near goalies, he fell over. The umpires comment was that because I was making contact with the player before the ball, I was committing an offence.

I would be interested in your comments and tips as I have not had this "problem" before. Is my timing the problem or the umpire?

Ball pushed under you

I read your tips on slide tackling, but what do you do if the ball is pushed under you. I can never get my timing quite right and the forward pushes the ball under me as I am going down making me look a right prat. Can you help me, I would be very grateful.

Increase kicking power

I have difficulty getting power into my kicks unless they are cross kicks. I was wondering if you have any tips of how to increase the power. I think it is a technique thing not a big lack of strength in the legs.

Putting myself on the floor

I really enjoyed your sliding tackles tips this month. As an ageing goalie who plays at a very low level of game, I have great difficulty in putting myself on the floor. I just cannot get the technique right. What would you suggest would be a good exercise to do? Apart from having too much beer before the game, whereby naturally falling over!

Ball machine advice

Can you please give us some advice on ball machines that are suitable for hockey goal keepers.

Always diving to the left

One of our goal keepers dives to the left as an instinctive reaction, rather than the right. Even when logging at a short corner he will dive left.

Is this something which I should attempt to coach him out of and, if so , how.

On the positive side, he has a much higher success rate at reverse side tackling and regularly surprises centre forwards.

How can I teach agressiveness

I was wondering if you had any drills or simply advice on how to train my keepers. They are young, freshman (college) and they have some basics. They are definitely improving but they are not very aggressive or quick...mostly not aggressive. I was a keeper myself and was a natural. They are not. How can I teach aggressiveness? Can I? Do you have any suggestions? I have tried to talk with them about the mental aspect but talk doesn't seem to be doing it. Help!

Painiting legguards and kickers

I have to compete in the nation club champs for premier league this weekend. I have just been informed that I can't play in white pads. At IPT I had to paint my pads and they looked terrible and just about all the paint flaked off before the first game, so I had to repaint after every game. I was wondering if OBO had come up with any effective way of painting the Robo pads and kickers, if so could you share with me the details?

Two on one situations

Could you please advise as to the "recommended" way to deal with a two on one situation, i.e. two attackers versus the goalie. 1) two attackers approaching outside the circle 2) two attackers inside the circle. This situation is nearly always difficult to defend.

Acclimatisation training

I am a keeper at Rugby School in England. In a week's time, I am going to South Africa for a month and I was just wondering if you could advise me on a type of acclimatisation training programme I could do before I start training properly when I get back in August from South Africa.

Covering angles on the ground

When I make an initial save from a shot and end up on the ground, I find moving for a rebound shot very difficult. What I mean by this is that shuffling around quickly to cover another angle on the ground I find very little traction, bearing in mind that I don't want to expose a path to goal underneath me when moving. What I would like to know is whether there is a technique for this, the best I can come up with is to push rather unsuccessfully with the edge of a kicker.

Dribbling up the baseline and soft short corner hits

I enjoy reading your tips on the Obo website. I have questions about two specific topics: 1. Opponent dribbling up the baseline. If an opposing forward is dribbling the ball on the baseline and heading for the goal with speed, how should I defend? I'm assuming that I have one defender back and the forward has the option to pass to someone near the penalty flick spot. Should I try to tackle the ball carrier myself? If so, how long should I wait before going out to get him? Otherwise, if my defender is to tackle the ball carrier, how should I defend against the centring pass? 2. "Soft" short corner hits. The short corner striker (deliberately) hits the ball at medium pace. I lie down in anticipation of the direct hit. Usually if the ball is hit hard, it has enough power to be deflected safely out of bounds by either my stick or LHP. However, if is hit softly, then it just hits my stick or glove and sits near the goal just out of my reach (but maybe close enough for an opposing forward). In this situation, should I try to control the ball so that it stays closer to my body?

