Lacrosse Goalie Training 101:Techniques & Drills to Build Elite, Game-Ready Goalies

with Jill Rizzo,
USC Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach/Defensive Coordinator;
Marquette Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach from 2021 to 2024;
2023 Big East Coaching Staff of the Year;
played for Ohio State as a goalie;
saved a program-record 777 shots;
her 203 career ground balls ranks number 2 all time among NCAA players

A dominant goalie isn’t just about quick reflexes—it’s about preparation, positioning, and precision. In this video, former standout collegiate goalie/now college coach Jill Rizzo shares a step-by-step progression designed to sharpen every aspect of your goalie’s game, from warm-up to game-speed execution. Whether you’re training a beginner or refining an elite goalie, this video provides the blueprint for success in the cage.

Build a rock-solid foundation with a proven warm-up routine.
Coach Rizzo starts with a goalie-specific warm-up progression, ensuring players are mentally and physically prepared for action. She covers hand positioning, stick control, and movement efficiency—fundamentals that are often overlooked but critical for success.

Master tracking, reaction time, and crease movement.
Learn how to read shooters and feeders, react instinctively, and control the crease with positioning drills designed to cut down angles and increase save percentage. The video also covers 8-meter shot strategies, teaching goalies how to hold their line and force difficult shots.

Train like you play with competitive team drills.
Coach Rizzo integrates goalies into 7v7 and 8-meter shot scenarios, ensuring they apply their skills in live game situations. The Lovell Drill adds a layer of competition, emphasizing communication with defenders and staying engaged under pressure.

With many useful drills and progressions, this video is packed with techniques, insights, and coaching points to help your goalie react faster, move smarter, and make more saves. Transform your goalie’s game today!

Customer Review: 5 Out of 5 Stars!
“A comprehensive course on both training and playing the goalie position. Your goalie will be ready for game play after this and you will be ready to grow your goalie coach toolbox.” 

79 minutes. 2025.