How to Be a Roller Hockey Goalie

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to be a roller hockey goalie:

Equipment

As a roller hockey goalie, you'll need specialized equipment including:

- Goalie skates - These have a lower profile and more ankle support than regular inline skates - Leg pads - To protect your legs and help block shots - Chest/arm protector - Covers your upper body - Blocker - Worn on your stick hand to block shots - Catching glove - Worn on your non-stick hand to catch and control the puck - Helmet/mask - Protects your head and face - Stick - Specialized goalie stick for puck handling and shot blocking

Proper fitting equipment is crucial for mobility and protection. Many goalies use ice hockey gear adapted for roller use[2].

Positioning and Stance

Proper positioning is key for roller hockey goalies:

- Stay at the top of the crease to cut down shooting angles[1] - Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart - Bend your knees and get low in your stance - Keep your hands out in front, ready to make saves - Track the puck with your eyes and head[1]

The basic butterfly stance involves dropping to your knees with leg pads flared out to block the lower part of the net[3].

Movement Techniques

Important movement skills for roller goalies include:

- T-pushes - To move laterally across the crease - Butterfly slides - Sliding while in the butterfly position - Getting up quickly after making a save - Proper footwork when coming out to challenge shooters

Using RollerFly sliding plates on your pads can help with butterfly slides on the roller surface[4].

Puck Handling

As a roller goalie, you'll need to develop stick handling skills to:

- Stop dump-ins around the boards - Clear the puck out of danger - Make outlet passes to teammates[7]

Practice stick handling both in and out of your crease.

Mental Preparation

The mental game is crucial for goalies:

- Stay focused throughout the game - Have a short memory and don't dwell on goals - Communicate with your defensemen - Read the play and anticipate shots

Practice Drills

Some key drills to improve your skills:

- Movement drills - T-pushes, slides, footwork[3] - Angle and depth drills - Rebound control drills - Puck handling practice - Shot-facing drills from various angles

Differences from Ice Hockey

Some key differences for roller goalies:

- No icing rule in most roller leagues[6] - Faster pace of play on the roller surface - Different techniques needed for movement/sliding - Adapted equipment for the roller environment

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to being a roller hockey goalie:

- Focus on proper fundamentals and positioning - Stay square to the shooter - Keep your hands active and out in front[10] - Communicate with your defensemen - Practice, practice, practice!

With the right equipment, proper technique, and lots of practice, you can develop into an effective roller hockey goalie. Focus on the fundamentals, work on your mobility, and have fun stopping shots!