For many athletes, confidence is a feeling they hope will show up on game day. However, elite lacrosse goalies treat confidence as a systematic result of mental preparation. If you want to remain unshakeable under pressure, you cannot leave your mindset to chance. You must learn to weaponize your mind through strategic visualization.
Visualizing the “Highlight Reel”
Coach Andrew McMinn, a standout at Providence and a two-time Coach of the Year, uses visualization to create a mental highlight reel of absolute dominance. He plays back perfect games in his mind, watching himself make flawless saves, throw pinpoint clears, and own the entirety of the crease. This technique is powerful because it essentially tricks your brain into confidence. By providing your subconscious with visual evidence of your best self, you solidify your belief in your ability to perform.
The “Past Labor” Strategy
Andrew Cook, a two-time High School All-American and now a goalie at Johns Hopkins, takes a different approach by visualizing his past preparation rather than future outcomes. Before every game, he sits in a quiet space and immerses himself in the commitment he has already made. He recalls the painful work: the muscle ache from a thousand drills, the sting of missed shots in practice, and the sound of the ball hitting the rebounder until his arms were numb.
This ritual uses the tangible evidence of past labor as a rock-solid guarantee of current ability. It leaves absolutely no room for doubt because you have already proved to yourself that you have earned the right to stand in that cage.
Timing Your Mental Prep
While some goalies visualize right before the whistle, others start the night before the game.
- The Night Before: Use a distraction-free environment to run through specific game situations, such as directing a challenging clear or being a vocal leader.
- The Game Day: Connect physical sensations to your mental images. If you are doing wall ball, pretend certain situations, like an alley dodge, are occurring and make the save with game-like intensity.
The Purpose of Mental Rehearsal
The goal of these exercises is to move past the point of conscious, analytical thought. When you have mentally and physically rehearsed these moments, your body responds with movements it already knows perfectly. You aren’t just reacting; you are responding with a mind that is clear of expectations and free to operate on instinct.
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.
