Make your hips and knees feel better | GOALIE PAD ADJUSTMENT

[@larivierejf]

Don't know if you read these but thanks so much! You just saved me from buying new equipment and learn how to modify my GT2!

[@goalietraining]

I absolutely do read each and every one of them - so glad to save you some $$ and keep those GT2s in action!

[@joeatch2]

Paw just made me a great set of knee block padding to increase the height

[@goalietraining]

Awesome! Glad to hear it, it will make a big difference!

[@SaZooCaballero]

Always good! Always helpful!

[@goalietraining]

Thanks for that - happy to help!

[@rockyricci5391]

I made the switch to Pro Laces a few months ago, and my hips have zero pain now. I was using laces for almost 20 years and was very hesitant to use elastic ties. But wow, what a difference! I wish I made the switch a lot sooner.

[@goalietraining]

It is surprising isn't it. I thought it would feel odd at first too, but it is a pretty seamless transition isn't it? Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@DG-BB]

You are so smart and educated in the ways of flexion and extension. I started goaltending in 1977...I wish I had your knowledge back then.

[@goalietraining]

And you probably wish you had the synthetic goalie pads back then too - - and something other than a face-plate to protect you from the puck. Oh how times have changed!

[@DG-BB]

@@goalietraining tech didn't matter back then I would have played naked. As long as I matched my teams intensity I accepted all the injuries, bruises. Win or lose we experienced it together...a team. Upsets, championships, fights and celebrations ...we experienced together. I miss that.

[@goalietraining]

@@DG-BB Spoken like a true blue goalie!! Your team was lucky to have you.

[@andygb4]

First of all, both sets of pads look AMAZING. Perfectly match my team's colors too haha. And second, I'm probably just repeating what everyone else has said, but thank you for all your hard work. I've been using a higher knee stack for a little while and it's made a big difference.

[@goalietraining]

You are very welcome Andy - I appreciate your kind words. So glad the knee stack is feeling better and that you like my colour scheme - I love it too!

[@Sizzle416]

I just switched to pro laces recently after using skate laces for my whole life. What a difference maker!

[@goalietraining]

HUGE difference eh? To be honest I like the tradition of the skate lace, but the performance and feel of the bungee makes it a no brainer. Thanks for sharing your experience Michael.

[@Dante_8183]

I switched to elastic toe ties and immediately felt the difference. Less torque on my toes and found the mobility better

[@goalietraining]

Yes, it makes quite a difference doesn't it Sam. I also feel like my pads rotate out of my butterfly with me better than when I used skate laces. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Dante_8183]

I will also see if I can add some foam to my knee stacks. Thanks for the tip

[@goalietraining]

@@Dante_8183 You are welcome Sam.

[@RickReedPhD]

I think the Prolaces have helped me. They certainly make putting on my pads easier. :)

[@goalietraining]

Don't they just Rick? Even just for that, they are worth it.

[@kirkstephens1441]

I'll echo a lot of the comments on here. I switched to the ProLaces you recommended several videos ago and they've made life in the locker room easier and helped me with my butterfly on the ice. I think they also helped reduce fatigue in my legs when getting into the 3rd period. Just an observation. Kirk

[@goalietraining]

Thanks for chiming in Kirk! Gear is so personal, that it really is helpful for goalies to read these comments from others to help them make informed decisions. Thanks for being a great contributor here!

[@justicepie314]

Definitely putting these into effect. I’ve only been using bungee ties so I don’t have anything to compare it to. I did tie some cord around the bungee near the toe bridge to create some slack. Haven’t used them yet but I’m hoping it helps. Also crafting some pads to increase the knee stack. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@goalietraining]

You are most welcome - let me know how the changes feel.

[@thecaptain198]

I still have my original elastic toe tie from my Warrior G2. It's stretched out and it helps a lot. Originally, it was too tight and was pulling my toes up and hurting. I started carrying my pads from the toe tie and they stretched. It's amazing today. I would definitely recommend toe ties.

[@goalietraining]

Yeah, it's all about finding that sweet spot isn't it. I had a set of Bauer pads and the bungee was SO loose, it didn't feel like anything. Liking the elastic toe tie on my new warriors - - don't they make awesome pads? I love them.

[@thecaptain198]

They do. Sadly their design didn't continue to be as great. Loved the G2. I'm thinking of switching to Bauer. They're so pretty. I'll need to try them.

[@goalietraining]

@@thecaptain198 That's part of the fun of being a goalie - trying different gear. I didn't fancy the Bauers, they just didn't suit me. You might also want to consider the CCM Axis pads, I have some 1.9s that I really like. Here's a video review I made of those - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3zGYZl_n5qDiK8

[@ceickhoff]

Hi Maria, Thanks for all your valuable goalie videos. I am now using the Travsucks 4 Prolaces. I find that they hold my pads up higher on my skates which makes it easier to get contact with the skate blade into the ice. This allows for more control and better pushes. Previous to those, I was using the elastic toe ties that came with my Kenesky pads. The Prolaces were a step up from the simpler, shorter toe ties.

