NHL goaltenders use a variety of techniques to prepare for an upcoming game. Whether it’s playing soccer or bouncing a tennis ball, the goal is to visualize the start, loosen up and focus on the task ahead. Most methods are fairly straightforward. Then there’s Braden Holtby’s approach.
Here’s a fun clip of Holtby’s visualization routine on game day.
The visualizations don’t end once the game starts. Here’s a look at another eye exercise Holtby uses during games which reportedly assist in tracking the puck.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/595406035344568320
This is pretty fascinating. Visualization techniques are used by other players in the NHL, but none of them seem to compare to Holtby’s pre-game and in-game routines. The in-game method looks particularly demonic and it’s be pretty interesting to learn the science behind the practice.
