LGR 085: Simon Bellamy - Brock University goalie and Founder of Stand Tall Goaltending

October 27 · 1 hr 1 min 48 secs

Transcript

Show notes

Episode Summary

What does it take to become an elite lacrosse goalie when you don't have a goalie coach?

This week on the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with Simon Bellamy, goalie at Brock University and founder of Stand Tall Goaltending, to discuss his unique journey into the crease.

Unlike many Canadian players who grow up with a stick in their hands, Simon didn't pick up lacrosse until age 16. With no dedicated goalie coach and limited resources, he taught himself the position through thousands of reps, countless hours of film study, and an obsessive love for the game.

Simon shares how he became a self-described "YouTube goalie," breaking down highlights, studying mistakes, and developing the mindset that allowed him to progress from complete beginner to one of Canada's top university goalies.

Whether you're a young goalie looking for guidance or a coach working with athletes who don't have access to specialized training, this episode is packed with actionable advice on development, mental toughness, and self-coaching.

In This Episode

How Simon accidentally became a lacrosse goalie at age 16
Why falling in love with the game changed everything
The advantages of being a "self-made" goalie
Learning through YouTube film study and goalie highlights
What goalies can learn by watching goals scored—not just saves made
The importance of self-accountability when you don't have a goalie coach
Walking on to the Carleton University lacrosse team
Lessons learned from competing with another goalie for the starting role
The abundance mindset vs. scarcity mindset in goalie competition
Why Simon transferred to Brock University
Training alongside NLL, PLL, and elite Canadian players
Simon's philosophy of mastering "micro-skills"
How he structures his shooting sessions
Mental habits every goalie should develop
Building Stand Tall Goaltending and coaching goalies individually
Tailoring coaching to each goalie's unique strengths
The three pillars of making saves: hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and muscle memory
Stick setup, pocket preferences, and gear recommendations

Key Takeaways

1. Passion Fuels Development

For Simon, the biggest turning point wasn't a technical adjustment—it was falling in love with lacrosse. Passion made the hard work enjoyable and motivated him to keep improving despite setbacks.

2. Film Study Is a Powerful Teacher

Without a goalie coach, Simon studied game film relentlessly. He watched both save highlights and goal highlights to understand what elite goalies did right—and what caused goals against.

3. Be Your Own Coach

Many goalies won't have access to specialized coaching. Simon emphasizes self-awareness, accountability, and the ability to identify and correct your own mistakes.