[@goalietraining]

Awesome - thanks for sharing that! I'm a huge fan of the Prolaces - I was using them with my previous Warrior pads and they were so durable and I didn't feel they really stretched out much over time either.

[@illg0d]

I switched to elastic cord long ago and never thought about lace ties again. I make my own! Places like REI in the northwest carry elastic cord in different sizes by the bulk. Super cheap so if going diy I suggest checking out local suppliers.

[@goalietraining]

That's a great idea! and then you can get the length and tension you specifically want.

[@markasao9617]

Hi Maria.....I switched to Pro Laces from regular skate laces a couple of years ago and much prefer the Pro Laces. I like how the Pro Laces provide a snugger stand up feel as i used to leave a 2" lead with the skate laces to reduce stress, which made it feel a bit looser. As mentioned the Pro Laces relieves stress off the knees and hips. The velcro gives a much quicker and neater method to secure.

[@goalietraining]

Agreed. I used to have a pretty long leash when I used a skate lace too and the pads felt a little floppy out there. Thanks for sharing your experience Mark - appreciate it!

[@jackrice1419]

Switched to Pro Laces after you had mentioned them on a previous video. Absolutely love them. Used to use laces and also used toe clips for a while too. For the reasons you mention in this video, I find the Pro Laces a lot easier on my body

[@goalietraining]

Another ProLace fan - thanks for sharing your experience with a few different options Jack - appreciate it!

[@Hockeygeek35]

I have somewhat elastic skate laces. Works great

[@goalietraining]

Yeah I think elastic toe ties are a great upgrade over a regular skate lace.

[@Hockeygeek35]

@@goalietraining mine are skate lace but they are stretchy somehow...

[@jimmulchahey1528]

I have bought two sets of the PRO laces. Both set got under my blade while playing and cut both of them. I think from going down into my butterfly they flipped under. I do have an the twist for the skate laces with no issues.

[@goalietraining]

Wow - that is wild! I've had my same pair for about 3 years :) I wonder if there was somehow too much slack? That would be frustrating for sure - glad you found something that feels good for you though Jim.

[@bfish9700]

I prefer the prolaces to the warrior just because easier to put on. I do really like the warrior elastic boot strap because I feel like it keeps me on the block. That craft foam is a great idea, might get some velcro stickers to go over the tape so everything is sticky.

[@goalietraining]

I think that is a great idea to add some velcro - - look at us getting all crafty!

[@ecutler6261]

Like your tendy tips! Use and prefer the pro laces. Also use the G4 pads, and have upgraded with the G6 sliders, amazing difference. Thanks.

[@goalietraining]

Isn't it an incredible difference - wow!! I love the pro-laces too!

[@davidlesey131]

Moved from laces to the warrior clip. Didn't like undoing them. Changed pads and tried the toe hook and my knees and hips have been happy ever since. I found the knee stack with the vecro at a source for sports and it was an easy fit for my CCM Extreme. Peace Go Bruins 😁

[@goalietraining]

Good luck to your Bruins the rest of the way David - - maybe they don't need luck, they are looking good. Definitely your hips and knees will thank you for making the switch. I agree, sometimes the clip can be a little tricky, but now that I am used to it, I just get the gate of the clip wide open and then I hook it in. Those hooks sound nice and easy too.

[@nbenallo33]

Love that lightweight hoodie!! Do you sell any apparel online at all??

[@goalietraining]

Thanks Nick - I'm a huge fan of the lightweight hoodie myself. I don't sell any of my apparel - but there will be some lightweight hoodies waiting for the goalies attending my Turning Pro Training Camp this May :)

[@AnthonyJTa]

I never thought to wear the G-Form knee pads underneath everything! I have a pair for mountain biking and they're clutch when I'm skating without equipment and helping out my daughter's team.

[@goalietraining]

They make a big difference - I was surprised when I started using them.

[@mtlgoalie62]

I was using the ProLaces that came with my Lefevre pads, but had too much tension, so I switched to the longer ProLaces 2.0 version which were better, but still a lot of tension, so now I use the PGS hockey toe ties which have a lot less tension and a more uniform tension. Knee stacks are available from Passau. I had bought a set for my Reebok XLTs.

[@goalietraining]

Thanks for the tip on the knee stacks from Passau - should have known they would have something like that. It can be a little tough finding just the right tension on those toe ties can't it? Glad you found what works for you and thanks for sharing.

[@mtlgoalie62]

@goalietraining Yes it is. Have to have enough tension to put the pads back to center, but not too tight so that it outs tension on knees and ankles. Experiment, experiment, experiment.

