Pacific Coast Goaltending - South

working on some patience here, which is probably one of the more difficult things to work on as a goalie. Too often you hear coaches with no goalie background yelling for goalies to be “quicker” or to “move more” in the crease. In reality, unnecessary movement wastes energy and can actually hurt a goalie’s effectiveness.

Elite goaltending isn’t about constant movement — it’s about filling the net, staying controlled, and moving efficiently once the puck is released and the read is clear.

Tracking Part 3.

Tracking isn’t just about seeing the puck.

It’s about organizing our body for what happens next.

As the puck travels to one side, our center of mass subtly shifts into that leg. Not leaning. Not reaching. Just quiet pressure into the side the puck is moving.

Now when the rebound comes off the pad, the push leg is already loaded.

No extra weight transfer.
No delay.

Just lift and drive.

Most rebounds continue in the direction the puck was already traveling. When our weight is already there, the recovery becomes faster and more efficient.

Efficient tracking sets up efficient movement.

Kyle Jones (WHL) and Abby (14U AAA) working on the same details.

Because the best goalies in the world never graduate from the basics.

Development isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing the simple things better.

Landry signed a pro contract this year.
He’s still sharpening tracking and edge control.

If you think you’re too advanced for the basics,
you’re already falling behind.

Tracking isn’t just about seeing the puck.
It changes your body position.
As the puck moves from the middle of your body to one side, the angle shifts in real time. If you track properly — chin down and moving toward the puck — your head shifts your bodyweight over the puck.
That small adjustment keeps you on angle, more compact, and on top of the puck.
Track it down.
Get on top of it.
Own the angle.

The mental side of goaltending is a skill.
And like any skill, it can be trained.

The best goalies don’t just rely on talent or reflexes.
They build routines. They manage their thoughts.
They reset quickly and stay present in the moment.

Confidence isn’t random.
It’s built through habits, preparation, and daily work.

Train your mind like you train your body.

If you can’t see the puck, you can’t stop the puck.

From the pros all the way down to 8U, the best goalies all share the same habit: they track the puck all the way in. Chin tucked, head behind the puck, eyes locked on it the entire time.

A simple cue: imagine there’s a flashlight on your forehead. Keep that light shining directly on the puck from release all the way into your body, glove, or pads.

Track it in. Every rep. Every shot.

Part 1 of a tracking series. Part 2 coming Thursday.