Goalie Gen - Development Plans

Crease Footwork

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Last Updated: 2026-05-31
Age Group: All
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Space Required: Crease Only

Drill Information

  1. Start on the post at Position 1.
  2. T-push from 1 to 2, arriving square and set.
  3. Shuffle from 2 to 3, maintaining angle and depth.
  4. T-push from 3 to 4 to return to the opposite post.
  5. Repeat the sequence in reverse:
  6. T-push 4 - 3
  7. Shuffle 3 - 2
  8. T-push 2 - 1
  9. The goalie continuously moves through the pattern, focusing on clean edges, balance, and controlled stops.
Drill diagram

Coaching Focus Points

Movement Quality

  • Explode on the first push - powerful but controlled T-pushes.
  • Arrive set at each point; no drifting or sliding into position.
  • Stay low and loaded in the hips to maintain balance.
  • Keep chest and shoulders square to the imaginary puck location.

Body Positioning

  • Hands out in front to maintain balance and readiness.
  • Stick centered on the ice, blade flat.
  • Head leads the movement - eyes arrive first, body follows.

Crease Awareness

  • Maintain consistent depth (don't drift backward).
  • Visualize the puck at the top of the zone to stay square.
  • Check posts with quick shoulder/head turns when returning.

Tempo & Conditioning

  • Work at a pace that challenges footwork but preserves technique.
  • Prioritize clean mechanics over speed early in the drill.
  • Increase tempo only when movement quality is consistent.

Skills Focus

Fundamental Skills:

  • Skating
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Goalie Gen

© 2026 Patrick Boyle, Katie Jablynski, and James Kujawski