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How to Be a Lacrosse Goalie

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One of the hardest positions on the field, the lacrosse goalkeeper is pretty much the quarterback of the game. With a combination of fast reflexes, footwork, effective communication and perseverance, you too can become an amazing goalie. If you practice and don't be put off by other people playing your position as well as you, sometimes better than you play try harder.


  1. 1
    Get all your gear together! Equipment is necessary in this position. (see Things You'll Need)
  2. 2
    Jump in front of the cage! You'll want to stand about a step away from the front to cut off the angle but also have enough time to react. Your dominant hand should be gripping the neck of the stick while your non dominant hand should be a forearm's length away from the top hand, a little higher than the middle of the stick.
  3. 3
    Have someone warm you up by just passing the ball back and forth. Make sure you're stepping forward at a 45 degree angle, leading with the foot that's on the same side (aka ball comes from right side, step w/ right foot). Center shots, step with whichever foot you prefer.
  4. 4
    Make sure you follow with the other foot.
  5. 5
    Keep your arms relaxed and away from and in front of your body, elbows slightly bent.
  6. 6
    Bring your arms out as you step when catching the ball.
  7. 7
    Clear the ball. Slide both hands down, with the non dominant gripping the end of the stick and the dominant a couple inches above it.
  8. 8
    Create a right angle with the top arm and the stick over your dominant hand's shoulder to get the most distance. Push with your top arm and pull with the bottom arm, following through to the other side of your body. Don't be afraid of the ball.
  9. 9
    Work in the pocket so that the ball won't bounce out when you block the shot.
  10. 10
    Don't be afraid to come out of the crease! If the ball is on the other side of the field, come out of the crease to yell at your defense so that when the ball comes back, they know what to do.

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  • Don't be afraid to work at the edges of the crease as you anticipate and cut off attack angles. Within reason, the farther out you are toward the attacker, the bigger you seem in the goal mouth and the less room there is on either side of you.
  • If you've got what it takes but just keep getting frustrated, calm down. It's a hard position to handle and requires a strong mentality. Shots WILL go in. You cannot save every shot. Just limit the number; you have the opportunity of altering this game.
  • If you get mad, remember: It's not always your fault the ball went in! In fact, it's mostly the rest of the team's fault for even letting it go to the other side of the field!
  • If the shot is a bounce shot, pull your knees together and bend them putting your self right in the path of the ball, thus blocking it. Bounce shots are very hard to predict, which is why you put your body in front of it more; Better chance of making the save.
  • Be confident. A shooter will make a goal on an unconfident goalie.
  • Don't forget this is a high scoring game. Don't lose your head because you have let a few balls in the net. The ball goes through 9 other guys till it gets to you. You can't think it's all YOUR fault so keep calm and get ready for the next shot.
  • Remember that goalies are offensive threats as well. A goalie is the only one that can/will throw an on target pass halfway down the field and a goalie that can run the ball and has the confidence to is deadly and mentally frustrating for the other team.
  • Anticipate! Attackers are predictable most of the time, and you want to step into their shot before they take it. This won't guarantee you'll make the stop, but you'll increase your odds, and playing goalie is all about the numbers and the angles. If the attacker passes over you instead taking the shot, turn and move aggressively toward where the ball is headed, that is, toward the guy you can bet is waiting for a quick-stick behind you (crunch him if possible as a deterrent to further trickery) — this is about the only defense for a quick-stick shot.
  • Two good things to think about when you're positioning yourself:
    • Imagine there are two really long stilts coming out of your hips toward the shooter. If you can "trap" the shooter in those stilts, you're in the right spot. If you see one of your "stilts" would be jabbing the shooter, you're a bit off-alignment.
    • Imagine your name is printed vertically down the side of your leg, from your hips. If you're stepping correctly and not turning your hips to make a save (which you shouldn't do), the shooter will never be able to tell what your name is. Step toward the ball!
  • You will get hit.So do some drills, have someone throw a ball at your chest legs, etc..
  • Also, It's vital to get comfortable in between the pipes, make an arc to base your movement with the attacker and a center line so you know where you are in the net
  • Always communicate to your defense position of the ball. If you see a cutter from up top, and the x man has the ball, call out "cutter from up top!". And if capable say where from (specifics for defenders is always good).
  • Work on the low & bounce shots a lot, they're harder to set up for if you're about to take a hot one point blank. Remember that you can use your feet to drive your upper body into a shot that's high, but while gravity is in worldwide effect, your feet can't leave the ground to move into a low shot — you'll have to make the stop with your stick. Consider carrying your stick low in preparing to take an oncoming shot, especially if your opponents have been shooting low on the day.

Things You'll Need

  • Basic
  • Helmet
  • Chest protector
  • Sneakers or cleats
  • Goal cage
  • Lacrosse goalie stick
  • Lacrosse balls
  • Someone to shoot on you(or a bounce-back)
  • Neck guard attached to your helmet (optional)
  • Gloves, shoulder pads
  • Elbow pads(not recommended)
  • Cup and jock (for men)
  • Leg guards(optional)
  • Advanced
  • Padded Shorts (Optional)
  • Shin Guards (Optional)

Article Info

Categories: Field Hockey and Lacrosse

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Español: ser un portero de lacrosse


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