GDI provides world-class instruction and mentoring to goaltenders with a broad range of skill sets, from beginners to professionals. As each athlete progresses in his development, GDI moves the netminder into the next level of the training progression. Thanks to this structured development, goalies get the instruction they need at the right stages of their development, all building to each athlete's level of optimum performance. The skills progression includes INTRO1, ADV2, HP3 and P4. Beyond our curriculum for these four skill levels, we provide highly customized consulting for professional-level goalkeepers.
INTRODUCTION TO GOALTENDING
During INTRO1 training, goaltenders build a strong technical foundation in each of the three primary fundamental skill groups. These skill groups include position-specific movement, basic positioning and a goalie's initial save assets. These fundamentals are critical to the future development of every goalkeeper.
The INTRO1 program follows a half-day summer-camp format. This shorter format ensures that beginners remain focused on the program curriculum. Additionally, GDI provides INTRO1 instruction at our various Satellite Training Centers through 24-week winter or summer curriculum. With exceptions allowed for proven younger athletes, goaltenders under the age of 9 must begin GDI training at the INTRO1 level.
ADVANCED
As athletes progress to ADV2 training, they refine their technical skills and take their positional and post-save game to a higher standard. These areas frequently hold the most potential for technical gains. Improving mobility, shot preparation and post-save efficiency leads directly to greater, performance consistency.
In this second stage of the progression, GDI introduces goalies to a more sophisticated approach to their development not only through the technical work but also as they assess both sides of the puck. Teaching goaltenders to read a play effectively improves key read-and-react skills.
ADV2 training is offered in GDI's regional summer camps and at our Satellite Training Centers in 24-week programs.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
HP3 is the third phase in the GDI teaching progression. This program hones tactical and transitional skills and expedites a goaltender's physiological and psychological development.
During HP3, GDI analyzes and integrates shot preparation and positional play into each goalie's style of play. Teaching netminders to integrate highly efficient down mobility, GDI calibrates the athlete's "up" game with their "down" game. These and other modern methodologies covered in HP3 represent the forefront of goaltender development.
GDI conducts HP3 training at its regional summer camps and at its Satellite Training Centers located throughout North America. Goaltenders must have outstanding technical skill and be in superior athletic condition prior to registering for the HP3 program. Also, participants must be at least 12 years old.
PROSPECT
For P4-level goaltenders, we provide the most advanced tactical, positional and transitional training available to young athletes. Unique among the world's training programs, GDI's exclusive education/repetition/simulation (ERS) teaching system ensures optimal at-camp growth and evaluation.
During the first session (Education) of the ERS system, we help goaltenders fine-tune exceptional movement mechanics and establish a strong understanding of technical components. In the second session (Repetition), we expose the goaltender to high repetitions of the concepts. These repetitions give each goalie the opportunity to make real change in their technical response. Finally, in the third session (Simulation), the goaltender participates in real games. This gives goalies the opportunity to respond spontaneously in a game environment and gives GDI instructors the opportunity to evaluate each goaltender in dynamic game situations.
The primary emphasis of the P4 progression is not merely to test technical assets but to mentor each athlete in their instinctive, competitive and anticipatory skills sets. This is what sets GDI's P4 program apart as the world's best training curriculum for prospect-level netminders.
The P4 curriculum is available only at the National Development Camp.
PRO CONSULTING
GDI is recognized around the globe as a leader in the development of career-minded goaltenders.
Athletes, coaches, general managers and agents from the NHL, Minor Pro, Major Junior and NCAA levels rely on GDI for advanced-level development through our renowned consulting division.
With over 100 affiliated goaltenders having played or playing at these levels of the game, GDI consistently guides many of today's top goaltenders.
NOT APPLICABLE
Some GDI programs do not have a progression associated with them. For instance, Private Lesson packages are customized lessons based upon the specific needs of a goaltender and not driven by curriculum-based material. 