[@goalietraining]

@@mtlgoalie62 Agreed - sometimes you don't even know something isn't quite working right until you do a little experimenting.

[@mtlgoalie62]

@goalietraining And I have found that the best way to learn and correct is with some video. Film yourself with an action cam, or even your phone and try to watch in slow motion what happens and make adjustments.

[@goalietraining]

@@mtlgoalie62 Great point - isn't it amazing how what you FEEL you are doing can be very different from what you are actually DOING.

[@bravestender]

I have had pro laces on my last 3 sets. But I've noticed that the longer hybrids worked diff that the standard hybrid with the soft cord. Longer ones kept leading to under rotation. Going to give lace another shot since it's what I've used forever.

[@goalietraining]

Just make sure you add some knots to that skate lace to reduce some of the torque. I have always used the standard length ProLaces, they have always worked great for me, so I've never felt compelled to get the longer ones.

[@bravestender]

@@goalietraining the standard ones don't really work too well with true one piece skates, so I had to get the longer ones. Also I use to tie about 3-4 Inches of slack from the bridge to the corner of the toe of the pad. Double knot at the bride and double knot where the skate toe is.

[@goalietraining]

@@bravestender oh yeah those skates have different type of cutouts don't they?

[@macmasks]

I just switched back to skate laces from the elastic toe ties (with plenty of slack). The elastic felt like it was pulling my foot on external rotation and causing some hip pain. Maybe I cut the elastic too short and made it too tight but it was cheaper to go back to skate lace than buy new elastic again.

[@goalietraining]

Yes, if it was pulling you into tibial ER, then it was too tight, but if you are happy with the lace and it feels good, then that's what matters.

[@williamhanifan9530]

I've heard a lot of people talk about how the skate-lace toe-ties help them get out of the RVH quicker. They claim the elastic-style toe-ties delay the movement out of that position. I wonder if that's true or if people are experiencing a placebo effect. I've used the elastic-style for years now, and prefer the convenience in putting the pad on and how they re-center the pad upon standing up. They do seem to alleviate some strain on the hips.

[@goalietraining]

Hi William - - It would be true, especially if they had a fairly short toe tie. The lace won't 'give' very much so the force is transferred better to the body; mostly for bumping off the post out of the RVH. I don't think it makes much difference for just getting up out of the RVH. Some bungee toe ties are to stretchy in my opinion and it could feel off to someone who's used to a skate lace. But with ones like the ProLaces, I never noticed a difference (but I am a recreational goalie). It would also only be relevant to goalies who go toe-bridge on post for their RVH post-seal. If you are pad in post or skate on post, then it won't matter. I agree with you on the re-centring of the pad when you get out of your butterfly - love that.

[@phishheadalex]

I am interested to hear what you think about the different prolace styles and how they have an effect on butterfly and knee/hip joints.

[@goalietraining]

Do you mean the difference between the really long ones and the standard ones?

[@Justifiedforce]

Switching to pro laces helped my ankles

[@goalietraining]

Yes, it does reduce the torque on your ankles - glad you feel better with the pro laces Rich.

[@Charlie-iz8xp]

Hey Maria! Great video! Can I add some static streches before my warm up? I like to do 4 rounds 15 sec bretzel strech,seated hamstring strech and frog stretch. What do you think about it? Thanks in advance!

[@goalietraining]

Yes, that is all fine as long as it is before your dynamic warm up, you are good to go Charlie!

[@armchaircoach]

Exactly the tips I needed! Just converted my toe ties to elastic. Now if only I had budget to upgrade my old 36in pads... Would you recommend Warrior's over Bauer say GSX for entry level beer league upgrade? I heard warrior is narrower and has less give.

[@goalietraining]

Well, it is such a personal preference type of thing. I tried the Bauer GSX and did not fancy them - here's my experience with them - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIi9kHR5q82eas0 I really like my CCM Axis 1.9's - - here's a review on those - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3zGYZl_n5qDiK8 But my warriors are still my favourite. And these new ones are STIFF, but I don't notice it at all when I am playing or skating, they feel great and those sliding plates - - oh la la! Wow! Hope this helps.

[@afireinside33110]

I'm about 10 games in with the elastic toe ties. Definitely feels better but I'm having some rotation problems.

[@goalietraining]

Yes, it can take a little fiddling to get them right - too tight or too loose. Stick with it. If you get frustrated with your current set, consider ProLaces - they have a great product.

[@afireinside33110]

@@goalietraining I ended up using a piece of lace then connected to the elastic seems to work better and still keeps the benefits on my knees and ankles will have too see during a game

[@goalietraining]

@@afireinside33110 That's a good idea - best of both worlds.

[@1337r33t]

Will a higher knee block raise the toe of the pad?

[@goalietraining]

No, it will not.

