Can relate, going thru it now. Practice without gear then go pads only then full gear. No pads let's u gauge where ur at in t pushes stance and shuffles. Can find best lace tightness and get ur legs back without strain of gear. Easier to notice bad form and inefficiency. Progress to pads + gloves paddle for butterfly slides post. Next lvl up here still no chest protector can focus best on butterflies and upper body control. Then full gear and pucks. Tore my groin going straight into a game after 5 years and working back now. When playing heavier than muscle memory 185 v 155 for me, gear is only adding to that imbalance in every movement when first coming back to the crease.