'The Tryout Process: How Goalies Can Prepare and Excel
Build a Plan, Control the Details, and Execute with Confidence
Tryouts are a challenging yet exciting opportunity for goalies to showcase themselves. It’s the ultimate test of mental toughness, skill performance, and preparation.
Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, preparing for tryouts is about more than just showing up and stopping pucks. It’s about having a plan, focusing on controllable details, and stepping onto the ice with confidence.
Here’s a breakdown of what a goalie’s preparation for tryouts should look like:
- Keep Your Mind on the Process
Tryouts can be a high-pressure environment so it’s important to approach them with a calm and confident mindset.
- Set realistic goals. Prioritize effort, attitude, and compete level over results.
- Control what you can. You can’t dictate who’s watching or what drills they run, but you can control your focus, body language, and work ethic.
- Trust your preparation. Let go of distractions and stay locked in on executing your game.
- Fine Tune Your Execution Essentials
In the weeks leading up to tryouts, sharpen the key areas of your game.
- Technical Form. Ensure your technical alignment is strong and stable. Smooth transitions and controlled recoveries go a long way.
- Functional Transitions. Work on technical efficiency so that your footwork, recoveries, and crease movements look smooth and explosive.
- See The Play. Stay focused on reacting to the puck and avoid overthinking what decision-makers might be evaluating.
- Rebound Control. Control or direct rebounds to safe areas. Coaches notice goalies who manage pucks well.
- Pre-Tryout Routine
On the day of tryouts, routine is your anchor.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to get ready to step on the ice.
- Warm-up properly. Get your mind and body ready to react and execute.
- Focus on your game. Don’t worry about other goalies. Stay locked in on your effort and execution.
So What Do Coaches Look For?
Coaches evaluate more than just save percentage; they focus on execution, character, and compete level. They look for a goalie who moves efficiently while transitioning with explosive acceleration.
Beyond the technical ability, they look for confident body language and resilience under pressure. Coaches want a goalie who competes on every shot, fights through adversity, and displays strong work ethic.
Tryouts aren’t about being perfect—they’re about being prepared. Put in the work early, focus on what you can control, and show up as the best version of yourself.
And remember: You can’t make the team on the first day, but you can make a great impression.
🚨 Need help getting ready for your next tryout? The Goalie Toolbox is designed to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence before you hit the ice. Reach out to learn more!