I keep letting the ball go in between my legs

I'm a 17 year old keeper currently playing A reserve level in Australia. I've been playing at this level for 2 years and a couple of weeks ago played my first full A grade game. I think I've been playing reasonably well, except there is one part of my game really letting me down. I keep letting the ball go in between my legs. It used to happen a couple of times a season but this year it has happened an embarrassing amount of times. It seems to occur mostly on flicks or hard hits, and I somehow manage to get completely tangled around what used to be easy. It happened in my first A grade game from a penalty corner drag flick straight at me.

Obstruction rule

Can you please advise on the interpretation of the obstruction rule with respect to playing marking (standing on/in front of the goal keeper) when play is intense inside the circle. Also if a player passes behind the goalkeeper and across the goal line and the keeper "steps" back onto them what would the correct decision be. On the weekend my son was playing and the umpire allowed a player to mark the goalkeeper actually pushing the keeper out of position. At the end of the game I was told there was a new rule that allowed this. I have my Queensland junior umpiring badge and umpired at the U13 Boys Queensland championships and I was not aware of this rule. Thanks for your advise in advance.

Sticky turf

My daughter indicates that some turf in more "sticky" than others. Are there shoes to address this problem? In general is this a problem in sliding?

Swatting the ball with the left hand

I understand that I cannot redirect the ball with my hands when the ball is in the air, but I am not sure if I can use my left hand to swat the ball away on the ground. At the camp I went this summer my coach said it was okay but I don't know if she was correct. Can you clear this topic up for me?

Positioning

Firstly I read a q&a about obstruction and having had that problem in a match where a attacker was "camping" in front of me through a whole game and after repeatedly complaining to the ump I preceded to push the attacker and when penalised with a p stroke I pointed out why I had infringed in a relaxed manner and also listened to the ump. He overturned his decision after hearing mine and my sweeper's side and gave the offending attacker a yellow card. This is not encouragement to take matters into your own hands, especially South African keepers as we tend to play a "rough" game of hockey. My question Jon is during games I can, when called on to pull off amazing saves, do so with ease. But my problem comes with my left post, all goals I concede are around this post and generally are soft, I am pretty sure that it is my positioning that is problem but I always revert my positioning back to my old one when trying to change it. Can you suggest any drills that would help to improve my positioning or to able me to cover my left post.

Developing the stick hand

I have been involved in coaching for numerous years now, especially goalkeepers. I have had many 'keepers pass through clinics and courses, that our institute has run, and been exposed to many differing levels of ability. Over the years I have developed methods, some probably a bit obscure, for 'keeper coaching and training, but the one thing I have never been able to get right is developing the stick hand (right hand) of a 'keeper. It seems some people either have it or they don't. I hope that is not the case. The reason I am writing to you is out of frustration. I have seen many people pass through our clinics, but to this day I have not yet seen a keeper with the ability and potential as one recent keeper. She has something I have never seen before. As much as I tell her I am not sure if she believes me, so that is part of the reason I am corresponding with a proven professional as yourself. There is only one thing from holding her back. And yes you guessed it, her right hand. I have tried everything I know. I believe she could be something extraordinary with 20% improvement in stick hand. Please can you send us some extra methods and/or advise to help this kid develop into the star she can be.

Drills

I'm a goalie for my high school and since we don't have goalie coaches we're in charge of warming ourselves up on our own. I know a few drills that we've been doing to warm-up, but I was wandering if you could tell me any others. We do things like agilities, figure eights, and drop stepping near the net, but they get old and repetitive. If you know any others that would be great.

Any words of wisdom?

Well, school just got out so that would make me an upcoming sophomore. I have loved field hockey ever since we learned how to play it in gym in the sixth grade. So I signed up for try-outs the summer before my freshman year and before I knew it, I was the starting JV goalie. I loved every minute of it. Eventually the coach advised the other goalie on JV to think about playing the field, since she was not receiving much playing time, making me the only goalie left besides the senior Varsity goalie. It didn't even dawn on me until two weeks before the season ended that I would be the Varsity goalie next fall. That thought scared me to death. The Varsity goalie this year was "elected" the Western-Mass goalie. I have no idea how I'm supposed to follow up someone like that. Plus, to make matters worse, during the last week of the season, the Varsity coach asked me to practice with them so that if they needed me in the finals I'd be there. It was then that I realised that all my friends were on JV, and not to be pessimistic, but it's very unlikely that they will make the team next year. I feel as if I just won't belong with the rest of them. I would never quit because I love the sport too much and I wouldn't leave the team without an experienced goalie. Any words of wisdom?

Good goalie drills

I really enjoy your tips on the OBO website. I am coaching for the first time this year and was wondering if you might have some good goalie drills? I have some pretty basic ones down so far, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. Out of three of us that are coaching, none were goalkeepers, so any help you might be able to offer would be much appreciated.

Drills for warming up

Wondering if you have any drills for warming up goalies and training drills that involves the goalies.

Drills to impress my coach

I am a high school hockey goalie and I want to impress the new coach with some drills. I would really like to improve my skill level, but I am tired of the same old jab and punching drills. If it isn't too inconvenient, could you please send me some good ideas.

The instep method

I have begun to teach the instep method. The biggest problem I am seeing with my goalie is that a direct shot is coming at her and she misses the ball on her instep and it ends up going between her legs. It almost looks like her leg is going too far. Do you have any advice?

Maintaining concentration

Can you recommend any ways of maintaining the high level of concentration required in a game? Often a keeper can be called upon to only make one save in a game, but if you fail to save it, it can cost you dearly. Are there any training methods to improve your level of concentration, so you are ' in the zone' when called upon to make that all-important stop?

The mental aspect of being a goalie

I have a question about the mental aspect of being a goalie. I am a very competitive player who takes my game seriously. I get myself really psyched up, and sometimes this is a bad thing because after letting a ball in I get mad at myself and basically psych myself out. I let it affect my play too much. I must admit I have a bad mentality for a goalie - in all the other sports I play, I play offence, so this is much different for me. Anywise, I let myself be affected too much by the score. My coach has talked to me about this and I need to improve in this area, especially if I want to be the starter! This even happens in practice. I was wondering if you have any ideas on how I can improve my mentality. What do you personally do to keep yourself in focused during the game? Also, I recently read an article in Sports Illustrated for Women about game preparedness and visualisation and relaxation, that sort of thing. What do you do recommend to do before games so, instead of psyching myself out too much, I can concentrate on my play and stay focused? Thanks so much!

Getting the ball in play on a 16 yard hit

Could you please reference the rule regarding keepers getting the ball in play on a 16 yard hit? Is it illegal to kick the ball to get it in play? I have always encouraged my players to get the ball rolling and take quick free hits in order to take advantage of gaps in the defence and improve our transition game. I have asked my keeper to do the same...get the ball rolling and take the 16 yard free when she has the opportunity. As long as she is in the circle, is she allowed to use her kicker to do so?

Broken toenails and swollen feet

I am a young goalkeeper and I play at a very skilful club with many international players but when we do shooting drills I always go home with broken toenails and swollen feet.

There is another goalkeeper in my club who has just recently bought Robo legguards, kickers and hand protectors and he does not seem to be affected by it. Is there any way of preventing my feet getting bruised or do I have to go out and buy Robo legguards and kickers.

I can’t stop the ball from being dragged around me

I've contacted you once before about a training programme. I have now worked one out with 3 of my forwards. I'm now an average goalie and I'm rising in skill level. After training with Helen Clarke the New Zealand Womens' goalie I've gained more skills being able to stop almost anything hit, flicked or pushed at me. One skill is still sitting in the back... its my sliding, I'm reasonably good at it now but now forwards are learning that they can pull the ball around me.... What can I do now that the other teams in our grade have found out my weakness. I must improve on it. I've read all the tips you and Rachel have put on the OBO site but nothing seems to be working.....Do you have any idea to what I can do??? I have everything I need, I've got the speed, timing and reflexes but I still can't stop the ball from being dragged around me.

