Answers & Advice from Adam Ghitelman, Atlanta Blaze's First Goaltender

What's one piece of advise you would give to a player looking to follow in your footstep and become a great goalie?The clear answer is to develop your fundamentals and stick work by spending a lot of time on your training and on the wall. But, my advice would be to become a student of the game. Watch the game being played at a high level, as much as you can. Our position is primed on being able to anticipate the development of plays. Having a high IQ can help you be a step ahead of the game and develop the communication necessary to run your defense. Watch your favorite players and try to emulate things that they do, then try and incorporate those skills into your own.

What is your current stick set-up? (Head, shaft, mesh, tape placement, etc.)

• Head: STX Shield

• Shaft: STX Outlet

• Mesh: StringKing

• Tape: I like to place tape where I hold my hands in my stance. I’ll also wrap some down towards the bottom of the stick for throwing outlets.

What would you say your favorite part of your career is?I My favorite part of my career is right now. Being able to play at the highest level in the MLL, to train everyday, and be involved daily with the game of lacrosse.

Obviously, you have achieved so much throughout your career, what would you say your proudest moment was?

My proudest moment so far would probably be winning the 2011 National Championship. Our team went through quite a wild ride on that journey. I've put that behind me and just try and remain proud of my day to day work-ethic. I want more.

What was your reaction being the very first expansion draft pick for Atlanta Blaze?

I was very excited to be picked by the Atlanta Blaze. To me it just showed the trust & confidence that Atlanta has in me and my ability to lead a team in the MLL. I am extremely motivated this offseason to set the example and tone for our franchise.I couldn’t be more excited to play for Coach John Tucker and to get on the field this summer.

Fun question: if you could make your own team in the MLL, what would be your teams name be and who would be the first three player you would pick up? (Any player is available)

Haha. The name of the team would probably depend on the location. If I could make my own team I would develop a co-branding association with a big-time sport in the area.I've always thought the Outlaws are a great example of that. I'll take my Atlanta teammates to start, but top 3 guys I’ve always wanted to play with: Tom Schreiber, Marcus Holman, Tucker Durkin.

What's you workout regimen consist during your season and off-season?

My workout regiment in the offseason is a blend of weight training, footwork (speed & Agility), hand-eye training, cardio, yoga, boxing, seeing live shots, and constant wall-ball. As you can seeI love maintaining a high level of variety in my training. I also consistently watch lacrosse (indoor & outdoor) and multiple sports to continue to develop drills for myself and see the game at a higher level. In the season,I spend the early week in a similar routine physically… and add in watching films of my opponents and writing down my own scouting report as I see it. This helps me anticipate whatI will see in the games and drill those aspects during the week.

When you first started playing, were you a goalie or did you start out on another end of the field?

I grew up playing both goalie and midfield. In middle school, my good buddy also played goalie so we would split the games.I would start at midfield and finish the game in goal.I thinkI still see the benefits of having played in the field and how it has translated into my style of play as a goalie.I always had a short stick in my hands in the backyard either shooting or playing with my friends.

Where would you like to see the next MLL team?

California. San Diego would be a great location.

What drill you would I recommend to increase a goalies reaction time?

Constant wall-ball. Create tough saves for yourself by developing accuracy on the wall and finding spots that make it tough for your to react. Move closer and closer to the wall. There are many hand-eye drills… Come to G3 Lacrosse camp this summer to find out!

When did you first realize your true passion for the sport?

As soon as I picked up a lacrosse stick,I fell in love. The momentI remember whereI truly fell in love was watching Tillman Johnson and UVA play in the 2003 Final Four. Watch these clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1pY66SvNvw

A question EVERYONE wants to know: Have you ever came out of the cage and scored through out your career??

I have a few of those in my back pocket…A few more too.

One thing that a lot of people probably don't know about Adam Ghitelman?

I am currently learning to surf, play the guitar, and meditate… All I believe will help my game! Namaste!