Calm in the Crease
A good coach can change a game.
A great coach can change a life.
—John Wooden
About the Book
Calm in the Crease helps coaches, goalies, and parents understand the mental, emotional, and physical sides of the game inside the crease—and beyond.
This guide blends practical drills, emotional insight, and values-based leadership to help:
- Coaches teach calmness under pressure and lead with purpose
- Goalies play with confidence, clarity, and joy
- Parents support their goalies with understanding instead of pressure
- Players strengthen communication, teamwork, and connection
Voices from the Field
There is always room for growth as a coach. Arvak does a great job sharing the very important role of embracing the goalie and how we, as coaches, can engage with them more. The position is unique and oh so important. With a why in mind and pushing us to lead with love specifically for our goalies, all lacrosse coaches should add this to their shelf!
—Amanda Brady, Head Coach, Marriots Ridge High School
“This book perfectly captures everything I’ve always wanted to express to my coaches—especially those who don’t have a deep understanding of the goalie position. It’s written with incredible clarity and broken down in a way that truly helps readers absorb and internalize the information. I genuinely believe this book has the power to revolutionize goalie coaching, introducing a smarter and more complete approach. It not only advocates for the physical side of goaltending but also highlights the importance of the mental game, helping to reduce the mental strain goalies often face.”
—Lucy Davis, High School Goalie
‘Arvak captures the missing link in goalie development. As the coach who guided my daughter from her very start seven years ago to becoming a Division I Ivy League athlete, I can attest he has a unique understanding of the position. This book masterfully addresses the struggles every goalie faces and the inadvertent psychological damage coaches and parents can impose. It goes beyond mechanics, teaching crucial mental resilience and self-coaching—skills critically needed in a position where high-level success still means a 50% save rate. This is essential reading for every lacrosse goalie, coach, and parent.’
—Carl, College Goalie Parent
Coaching the Body, Mind, and Heart of Goalies
Body
Build strength, agility, and confidence through purposeful training.
Coaches learn how to design smarter reps — goalies learn to trust their body under pressure.
Mind
Train the mind to manage pressure, focus with clarity, and stay calm when the game speeds up.
Coaches and goalies develop routines that create faster reads and better reactions.
Heart
Connect passion, purpose, and leadership.
Learn to play — and coach — for something greater than the scoreboard.
Buy One for Your Coach
A good coach changes the game — this book helps them change lives.
Share Calm in the Crease with a coach, parent, or teammate.
Whether you’re a coach, parent, or goalie—
this is where the journey toward calm, confident performance begins.