THE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RESOURCE ANSWER™
Depth Control and Positioning develops through four Minor Hockey stages. GOALIE COACH GAIL™ focuses on safety, decision-making and age-appropriate confidence instead of treating every goal or save as a verdict.
U7–U9: Build confidence
Find the puck and centre of the goal; avoid chasing far outside the crease.
Practice for U7–U9
Set up one controlled situation that illustrates depth control and positioning. Ask the Goalie what they notice, practise the next action with suitable difficulty, then pause for one helpful correction. Repeat at a safe pace and assess the choice as well as the outcome. Keep it playful and reward participation.
U10–U12: Establish a reliable habit
Arrive square and stop under control, adjusting position with puck movement.
Practice for U10–U12
Set up one controlled situation that illustrates depth control and positioning. Ask the Goalie what they notice, practise the next action with suitable difficulty, then pause for one helpful correction. Repeat at a safe pace and assess the choice as well as the outcome. Encourage a consistent cue before adding pressure.
U13–U15: Understand the play
Choose depth by considering potential passes, screens and recovery space.
Practice for U13–U15
Set up one controlled situation that illustrates depth control and positioning. Ask the Goalie what they notice, practise the next action with suitable difficulty, then pause for one helpful correction. Repeat at a safe pace and assess the choice as well as the outcome. Ask the Player to explain why different situations demand different choices.
U16–U18: Refine decisions
Adapt depth efficiently to layered threats and changing game situations.
Practice for U16–U18
Set up one controlled situation that illustrates depth control and positioning. Ask the Goalie what they notice, practise the next action with suitable difficulty, then pause for one helpful correction. Repeat at a safe pace and assess the choice as well as the outcome. Review the decision under realistic but manageable pressure, and compare patterns over multiple practices.
For Hockey Parents and Coaches
Keep comments specific and constructive. The child’s readiness, enjoyment, safety and development matter more than a single score. Give the Goalie room to learn through appropriate repetitions and a clear next step.
GOALIE COACH GAIL™ — Takeaway
One subject, four Minor Hockey age groups and one practical improvement to revisit in the next practice.
LEARN WHEN IT FITS YOUR LIFE.™
