THINK LIKE A GOALIE AND MAKE THEM MOVE​ 

APPROACHING THE GOALIE​ 

KNOW WHEN TO SHOOT OR DEKE ​

GOALIEBUSTER CHART​ 

Handbook Guide: How to Score by Understanding the Goalie

Introduction

Understanding the goalie's playing style, positioning, quickness, and tendencies is fundamental to scoring more frequently in hockey. This guide provides detailed strategies for dekeing and shooting against various types of goalies, helping players maximize their scoring opportunities.

Knowing the Goalie

Playing Style

Stand-up Goalies:

• Dekeing: Easier due to their tendency to shuffle across the crease. Use a quick move to your forehand or backhand, then shoot.

• Shooting: Aim low, especially if they are slower. The 5-hole is usually not an option, so target the low corners.

Butterfly Goalies:

• Dekeing: Tougher due to their ability to cover the lower part of the net well. Make quick moves and shoot high to get the puck over their pads.

• Shooting: Focus on the 5-hole and low blocker or glove side. Avoid getting too close, as it makes it difficult to lift the puck over their pads.

In the Crease or Out

• Back in the Crease: Shoot more often as you will see more net.

• Out of the Crease: Easier to beat with dekes due to their aggressive positioning.

Quickness

• Fast Goalies: Require an extra deke and quick movements. Be faster than the goalie.

• Slower Goalies: One deke is usually sufficient.

Tendencies

• Goalies Who Drop Quickly: Fake a shot to get them to drop, then shoot high.

• Good Positioning: Make them move first to create shooting opportunities.

• Out of Position: Take quick shots to capitalize on their mistake.

Goalie Buster Chart

Stand-up Goalie

• Dekeing: Quick move to forehand or backhand and shoot low.

• Shooting: Aim for low corners, fake high shots, and slide the puck low.

Butterfly Goalie

• Dekeing: Quick move and shoot high. Use fake shots and multiple moves to beat them.

• Shooting: Target low corners, 5-hole, or low blocker/glove.

Glove on Shooting Side

• Dekeing: Deke to the backhand, especially if the goalie is slower. Use multiple moves for faster goalies.

• Shooting: Shoot low glove in close, hard shots high from a distance.

Blocker on Shooting Side

• Dekeing: Deke to glove side, then back to the shooting side. Make the goalie move first.

• Shooting: Hard shots or quick releases to the blocker side, especially if the goalie is out of position.

Fast/Good Goalie

• Dekeing: Use multiple moves, quick transitions, and avoid getting too close.

• Shooting: Quick releases closer in, hard shots from a distance, fake shots to catch the goalie moving.

Slow Goalie

• Dekeing: One deke is usually enough. Quick fakes and shots.

• Shooting: Pick a spot and shoot hard, exploit known weaknesses.

When the Goalie is Vulnerable

Goes Down Quickly

• Dekeing: Fake a shot to make them drop, then shoot high.

• Shooting: Aim for upper corners with quick release shots.

Out of Position

• Dekeing: Shoot for the open net quickly.

• Shooting: Target open areas, aim for corners or spots the goalie can't cover.

Plays Angles Well

• Dekeing: Cut across the slot to create openings, aim for the short side or 5-hole based on their movement.

• Shooting: Create shooting lanes, adjust based on goalie's movement, aim for spots they leave open.

Approaching the Goalie

Puck Position

• Puck in Front: Allows easy stickhandling and faking.

• Puck on Shooting Side: Enables quick shots and fakes.

• Puck on Backhand: Protects the puck from defenders, practice moves and shots from this position.

Decision-making

• Shoot or Deke: Assess the goalie's positioning and weaknesses.

• Mesh Visibility: If you see net, shoot; if not, consider deking.

Shooting Tips

• From a Distance: Use full wrist shots or slapshots for power, aim to hit the net.

• In Close: Utilize quick release shots, shoot low for the 5-hole or high if the goalie drops.

Dekeing Tips

• Making the Goalie Move: Fake shots to make them react.

• Patience: Hold onto the puck if necessary, find open net or pass.

• Practice: Develop quick movements, transitions, and fakes.

Developing Go-to Moves

• Fake Shots: Deceive the goalie to create openings.

• Quick Releases: Minimize reaction time for the goalie.

• Changes of Speed and Direction: Disorient the goalie and create space.

• Deceptive Moves: Use fakes, transitions, and angle changes to beat the goalie.

• Utilizing Screens: Use teammates to obstruct the goalie's view.

• Reading the Goalie: Anticipate their movements and react accordingly.

• Consistent Practice: Hone skills to improve accuracy and effectiveness.

By understanding and adapting to the goalie's style and tendencies, players can significantly increase their scoring opportunities. Practice these techniques regularly to develop the skills needed to outsmart the goalie and score more goals.