The Goalie’s Attitude: Body Language and a Growth Mindset
The Goalie’s Attitude: Body Language and a Growth Mindset October 12, 2025 A goalie’s attitude is a reflection of their...
Read More →
The Goalie’s Mindset: Basic Health for Peak Performance
October 4, 2025
As a lacrosse goalie, your performance in the cage is not just about physical skill; it’s also a product of your mental and physical health. This mental checklist starts with the absolute basics, because without a solid foundation, you cannot perform at your best.
You can spend all day on the wall, get extra shots after every practice, and watch every motivational video in the world. However, if you do not take care of your most essential and basic health, all of this preparation will go to waste.
This may seem like a silly blog post to make, but I cannot tell you how many goalies I’ve worked with who simply ignore these basic health recommendations. They complain about having a poor mindset and slow reaction time, but then I ask them how many hours of sleep they get per night and they respond with “5 hours”. Of course you’re struggling with your mindset if you’re sleeping for 5 hours a night!
Here’s a quick run through of the basic health items you should have absolutely dialed in as a high performance athlete (yes, goalies are athletes too!):
Sleep
Sleep is the most powerful performance enhancer available to any athlete. While many adults aim for 7-8 hours, research shows that athletes specifically need 8-9 hours of sleep per night to allow their bodies and minds to fully recover. Prioritizing sufficient sleep is a non-negotiable part of your training.
Water
Hydration is a crucial component of athletic performance. Sufficient water intake has been proven to increase performance and also helps your muscles avoid injury. Aim for 3 liters (0.75 gallons) of water or more every day. Make hydration a daily habit, not just a game-day one.
Nutrition
While everyone responds differently to certain diets, the basic principle is to eat clean and eat sufficiently. Overeating and undereating both have a significant negative impact on your performance. A general guideline is to have protein-heavy meals after training to aid muscle recovery, and simple carbohydrates right before and during your training for energy. The rest of your meals should be a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
By focusing on these foundational health habits, you are not only taking care of your body but also setting your mind up for success.
Have Any Questions ?
We know every goalie’s journey is different. If you have questions about training, packages, or what’s best for your game, we’d love to help.