Marking the goalkeeper

Email to the FIH: Can you please provide assistance on the following: What is the correct interpretation of a player marking the goalkeeper (standing very close and in front of) that is not in possession of the ball. As an example: A player is standing in front of the goalkeeper (standing very close and in front of) and the ball is passed to this person. My guess is using the obstruction rule and award the free hit to the defenders. But until the person receives the ball there is no offence, true? The problem as I see it (I'm an umpire, coach and goalkeeper) if the goalkeeper attempts to play the ball there is the risk of taking the player out and the goalkeeper would be penalised because he would contact the players feet and stick first before playing the ball. Also the goalkeepers vision is severely reduced because of the player in front of him prevents a legitimate tackle, as well as this the player in front is causing a situation that could lead to dangerous play by not allowing the goalkeeper to play the ball. The reason I ask this is that on the weekend my son (11 year old) was subjected to being closely marked by an attacker and the umpire responded at the end of the game that there was a new rule this year that allowed this to happen. I was playing goalkeeper when the offside rule was abolished and for a while this style of play ("Marking the goalkeeper") was the norm. These days it does not seem to be the norm, players respect the goalkeepers "space". It is worrying that young children are being coached to "mark" the goalkeeper as I myself will attempt to clear the ball no matter who is in my way (keeping within the rules) and coaches maybe failing in their duty of care, that is exposing players to an unnecessary risk. Please provide guidance on this matter, as the guidance notes for 2001-2002 are no very clear, at least to me.

Body armour too stiff

My name is James Mizzi, I am 29 and live in Malta. (A very small island in the Mediterranean) I was actually born in Australia where my parents lived for more than 10 years. However, as both of them are Maltese, they decided to return to Malta when I was only 6 months old.

I've been playing hockey here as a keeper for the past 17 years. The last 7 of which, I played for my Club's first team i.e. Young Stars.

I have all your tips so far and also those previously compiled by Rachel. I find them to be of great help to me especially because due to our limited facilities, I have never had any goalkeeping coaching. Thus, I find it very useful to go through your tips every so often. In fact, last year I started coaching my Club's junior goal keepers and its seems to be going very good so far.

I have two questions for you if you don't mind...

1. All my equipment is from the OBO range (except for the protective pants which I will probably be purchasing very shortly) and am extremely satisfied with both the material and protection they provide. Well done! However, about two months ago, I bought the OBO body armour and can't quite yet get use to the elbow part of it. Is it suppose to be so stiff at the elbow? There is a rectangular part which is worn on the outer elbow and I'm finding that to be limiting my hand movements. Is there any way that I could maybe make this part more flexible?

2. Can you suggest any additional material that I can purchase to help me with coaching goalkeepers or do you know of any goalkeepers camps anywhere in Europe where maybe I can attend to help me both in my play and in coaching?

Thanks again for your tips and I look forward with interest for your reply.

Using the left hand on the ground

I have a question about using my left hand while on the ground. Recently in a game the ball got behind me. I saved it with my left hand right on the left post. I dragged it out with my left hand without thinking. The ref called a stroke (which I saved thankfully). Now I know that he was right to call a stroke, but what is the purpose of this rule: that you can't use your left hand to push (or pull) the ball away from the goal. I can understand that you can't push it when in the air because it's dangerous but on the ground I don't see the reason why. Can you tell me why they have this rule?

Changing equipment colour

Its Paul Williams from England here and I was wondering if you can help me as I was wondering whether there is anything I can do to make my orange robo legguards and kickers black without losing any of their rebound properties. Thanks

Tips for shorter keepers

I am a 16 year old goalkeeper in England and want to progress to playing National League hockey with my club. My problem is that I am only 1.73 metres tall and am probably not going to grow a huge amount more. I have done a lot of work on my speed and agility using the SAQ training method. I was wondering if you had any views or general tips for shorter keepers, particularly anything to do with increasing flexibility, in order to reach those shots struck in to the corners. Any feedback would be great.

Save and clear technique

My last set of kit I put together myself, TK pads and Mercian kickers. With this combination I found the save and clear technique when lying down very easy. Now I have my new Robo kit I find that the same technique is not so effective. I have been using the lower leg to sweep with what technique would you recommend?

