Goalie Coordination and Reaction Drill
Introduction
Developing hand-eye coordination and reaction speed is essential for any lacrosse goalie. This progressive drill helps improve hand movement accuracy, stability in stance, and quick decision-making, which are key elements for effective saves and secure ball distribution.
Drill Development
1. Using the Stick Handle
The goalie will use a short stick and hold it upside down.
The goal is to place the stick handle directly over the ball, working on hand-eye coordination.
Tennis balls can be used to increase difficulty and enhance reflexes, especially for yout goalies.
2. Step Technique and Hand Positioning
The goalie focuses on his stance, pushing with his feet, and ensuring his hands follow the ball at all times.
It is crucial to keep the bottom hand at the 12 o’clock position on the shaft. This prevents the hand from sliding down, which would slow down reflexes.
Throws alternate between the strong and weak sides to improve mobility and reaction ability.
3. Quick Stick Touches
The full stick is introduced, and quick stick passes are performed to enhance reaction speed.
The goalie should focus on tracking the ball's trajectory and explosively moving his hands towards the ball.
The aim is to minimize rebounds and catch the ball with soft hands to prevent second-chance opportunities for the opposing team.
4. Stance and Pass Preparation
After each save, the goalie should ensure he is well-positioned, with her feet aligned and ready to make a quick pass.
Avoid lunging too far forward during the save, as an overly extended foot position may require a stance reset, delaying responses to a counterattack.
Conclusion
This progressive drill strengthens a goalie’s precision, stability, and quick reaction skills, ensuring his movements are efficient and effective with every save. The key is to keep the hands active, minimize rebounds, and always be ready for the next play in the game.
