“Between the Pipes”

Fritz Hoffecker, Princeton '71

We had our first game last night and, unfortunately, we didn’t come out on top. However, being the optimist that I am, I like to point out the good in a situation along with the bad. Our goalie, Sean, had a stellar performance last night. Most of that is a result of his hard work and dedication, but I must also express my thanks to an unexpected volunteer.

I would like to believe that I am comfortable coaching any position on the field but that wouldn’t be the whole truth. Coaching goalie has proven to be a challenge, of which I am facing head on this season.

Early this winter I received an email from a gentleman by the name of Fritz Hoffecker (Princeton, ’71). Fritz was responding to one of my several “Wanted” ads placed last year for a goalie on our indoor men’s team. His resume was nothing shy of impressive. Unfortunately, we had already secured a goalie for the season. However, after a few exchanged emails, I knew I could not let this one get away.

I expressed to Fritz my interest in bringing him on staff as our goalie coach. Because of work responsibilities and commitments to a youth league, he could not accept this position full-time. However, he did agree to make some time to come out and work with our goalies. Fritz has proven to be an invaluable asset.

Prior to our first session, I asked Fritz for a few pointers in order to prepare my goalies for his clinic. What I received in response has become an important addition to my own personal “Coaches Bible.” Now, thanks to the wonder of technology (and Fritz), I can share them with you.

I smiled when I read the first bullet, “Attitude - team first, sportsmanship.” This is a man after my own heart. If I had to sum up my entire coaching philosophy in one phrase, this very well may be it. I have often stressed to Sean that if a goal is scored, it is not just his fault. The goalie is part of the defense and the defense is part of the team. Each goal that is scored is scored on all of us. Conversely, I do not want the goalie blaming the defense for late slides, poor checks, etc. It is his job to direct and lead them. What we do, we do as a team.

Next was, “Watch the BALL – not the stick, arms, legs or head of opponent.” This is very important for a goalie. Some drills that can help with this is using different colored balls and having the goalie yell out the color of the ball as he is making the save. Also, make sure that you are looking off your shots. This is how you can be sure that he is not watching your eyes. It is all about repetition!

“Stance”, “Moving on the arc”, and “Stepping to the ball”. These were Fritz’s next three pointers. Technique is the key to being successful at any position on the field, especially goalie. Your goalie should be on the balls of his feet, knees slightly bent and legs shoulder width apart. You do not want your goalie dancing from side to side. He should move along the arc in four deliberate steps, with steps one and four hugging the left and right pipes respectively.

The next two items on Fritz’s list both had to do with talking and communication. Your goalie has to be the field general of the defense. He must call out slides, different defenses and the ball location. Often at practice I will have my offense get in to different sets and freelance. The objective is for the goalie (and defense) to recognize the set and call it out. Our slide packages vary depending on which set the offense runs. After a few practices these adjustments will become second nature. Your defense and goalie will begin to work together as one cohesive unit.

Besides sharing some of the key points from Fritz’s notes, I want to stress the importance of using your resources. As a coach, I am still learning every day and in our sport there are always those who know more and are willing to share their wisdom. Don’t be afraid to send that email or make a phone call. There are always coaches and players out there that are eager to answer. Thanks Fritz!

Coach Matt Blamey is the Head Boys' Lacrosse Coach at South Lakes High School in Reston Virginia. Read Coach Blamey's weekly columns discussing the X's and O's, and his editorial views of the game.