Psychologic, situational, and physiologic variables and on-ice performance of youth hockey goalkeepers

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between psychologic, situational, and physiologic variables and on-ice performance of youth hockey goalkeepers.

Design: This study was structured to identify relationships and predictors of goalie performance.

Material and methods: Because athletes playing solo positions in team sports have not been analyzed in depth in terms of precompetition anxiety and because goalkeeper performance is critical to game outcome, we undertook a study of 43 goalies at a hockey camp. These goalies completed psychometric inventories to assess trait and state anxiety, confidence, life stress, and social support. Holter monitors measured heart rate while the goalies rotated through on-ice stations. Goalies were videotaped at the puck-shooting machine station, and performance (percent saves) was calculated.

Results: Trait (somatic) anxiety and positive mood state (ability to share) had different but significant relationships with on-ice performance. Heart rates ranged from 88 to 208 beats/min at the on-ice stations. Mean heart rate for older goalies (14 to 18 years of age) was 164 beats/min at the puck-shooting machine and 176 beats/min at other stations such as the slap-shot station.

Conclusion: Older goalies performed well at a high level of arousal. Better performing goalies were more experienced, had faster heart rates "in the net," and had lower scores on all measures of anxiety.