Episode 3: Dillon Ward - The indoor and outdoor Pro

In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Dylan Ward, one of the most accomplished goalies in lacrosse. A Team Canada gold medalist, World Championship MVP, National Lacrosse League star, and Major League Lacrosse professional, Dylan shares the experiences that helped shape him into one of the game's best goalies.

Growing up in Orangeville, Ontario, Dylan explains how starting in box lacrosse built the foundation for his success in field lacrosse. He discusses his development as a goalie, his training philosophy, and the lessons he's learned competing at the highest levels of both the indoor and outdoor game.

In This Episode

Dylan explains why box lacrosse gave him an advantage as a field goalie and why every young goalie should play both versions of the game if possible. He discusses the importance of seeing the ball, staying patient, using proper positioning, and relying on consistent habits instead of guessing.

The conversation also covers goalie development, flexibility, reaction training, mental toughness, coaching younger goalies, and how to stay confident through slumps, backup roles, and difficult games.

Key Takeaways

Box lacrosse develops elite goalie skills. Dylan believes the close-range shots, faster pace, and increased repetitions in box lacrosse helped develop the reactions and instincts that translated directly to his field game.

Always see the ball. One of Dylan's biggest keys is tracking the ball from the shooter's stick all the way into the save. Guessing before the shot often leads to poor positioning and unnecessary goals.

Use your size to your advantage. At 6-foot-5, Dylan explains why taller goalies should stay big, remain on their feet, and force shooters to hit perfect corners instead of crouching unnecessarily.

Stay present after every goal. Dylan emphasizes that great goalies don't dwell on goals they've allowed. The only shot that matters is the next one.

Flexibility is just as important as strength. While explosive training is important, Dylan credits stretching, yoga, and mobility work as essential parts of staying healthy and making athletic saves.

Every goalie has a different style. As a coach, Dylan believes goalies shouldn't all be taught the exact same technique. Instead, coaches should help each goalie maximize their own strengths.

Topics Covered

• Growing up playing box lacrosse in Canada

• Why Dylan became a goalie

• The differences between box and field lacrosse

• How box lacrosse improves field goalies

• Tips for taller goalies

• Playing a flatter arc and using positioning

• The importance of tracking the ball

• Reaction drills and goalie-specific training

• Flexibility and yoga for goalies

• Advice Dylan would give his younger self

• The value of getting more reps

• Learning from watching elite goalies

• Handling backup goalie responsibilities

• Getting out of goalie slumps

• Pregame preparation and routines

• Mental toughness and staying present

• Coaching goalies with different styles

• Common mistakes young goalies make

• Dylan's current stick setup

Memorable Moments

Dylan shares how he accidentally became a goalie after his team's original goalie quit just before the provincial tournament, leading his coaches to put the hockey goalie in the crease.

He explains why he believes the differences between box and field goalie are much smaller than most people think, saying the biggest changes are simply the equipment and hand position.

Dylan also discusses why he rarely drops to his knees on low shots, preferring to stay on his feet, trust his positioning, and react to the ball instead of guessing.

One of his favorite reaction drills involves catching colored tennis balls while processing verbal commands, forcing both his eyes and brain to react at game speed.

Guest

Dylan Ward is a professional lacrosse goalie who has starred in both the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse. He helped Team Canada win the 2014 World Lacrosse Championship, earning Outstanding Goalie honors, tournament MVP, and a spot on the All-World Team. Widely regarded as one of the best goalies in the sport, Dylan also coaches youth goalies and continues to develop the next generation of players.

Resources Mentioned

• LAX Goalie Rat Camp: laxgoalierat.com/goal

• Warrior Nemesis goalie head

• Warrior Crypto shaft

• East Coast Dyes mesh

• Denver Elite Lacrosse

• Colorado Mammoth Summer Lacrosse Camp

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the LAX Goalie Rat Camp. The online camp includes over 80 videos covering every aspect of the goalie position—from technical fundamentals and mental toughness to conditioning, defensive communication, and more than 47 drills designed to help goalies improve faster.

Learn more at laxgoalierat.com/goal.

Closing

Dylan's message is clear: great goalies don't rely on guessing or flashy saves—they build consistent habits, stay mentally present, and never stop learning. Whether you're playing box, field, or both, mastering the fundamentals, trusting your preparation, and putting in the reps will help you become a more confident and complete goalie.