The Initial Position

The foundation to become a successful goalie is a good initial position. It is the starting point of each action. The correct initial position helps you to:

• act faster
• stay balanced
• be always ready for the save in a comfortable position

That’s why you should start to internalize the initial position before you improve your movements. We always like to compare the learning of goal tending with the building of a house. You can’t build it if the foundation is rotten.

How to do it?
The initial position of the floorball goalie is on the knees.

• Legs:
• Knees are placed shoulder wide and the weight of your body is distributed equally on your knees
• The feet are unloaded to react quicker
• Feet are closed to avoid tunnels – knees and feet should form a triangle>/li>



• Upper Body:
• Straight back and lean forward
• Push the hip backwards to stay balanced
• The core area has to be in line with the knees
• A very simple trick to get in the correct position with the hip is if you do a fist, place it on your heel (toes are on the floor and heel straight) and “sit” on it with the butt. Once you have the position move your fist away. You will realize that it takes a lot of body tension.
• Shoulders and knees are on the same level – ensure a balanced position
• If shoulders are above the knees, you will lose balance and tip over
• If shoulders are behind the knees, a part of your body weight is distributed on the feet which limits your flexibility and movement
• The big advantage of the lean forwarded body is the massive increase of rebound control
• This is derived from the idealized condition angle of incidence equal to the angle of reflexion
• It minimizes the recoil of the ball to the shooter and helps you to avoid additional dangerous situations in front of your goal



• Arms:
• Hands are open and facing forward
• The upper and lower arm form a right angle or greater
• Elbows are placed in front of your body
• Ensure this position by using a stick as tool. Just stick it between your armpits (s. picture below in the gallery)
• Twist your arm a bit to the side that upper and lower arm and hands cover different parts of the goal

The following pictures will underline this description and help you to follow our explanation: