The reason we use targeted shots on goalies is to reinforce their muscle memory. As we shoot at a particular quadrant of the goal, the coach can monitor the goalie’s stance, hand sets and transition to the save.
Please remember that I am not fond of the “attack the ball” training because, amongst other reasons, we are talking about players whose bodies have not sufficiently developed. So they will wast time, energy and reflex by lunging at the ball.
What I look for is that the bottom hand is tight and the upper hand is loose, elbows hanging down below the shoulders (maybe a little forward) and their weight being carried by their thighs and not their back (chest is watching the ball).
Easy way to communicate with the goalie on where you are shooting is to imagine you are looking at a clock.
When doing targeted drills, advise the goalie of what number quadrant you are going to hit and shoot repetitively at that spot for the length of the drill. Then monitor how they are moving to cover the shots in that quadrant.
If the stick moves fluidly toward the ball, then they are tracking the ball and they can see their stick and the ball throughout the shot delivery.
If the stick moves in a stiff, jerky movement, then they are not seeing their stick during the shot and their mind is trying to make the adjustments as the ball comes at them.
We want the first option, where they are seeing their stick from the start of the shot. It makes it easier for their brain to move the muscles to the save spot.
Queen City Girls Lacrosse - from the coach's perspective 