[@1337r33t]

@@goalietraining thanks as you replied I did a demo with my leg and realized it not only does what you say in regards to the hip but it actually keeps the ankle down

[@goalietraining]

@@1337r33t Woohooo! That's a win!

[@shaejerczynski6833]

The toe ties where creating hip ankle and knee pain for me so I switched to a lace and it is all gone now for the most part other than the normal of being a goalie

[@goalietraining]

It’s alway important to find what feels best for you.

[@mossey3535]

Hi Maria, I am looking at upgrading from Eflex 3's which are pretty bare bones in the leg channel. I've bought pads like that all my life. Now shopping around I see stuff like the bauers with the removable calf pads...does having a calf pad undo the benefits of having a higher knee block and then building more height with a foam riser and/or knee pads as you show here?

[@goalietraining]

Great question and I had a concern about that calf pad when I first saw it because I was worried it would hold the lower leg up higher if you know what I mean. So I went to have a look for myself and that calf pad material is quite soft, so the calf can sink into it nicely. I think it more cradles and supports, but I don't think it would impact the benefits of a higher knee stack. Good luck with the new pads, hope you love them!

[@mossey3535]

@@goalietraining Thanks so much! Still have to save for them though. 😐Thanks for all the videos, I am an OG customer from back in the 2010 RRGT days!

[@goalietraining]

@@mossey3535 ha ha - that is definite OG customer status! Thanks for being such a loyal follower, I appreciate it. Get that piggy bank topped up and get those new pads!!

[@lilburtonboy7489]

It looks like you can't access that part of the knee stack on the later warrior pads? I have the G6 and can't figure out how to add height to them. Any ideas? Thanks!

[@goalietraining]

Hmmmm - I am travelling right now for work, but when I get home I will have a look. That would be sad.

[@matthickok6635]

@@goalietraining I would greatly appreciate that -- safe travels!

[@goalietraining]

I just looked at my G6s and they have velcro where you can open the knee stack. It isn't exactly the same as the GT2s, but if you look at where the slide plate velcros on, you can open that all up.

[@matthickok6635]

@@goalietraining Thanks for following up! Unfortunately, I think the difference isn't the generation but rather the E+ vs Pro +. I have the G6 E+ and it looks like that area is sewn shut.

[@goalietraining]

@@matthickok6635 Hey Matt - I was just messing around with my G6s yesterday (they are intermediate, but not PRO model) and the knee stack opens up just like the ones in this video. That's how you are able to add or remove the plastic knee sliders.

[@Whiteknight0721]

If you tie a double knot with about 2.5 inches of loose lace it’s the same affect without all the knots later .

[@goalietraining]

Yes, great point Michael.

[@jimjones9100]

Hi Maria, Have GT2 pads, love the lightness & the slide - using the ProLAce Trav long bungees thru the back hole of the cowling & back up on top of skate - found that I do not have any issues on knees, ankles, hips - when I used the shorter ties (Pro Lace also & other mfg as well) i found soreness in those 3 area even if i crossed over 2 Xs at the toe, or no cross overs. Wearing flexible knee support on both knees under the knee pads (similar to a sleeve Tensor knee wrap) - so no layer for the goal pads,however find no problems with soreness there either, or hips. Don't have major knee issues (strain occasionally & taking physio ) but want to have support & still be flexible - may try the additional pad at the knee stack just to see if it helps on even more height- but... any issue on perhaps going too high on the knee stack ?? any comment welcome if u wish

[@goalietraining]

I think if you get the knee stack too high, then it just won't feel good on the ice - like the top corners of your pads will be getting hung up. But otherwise you should be fine (within reason).

[@thepetesmith]

Broke ankle clean with a lace. Will never use them again.

[@goalietraining]

Oh my goodness - so sorry to hear that. I hope you've recovered from that Pete.

[@thepetesmith]

@@goalietraining The only lesson I’d like to pass on is the danger of these air boots they give you. Don’t pump it tight. I did and got blood clots in my leg that were way more dangerous than the break. The boot doesn’t need to be tight and keep the movement and blood flowing.

[@goalietraining]

@@thepetesmith Yes, for sure it is important that you are not restricting the blood flow, but I can see that it might almost feel good to snug it up at the start. Hope everything is good now.

[@lindylou6694]

Your local hardware store sells bungee cord on a roll for a fraction of the price of pro laces. Don’t be a money wasting mark.

[@goalietraining]

And then you make the velcro tabs yourself? That is very crafty :)

[@lindylou6694]

@@goalietraining Yes, I actually have and I'm not crafty in general. When you look at the designs, and then make an effort, it's a pretty easy DYI project. Although, I also know how to tie a butterfly knot. And that is some expert level craftsmanship 🙄

[@goalietraining]

@@lindylou6694 ha ha - super crafty :)