Welcome to the forums and being a new goalie! Everyone knows goalies are gods of the field:P
Flintching is a natural reaction. This is a drill I learned. Lie down flat on your back with your helmet on. Have a friend take a tennis ball and drop it onto your helmet. Try this for a few days and get back into the net. See if it has changed your reaction towards a ball coming at your head.
I have played a lot of hockey and some boxla goalie. I have taken many shots towards the head. I used to duck but now, I stand my ground.
To your last question. If I understood it properly, you are saying that you are putting your body infront of the ball behind your stick? If so, then just work on taking some shots towards the non-dominant side. Use a tennis ball if you need to. If you cannot find a net and a friend, then go to a flat wall. Stand about a sticks length away. Take the ball and throw it to your non-dominant side. Remember to step towards the ball. With practice, it will become a natural thing.
Good luck and keep us updated!
Dadabhoy
|