Do you have a goalie questions, but fine it difficult to obtain quality answers?
Message us on Facebook, or email your goalie questions to info@xghockey.com and put “Goalie Questions” in the subject line.
Each month we will feature one question through our Monthly Q & A with Coach Des Christopher from The Goalie Club.
“The Preferred Goalie Training Program of XG Hockey.”
How can I get better on my feet when there isn’t ice time available?
Answer: The way to get better feet is simple. Get outside and get moving. I find racket sports to be a great cross-trainer for hand-eye coordination and footwork. Sports like Tennis, Badminton, Racquetball and Squash are all great options.
What type of training aids would help me become more comfortable dropping into a butterfly position instead of being more upright?
Answer: Dropping into your butterfly requires athleticism. Many time goalies that refuse to drop into their butterfly are generally not in top condition. Constant dropping into your butterfly requires more work. Some goalies are simply to lazy to put the work in. There is no magic training aid to replace for work ethic.
What would be a good daily workout session?
Answer: A daily workout session would consist of an off-ice racquet sport, stretching, and watching goalie highlights. Another key focus is nutrition, hydration and 10 hours of sleep. Daily vision training can also be very helpful. Train your eyes to focus on a particular object for an extended period of time rather than by using gimmicky items.
How do I improve my high and low glove when I don’t play baseball?
Answer: I recommend tennis/racquet balls against a wall to work on your glove hand.
How do I know if my stance is too low?
Answer: If you are getting beat high often, you may have to adjust your stance. You need the shooter to be looking at less net – not more.
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About Coach Des Christopher
Coach Des is a native of Calgary, AB, where he played youth and Junior Hockey. Des attended and played for Minnesota State University (MSUM) from 1995-1998 where he earned team MVP his senior year as well as the Senior Male athlete of the year award. Coach Des played Professional hockey from 1998-2000 in Germany and United States before volunteering as goaltending coach at MSUM from 2000-2009. Together with former goaltending partner, Craig Lindsey, Des formed TGC in 2002. In April 2005 TGC was selected as, and continues to be, the goaltending choice of National Champion Shattuck St. Mary’s (SSM) Prep School in Faribault, MN (TGC provides goaltending consultants to SSM). Over the years, Coach Des has helped numerous goaltending prospects move on to the college and pro ranks, such as: Oscar Dansk (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL), Kevin Murdock (Lake Superior State University, WCHA), Nick Kossoff (Lake Superior State University, WCHA), Brady Hjelle (Tulsa Oilers, ECHL), Eric Schierhorn (University of Minnestoa, B1G), Austin Lee (Minnesota State University, WCHA), Cole Huggins (Minnesota State University, WCHA), Peter Traber (Harvard University, ECAC), Taylor Crosby (Northeastern University, Hockey East), Tyler Bruggeman (St. Scholastica Saints, NCHA), Anthony Brodeur (Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL).
SSM has captured 22 National Championship’s since joining forces with The Goalie Club. The following teams brought home Championship titles over the years:
Coach Des owns a Masters Degree in Education Administration and has coached goaltenders for over 25 years. Coach, his wife Liz, and twins Claire and Liam, reside in Mankato, MN with dog Kipper.
Learn more about Coach Des Christopher’s staff here.
