Mental Preparedness Series: Visualization

A much overlooked aspect of mental preparation that we seem to find in many young athletes is their use of visualization before games and practices to prepare them for the situations that they may face upon stepping onto the ice.  As one of the key aspects for goaltenders and athletes, visualization should be used to help them prepare for the game ahead, as it aids in their ability to have their mind connect with their body.

But how does one merely imagining a game, help them to prepare?

Goaltenders who are able to visualize the game as a part of their warm up routine within the dressing room or hallway, may allow themselves to run through many, if not all of the types of set plays, or situations which they may come into contact with during the game.  Efficient visualization however, allows the goaltender to run through these scenarios without making mistakes, while not allowing themselves to over-think during this process.  Instead, the goaltender should try to play a game in his head where every shot is stopped through the utilization of efficient technical movements on the ice.  That way, once he steps onto the ice, he feels as though he has already stopped every shot which has been directed toward the net in every possible situation in a proper, and efficient way.  At this point, it is mind over matter, and he is able to let his body take over.

Letting the body take over during a game is tricky for any athlete.  For those who are able to take the time required to prepare themselves mentally through visualization before the game, it may just come more naturally.  For younger goaltenders, the best way to ensure that they are getting the most out of their pre-game visualizations is to ensure that they have an in-depth understanding of the theory involved in each movement that they make, why they are making this movement, and timing each movement to ensure maximum efficiency.  Without a proper understanding of techniques, timing or the theory behind each movement, the goaltender will not be able to recognize when they should use these movements in a game.  Therefore, it is imperative for goaltenders to practice outside of team practices with a goaltending coach to ensure that they are developing mentally as well as physically.

The old saying goes, “Practice Makes Perfect”; however, not all practices are created equal.  Let’s face it, many team practices are geared toward the development of the team, their ability to pass, shoot, break-out, etc.  But the goaltenders are usually an afterthought.  If this sounds familiar, then the goaltenders on your team are not getting enough professional training which will help them in the long run; they are likely being used for target practice for their team.  Enrolling into a goaltending school or clinic which will practice what they preach, is essential to the goaltender’s development.

Rather than merely, “making the most of the ice time” by peppering the goaltenders with as many shots that they can fit in an hour time slot, at GAAHockey, we make theory our focus which allows us to emphasize the importance of recognizing and responding to any situation which goaltenders are faced with.  Doing so ensures an efficient response, therefore allowing them to stop more pucks, making the visualization process more effective, and aids goaltenders more during their games.