by Kevin Woodley
Michael Lawrence introduced us to his concept of a “Holding Feet” stance two weeks ago with a breakdown and explanation video that detailed how it built on the popular concept of adopting a narrow stance by eliminating problems associated with it.
Lawrence, who is currently with the OHL Sudbury Wolves after 10 years in Switzerland’s top pro league and twice winning the Spengler Cup with Canada, followed that up last week with a simple drill designed to get goalies more comfortable with the concept, with the promise of more drills to follow. This is drill 2 of 3, and it incorporates medicine balls.
Before we get to the video, a reminder this series is designed to help goalies find a “Holding Feet” stance that allows them to maintain the benefits associated with a “tall” or “narrow” stance — the ability to maintain good lateral movements being the main one — but still be able to make saves from it, something many are struggling with from a less thoughtful narrow or upright stance. Also, when you hear Lawrence talk about “pushing out” or “drifting” in the video, it’s what others might call “widening” out the stance.
We’ve got more keys and notes below, including talking about how some goalies might be better starting with this rather than last week’s drill, but first watch Part 1 of the video:
Lawrence, who is currently with the OHL Sudbury Wolves after 10 years in Switzerland’s top pro league and twice winning the Spengler Cup with Canada, followed that up last week with a simple drill designed to get goalies more comfortable with the concept, with the promise of more drills to follow. This is drill 2 of 3, and it incorporates medicine balls.
Before we get to the video, a reminder this series is designed to help goalies find a “Holding Feet” stance that allows them to maintain the benefits associated with a “tall” or “narrow” stance — the ability to maintain good lateral movements being the main one — but still be able to make saves from it, something many are struggling with from a less thoughtful narrow or upright stance. Also, when you hear Lawrence talk about “pushing out” or “drifting” in the video, it’s what others might call “widening” out the stance.
We’ve got more keys and notes below, including talking about how some goalies might be better starting with this rather than last week’s drill, but first watch Part 1 of the video:
More from Michael Lawrence

Pro Drills with Michael Lawrence
Drill 3 for Teaching a ‘Holding Feet’ Stance

Pro Drills: getting goalies comfortable in Zone 2
From vision cues, to blade-on-post location, to narrow butterflies, how to get good on a save that gives goalies fits.

Pro Tips with Michael Lawrence
Drill 1 for Teaching a ‘Holding Feet’ Stance

Pro Tips with Michael Lawrence
Improving Patience and Presence with a ‘Holding Feet’ Stance

InGoal Radio Episode 170with Michael Lawrence
presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports
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