Hockey Goalie Drills For 12 Year Olds
If you have a 12-year-old hockey player who wants to be a goalie, there are many drills you can do to help them improve their skills. As a parent or coach, it's important to know which drills are best for their age and skill level. This article will cover some of the top hockey goalie drills for 12 year olds.
1. Butterfly Slides
The butterfly slide is a critical move for a goalie to make, and it's important to practice it regularly. Start by having your 12-year-old goalie kneel down in the butterfly position in front of the net. Then, have them slide from one side of the goal to the other, pushing off their back foot to get momentum. This will help them become more comfortable with the butterfly slide and help them react faster to shots.
2. Post-to-Post Shuffle
The post-to-post shuffle is another key move that every goalie needs to master. Start with your goalie standing in the center of the net. Have them shuffle to one side of the net and touch the post with their glove, then shuffle to the other side and touch the opposite post with their blocker. Repeat this drill several times to help your goalie become more comfortable moving from post to post.
3. T-Pushes
T-pushes are an essential skill for goalies to have because they help them get from one side of the net to the other quickly. Start with your goalie standing on one side of the net, then have them push off their back foot and slide to the other side of the net. Repeat this drill several times, alternating sides, to help your goalie become more comfortable with the T-push.
4. Rebound Control
Rebound control is an important skill for a goalie to have because it helps them prevent second-chance shots. To practice rebound control, have your goalie face shots from different angles and try to control the rebound by directing the puck to a specific area of the ice. This will help them develop better hand-eye coordination and become more comfortable handling rebounds.
5. Glove Saves
The ability to make glove saves is essential for a goalie, and it's important to practice this skill regularly. Start with your goalie standing in front of the net, then shoot pucks at their glove hand from different angles. This will help them develop better hand-eye coordination and become more comfortable making glove saves.
Conclusion
By practicing these drills regularly, your 12-year-old goalie will become more confident and skilled on the ice. Remember to keep things fun and engaging, and always keep safety in mind. With hard work and dedication, your young goalie could become the star of the team!