How To Warm Up A Hockey Goalkeeper If On Your Own?
How can a hockey goalkeeper warm up if they are on their own? Over the last 15 years I have been fortunate enough to be a goalkeeper at Abingdon Hockey Club. I have played across all men’s sides from a couple of memorable appearance in the 1’s and a number of seasons in the 2’s and 3’s. When considering training plans for the team, too many coaches overlook the keeper. This is also true on match days with warm ups. Warming up the goalkeeper is often an afterthought. It sometimes seems like a chore for the outfield player to break away from the pack to give the keeper a 5 minute warm up.
I have been in teams when no consideration for the keeper is given prior to the game. With some outfield players immediately working on shooting and short corners before the keeper has had any warm up. This frustrates the hell out of me and I often let them know that i’m not impressed. Rather than spend my time moaning I decided to come up with a 5 minute warm up routine. It is ideal for a solo warm up, which can be used at training or prior to games.
5 Minute Hockey Goalkeeper Drill
To warm up a hockey goalkeeper only needs one ball and a goal. The routine is a simple one but does require a goal with a good rebounding backboard. I created this short video to show the drill and I hope it helps. Stand 3 metres out of the goal and kick the ball with the side of the kicker, into the goal. If the rebound and pace of the ball is sufficient, then it will come back to you to kick again. Repeat this, using both left and the right foot, increasing the pace of kick to build heart rate.
Kicking the ball with pace improves your reactions and helps you focus on technique too. It also makes quite a noise when the ball hits the backboard, alerting the outfield players you are actually warming up. This then encourages them to join you and take your warm up to the next level.
Is It True That A Hockey Goalkeeper Only Has One Job?
It is definitely not true that the hockey goalkeeper only has one job, contrary to outfield players beliefs. You only have to stop the ball is true but a goalkeeper’s role is so much more than that. They will need to be agile, supportive and probably be the best communicator on the pitch. The keeper will also need to have good periphial vision, to see when opposition players have broken away from your defenders and quickly communicate this to your team, whilst also remaining focused on the ball, positioning and current game situation.
The keepers position is the best role in any team. Goalkeepers are a special breed, FACT. Although some say they must be a little unhinged. I disagree and think it can be the most rewarding role.
However, to be a goalkeeper, you do need to be mentally tough, especially if you make an error which leads to a goal. Outfield players can make many errors in a game which all go unpunished. A keeper can be having an amazing game but one error can lead to a goal and may result in defeat for your team. How you deal with this is really important and understanding that it probably wasn’t your error that cost your side the game is vital. For a player to get into your ‘D’ someone else failed in their duties and can be equally apportioned blame for the defeat.
So, never take sole responsibility for a loss. However, when you win ensure that you and the defence also get your share of credit.
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