Training tips

The last time I visited this site it was green and you had some tips on training regimes and in particular suggestions for solo training. Where can I find this info?

Field hockey in the US

Hi; I saw your pages on the Obo site and being a fellow Yank and in the midwest near St. Louis, I had to inquire about field hockey. All the knowledge I have with it is that it's more a womens game. Where do you play and where would I be able to find mens matches to watch? Is there any video that you might be able to give me that shows you in action? I'm real curious as your site pictures (if that's you keeping goal) made me want to see more. Do you use the gear made for field or do you wear hockey gear? As I said, I'm curious and any insights would be most appreciated.

Training on your own

We receive a lot of questions about training on your own and training programs. I will always refer people to check the other information on this web site. Rachel and I both have covered a variety of issues on the topic. In addition, the subject is also covered in the previous Q&A section of the website. Having said all that, let's talk about it some more.

When to Use Your Stick

There are certain situations in a game where it is both appropriate and inappropriate to use your stick. In this tips section I will be highlighting four major issues you need to consider in relation to stick use: Why use your stick? Why not to use your stick? When to use your stick How to … Continue reading "When to Use Your Stick"
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What Makes a Good Keeper?

There are many different goalkeepers playing all over the world. Some of them will hold at least one of these traits, if not all. The traits that I perceive to contribute to making a good goalkeeper may not be totally the same as what you would believe.

Reflex Training

One of the most important aspects of goal keeping is using your reflexes. Many great match winning saves are made simply using your reflexes. There are many different ways that you can improve on your reflexes which are included below.

Aerial Saves

For many goalkeepers saves with the hand or stick seem more satisfying than any others. Whether this is because the crowd likes it more, or just the simple fact that they seem more spectacular or harder to execute...who knows? In this tips section I will endeavour to give you some simple advice and suggestions of how to make those saves being simple or tremendously difficult.

Training Drills

After numerous questions over the last month I have decided to do a section on training drills. Training a goalkeeper or being a goalkeeper can sometimes be challenging to think of new drills to do at training so I am going to try to assist you.

Setting Your Defence

In each defending situation each player has a general role, depending on the coach or the team, they might have a specific role for a specific game. Defensive systems are set up as a guide only.

Off Season Training

Please note that I am not a qualified expert in this area and all that I have written is on my own previous experiences. Many people play all year round both indoor and outdoor, but for some that don't play all year round there is a time out period generally called the off season.

Goalies at Practice

As many of us know, training with the whole team can sometimes be a little tedious, especially when the coach does not include the goalkeeper in the sessions to the best of their ability. We have all been through sessions when all that is done is goal shooting. Don't get me wrong this is a good thing to do but it has a time and a place just like everything else.

Big Game Preparation

Everyone at one stage in their hockey career has to prepare for a big game, whether it be Club Final, Olympic Final, Team Selection Trial... or just a game that is important to you and your team.

Tackling and Interceptions

With hockey now being in a transition period with experimental rule changes, we as goalkeepers must also make the transition back to being very attacking in certain circumstances. As the years have passed and goalkeeping gear has dramatically improved, some goalkeepers have lent away from being attacking and preferred to stay back on their line to try and make the save.

Penalty Corners

The defence of a Penalty Corner can never be taken too seriously. The focus that a Goal Keeper (and every defending player) must have during a Penalty Corner is extremely great.

Penalty Strokes

When the umpires whistle blows and their arms go in different directions most goal keepers cringe with the thought of having to save a penalty stroke. Usually because we all know the umpire is wrong. But no matter how much we complain it is a fact of life that the umpire always thinks they are right and will not reverse their decision. "Bring on the third umpire" are thoughts that often go through my head.

One on Ones

The skill of taking on an attacker one on one is not an easy skill to master. There are a number of things that a goalkeeper can do to make this easier for them to be successful in these contests.

Attacking Clearances

Playing goalkeeper should not mean standing on the goal line and hoping to save the ball that is fired at you. I believe that you really have to go out and get the ball. The role of the goalkeeper is not only to save the ball, but to set up the play for your team in an attacking manner. With no offside you will find that loose balls into the circle occur more often in a game, thus giving the goalkeeper greater opportunities to be involved in the play.

