What does it take to become an elite lacrosse goalie?
In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with former Major League Lacrosse star and University of Virginia assistant coach Kip Turner.
Kip reflects on his journey from being the youngest of five siblings—constantly thrown into the cage during backyard games—to becoming one of the game's top goalies and now coaching the next generation at Virginia.
The conversation covers goalie fundamentals, anticipation, communication, mental resilience, recruiting, and the habits that separate good goalies from great ones. Kip also shares the technical coaching points he teaches every day, the role of other sports in goalie development, and why consistency starts long before the ball is shot.
Whether you're a youth goalie, high school player, college athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can bring to your next practice.
In This Episode
- Kip's path from backyard sports to collegiate and professional lacrosse
- Why playing multiple sports creates better goalies
- How his unique stance and aggressive hand position developed
- The "Two Plane Goalie" philosophy
- Why anticipation is critical at the highest level
- The importance of keeping your hands in front of your body
- Coaching "thumb, eyeball, ball" for better tracking
- Why getting your head behind the ball improves save technique
- Training with ping pong, racquetball, and running
- Building consistency through communication
- Running an organized defense from the crease
- Resetting mentally after giving up goals
- Books that helped shape Kip's mental game
- Reviewing film to improve body language and confidence
- What college coaches actually look for when recruiting goalies
- Why warm-up habits reveal a goalie's mindset
- Leadership traits that separate elite goalies
Key Takeaways
Athleticism Starts with Playing Multiple Sports
Kip believes one of the biggest advantages young goalies can have is developing overall athleticism through sports like tennis, racquetball, hockey, and basketball. Those skills naturally transfer to movement, reactions, and hand-eye coordination in the crease.
Become a "Two Plane Goalie"
One of Kip's signature coaching concepts is separating the stick and the body into two different planes. By keeping the hands extended in front of the body instead of collapsing inward, goalies can attack the ball more aggressively and eliminate unnecessary movement.
See the Ball Better
Kip teaches a simple visual cue:
Thumb → Eyeball → Ball
Keeping these three aligned helps goalies stay locked onto the ball throughout the shooter's motion instead of watching the player's body or stick.
Move Your Head to the Ball
One of Kip's biggest coaching points is getting your head behind every save, especially during warm-ups. When your head moves behind the ball, your shoulders, hips, and feet naturally follow, creating better balance and technique.
Communication Creates Consistency
Consistency isn't only about making saves.
Great goalies communicate constantly, organize their defense, direct slides, and help create the types of shots they want to face.
Favorite Quotes
"Trust yourself."
"Do your job."
"Just make the next save."
"Consistency comes from organization."
"If you get your head behind the ball, everything else follows."
Training Tips from Kip Turner
- Play ping pong to improve reactions and hand-eye coordination.
- Incorporate racquet sports into your offseason training.
- Stay in excellent cardiovascular shape.
- Practice with your hands extended in front of your body.
- Keep your eyes locked on the ball throughout every shot.
- Train yourself to move your head behind every save.
- Focus on communication just as much as save technique.
- Never stop competing after a defensive breakdown.
Mental Performance Lessons
Kip believes elite goalies all possess one critical skill: the ability to reset.
After every goal:
- Allow yourself a brief moment to process it.
- Let it go before the next possession.
- Focus entirely on making the next save.
- Never take frustration out on your defense.
- Control what you can control.
He also recommends reading:
- Mind Gym by Gary Mack
- The Thinking Inside the Crease by Christopher Buck
Both books helped shape his approach to confidence and mental preparation.
Recruiting Advice for Goalies
When evaluating recruits, Kip looks beyond save percentage.
He pays close attention to:
- Athleticism
- Fearlessness
- Hand speed
- Outlet passing
- Defensive communication
- Warm-up habits
- Leadership
- Presence in the crease
- Ability to organize the clear
- Overall competitiveness
One of the first things he watches is how a goalie warms up. Energy, focus, and attention to detail often reveal more than game film alone.
About Kip Turner
Kip Turner is a former Major League Lacrosse goalkeeper and former standout at the University of Virginia. Following his playing career, he joined Virginia's coaching staff, where he mentors collegiate goalies and helps recruit the next generation of talent. Known for his technical expertise and unique coaching style, Kip continues to teach goalies through camps and clinics across the country.
Who Should Listen
This episode is perfect for:
- Youth lacrosse goalies
- High school and college goalkeepers
- Goalie coaches
- Parents of developing goalies
- Players interested in improving their mental game
- Athletes preparing for college recruiting
If you enjoyed this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a review, and share this episode with another goalie looking to elevate their game.
