-Above is the link to the December drill of the month.  The video is a clip from last year’s Christmas camp.  Since we are not able to have the camp, I want you all to make sure to practice this drill sometime soon.

Start on the hash mark of the center circle and explode into your butterfly, making sure that both knees hit the ice at the same time.  If you are moving to your left, then make sure to get up with the right leg and follow it with a short shuffle to your left.  Repeat this process at full speed until you get all the way around the circle to the other hash mark.  Immediately, explode back into the butterfly and go back the other way, this time using the left leg every time to get up.  Those of you who have done this drill know that you will easily find which leg is your dominant leg.  Do this drill as often as you can at the beginning or end of practice and make sure to practice it with your weak leg more, so that your weak leg will soon be as explosive as the other.  Lastly, this drill also does wonders to increase your goalie specific endurance.

-Above is the link for the drill of the month for November.  You will need at least two shooters for this drill.  Put a pile of pucks in the slot, at about the same height as the top of the circles.  I also put a cone (blue bucket in video) at the bottom of the circle, in order to make sure the shooter cuts to the net low enough.  Have the shooter start on the faceoff dot and have the passer send him a pass just as he leaves the dot.

I used 3 different types of movements in order to get square to the shooter on the wing.  For the first set for each side, I used a hip swivel to get momentum and then pushed over to get square.  I feel that this is the most effective way because you can get there quick and are still on your feet and in an explosive knee bent position in order to follow the shooter as he gets in tight.  Make sure to turn your head early in the movement in order to get completely square.

On the second set for each side, I tried to not swivel my hips, but instead just T-push to the angle from a stationary position.  This is something that is beneficial for those of you who like to use the T-push all over and it is also good try for those of you who need to work on generating more power on their pushes.  Some goalies often ask me for ways to push stronger though the crease, and this is a perfect way to practice.  Make yourself catch up to a play, while in a stationary position.  Remember, this is what practice is for; to work on things that will make you better for the games.

Lastly, I used a butterfly slide in order to get square to the angle.  This movement should not be overused though.  It is most beneficial when you know that you have a defenseman that is in the center of the ice and won’t let the shooter get back to the middle of the ice.  In order to show this point, I had both shooters cut all the way the far side of the net.  When you slide over, you have to re-catch your balance and then be able to explode laterally from a stopped position, and most of the time, if they cut to the far side then you have to make a miraculous save.  So, as stated earlier, try to limit this movement to only when the shooter has to stay on the wing for his shot.

-Above is the link to the drill of the month for October.  To start the drill have one shooter in the slot and another shooter at the blue line by the boards.

There are 3 different starting points to the drill: top of the crease and both posts.  The rebound control on the first shot should be the easiest because you are stationary.  The second time through, start on the post where you will be moving into the save with your natural body movement to the top of the crease.  The third element is to start on the other post, get to the top of crease, and shift your body weight to the opposite side in order to move into the save.  Make sure to have an active stick and work on putting all pucks into the corner.

When you make the first save, the shooter should come in full speed down the wing and shoot the puck before he gets to the faceoff dot. After making the first save, turn your head and push with your outside leg to the far angle.  Stop your butterfly slide with the outside leg, get up and challenge the shooter on the wing, and control the rebound on the second shot as well.