Penalty Corner Defense: Logging

We get a lot of questions about penalty corners, especially lying down on corners. Laying down, or logging, is only one technique that a keeper can apply in the context of his, or her, team's penalty corner defence. No one technique, or type of defence, will be successful against every corner attack. This month's tip focuses on some concepts of penalty corner defence and specifically one technique for logging.

Basic Positions: Angles

The concept of angles builds on most effectively using your ready stance to position yourself between the shooter and the goal. In the one ball, one shooter world that can be a pretty simple concept. Throw in variables like your size, your reaction time, passing options and players in the way, and things get complicated. Complicated doesn't mean impossible, a keeper just needs to take these things into consideration and put them to use.

Basic Postions: A Ready Postion

Before a keeper can make a save, he's got to be in a place where he can even attempt to make a save. That is the crux of basic positioning. A goalkeeper's primary responsibility revolves around keeping a ball out of the goal. Take a good look at that goal, the one that is seven foot by twelve foot, 84 square feet. Throw in the fact that object to be stopped is a little more than seven inches in circumference and weighs about eight ounces and that the object in question can travel more than 100 miles an hour... a quick show of hands... who thinks this is going to be an easy position? Nobody ever said it was going to be easy, but good basic positioning can make goalkeeping an easier position.

Young Goalies

One of the most important factors in the development of a goalkeeper is getting good, basic instruction early. Too many times, the first specialised instruction a keeper receives is after he/she has been identified as an elite keeper.

Aerial Balls

As goalkeeping continues to be reinvented, the most recent changes have come in the aerial ball. Today's keeper sees more hard, lifted shots from different angles than ever before. Fortunately, he is better equipped and has new tools and skills for meeting the task. No offsides, drag flicks and reverse stick chips have increased the number of chances above the waist that a keeper has to defend. Upper body pads and hand protectors now give him effective protection to make those plays.

Training Programs

Last tip we talked a little about off-season conditioning and training. Since that time, I've gotten a lot of questions about specifics for a training program. They range from sprint workouts, to length of program to types of agility drills. First off, there is no perfect one size fits all training program for every keeper.

Off Season Training

To borrow a line from Shakespeare, "Now is the Winter of our discontent." For keepers in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter means snow, sleet and a break from outdoor hockey. For those in Southern Hemisphere, Summer and the heat provide the break. Wherever you are and whatever the time of year, at some point you're going to have a break in your hockey season (my source of discontent). As the holidays approach, I've received a lot of questions about off-season training programs and activities.

Slide Tackling

There have been a lot of questions about what to do in situations where a keeper is faced with a forward bearing down on him or her alone. Most centre around what the keeper should do. There isn't a text book answer that says, "If the forward enters the circle with a five yard gap between him and his defender, at a 45' angle to the goal and the ball on his front stick, the keeper extends his body in a prone position to his strong stick side at a rate of speed of 15 mph, bisecting the path of the ball at his midsection." That's certainly one way of handling the situation, but the fact of the matter is there isn't any one way to play any one situation, especially one on ones with the keeper and a forward.

Kicking

There is no more essential skill to a keeper in the game of hockey, than kicking. Just as a field player must have stick skills, a keeper must have kicking skills. The importance of this most basic of skills is often overlooked. People tend to think all a keeper need do is worry about saving the ball. A keeper can make all the saves in the world in a game, but if he can't clear the ball, he almost assures himself of allowing goals.

Kickers

No matter how talented a carpenter is, with bad tools he'll be hard pressed to produce a good product. The same holds true for a keeper. A good keeper with bad pads has a hard job, made harder.

Kicking Drills

When you're working on skills, it's important that you isolate them so that you can evaluate technique and success. Skill work is different than situation work. When I work with keepers in situation drills, there are a number of skills they can use in a situation and be successful. When we work on skills, we're focusing on specific form and results. Any time you work on skills, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.