Goaltending

In hockey, the goaltender is the last line of defense. They are responsible for stopping the puck from entering the net, and their performance can often determine the outcome of a game. As such, goaltending is a critical position that requires specific skills and attributes.

Attributes of a successful goaltender:

1. Quick reflexes: Goaltenders need to have lightning-fast reflexes to be able to react to shots and make saves in split seconds. This requires excellent hand-eye coordination and the ability to read the play quickly.

2. Agility: Goaltenders need to be quick and nimble in the crease to move from side to side and make saves in different positions. This requires excellent footwork and the ability to move smoothly and efficiently.

3. Flexibility: Goaltending flexibility refers to a goalie's ability to move and contort their body in various ways in order to make saves. This includes being able to stretch and reach for pucks, as well as being able to move their body quickly and efficiently.

4. Proficiencies for Stopping the Puck: Goaltending proficiencies refer to the various skills and techniques that a goalie uses to stop the puck. These include positioning, rebound control, glove and blocker positioning, and stickhandling.

5. Puck Tracking: Goalies need to develop techniques into their training routine to improve their tracking skills and become more effective at anticipating shots and making saves. 

6. Focus: Goaltenders need to be able to maintain focus for long periods of time, as they may not see a lot of action for stretches of the game but still need to be ready to make a save at any moment.

7. Mental toughness: Goaltenders often face a lot of pressure and scrutiny, and they need to be mentally tough to handle the stress and perform at a high level consistently.

8. Communication: Goaltenders need to be vocal and communicate effectively with their teammates, providing direction and calling out plays to help the team defend effectively.

Developing and perfecting goaltending skills:

1. Practice, practice, practice: Goaltenders need to spend a lot of time practicing their skills, both on and off the ice. This includes working on their reflexes, footwork, positioning, and other key areas.

2. Study the game: Goaltenders need to be students of the game and study the tendencies of opposing players and teams. This can help them anticipate shots and make saves more effectively.

3. Learn from others: Goaltenders can benefit from working with coaches and other goaltenders, as they can provide valuable feedback and advice on how to improve their skills.

Goaltending is a critical position in hockey that requires specific skills and attributes. Goaltenders need to develop and perfect their skills through practice, study, and learning from others to be successful at the highest levels of the game. By focusing on the key attributes of a successful goaltender, aspiring goalies can work towards achieving their goals and making a positive impact on their team.

Quick Reflexes:

Goaltending reflexes refer to a goalie's ability to quickly react and make saves in response to shots or passes. This includes both physical reflexes, such as hand-eye coordination, as well as mental reflexes, such as reading the play and anticipating the shot.

Reflexes are critical for goalies because they allow them to make saves on shots that come quickly or unexpectedly. A goalie with quick reflexes is better able to make saves on deflections, rebounds, and other unexpected shots that might otherwise result in a goal.

In addition to physical reflexes, mental reflexes are also important for goalies. By being able to read the play and anticipate the shot, the goalie is able to position themselves more effectively and make saves with greater efficiency. This requires good situational awareness, as well as the ability to quickly process information and react accordingly.

Overall, reflexes are a critical component of successful goaltending. Goalies can improve their reflexes through various drills and exercises, such as reaction drills, hand-eye coordination exercises, and situational drills that simulate game situations. By improving their reflexes, goalies are better able to make saves and keep their team in the game.

Here are some ways that goalies can develop and improve their reflexes:

1. Eye training exercises: Eye training exercises can help goalies improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time. These exercises involve tracking moving objects or using visual cues to simulate game situations. For example, a goalie might use a light board or a ball machine to practice tracking and reacting to shots.

2. Reaction ball drills: Reaction ball drills involve using a small, bouncy ball to improve reaction time. The goalie drops the ball and tries to catch it as quickly as possible. This type of drill can help improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time.

3. Coordination drills: Coordination drills can help goalies improve their footwork and balance, which can also help with reflexes. Examples of coordination drills include ladder drills, cone drills, and agility drills.

4. Off-ice training: Goalies can also work on their reflexes off the ice through exercises like plyometrics, which involve explosive movements that can improve reaction time and explosive power.

5. Game simulation: One of the most effective ways to improve reflexes is to simulate game situations. This can involve working with a shooter to practice making saves on different types of shots, or using drills that simulate game situations like odd-man rushes or breakaways.

By focusing on these types of exercises and drills, goalies can improve their reflexes and become more effective at making saves in game situations. It's important to remember that developing quick reflexes is a process that takes time and consistent effort, but with dedication and hard work, goalies can improve this critical aspect of their game.

Agility:

Goaltending agility refers to a goalie's ability to move quickly and efficiently across their crease to make saves. This includes lateral movements, such as sliding or shuffling, as well as quick movements forward and backward. Agility is important for goalies because it allows them to maintain good positioning and cover more of the net.

In addition to making saves, agility also allows goalies to cut down the angle and reduce the amount of available net for the shooter. By moving quickly and efficiently, the goalie is able to stay square to the puck and make it more difficult for the shooter to score.

Agility is also important for handling rebounds and making secondary saves. After making an initial save, the goalie must be able to quickly recover and get back into position to make additional saves or cover the puck. This requires quick movements and good body control.

Overall, agility is a key component of successful goaltending. It allows the goalie to maintain good positioning, cover more of the net, and make quick saves and recoveries. Goalies can develop agility through various drills and exercises, such as lateral shuffles, quick feet drills, and reaction drills.

Here are some ways that goalies can develop and improve their agility:

1. Footwork drills: Footwork drills are essential for improving agility. These drills help goalies become more nimble and quick on their feet, which is crucial for moving laterally in the crease. Examples of footwork drills include shuffles, c-cuts, t-pushes, and butterfly slides.

2. Plyometrics: Plyometric exercises involve explosive movements that help improve power, speed, and agility. Examples of plyometric exercises for goalies include jumping drills, single-leg hops, and lateral bounds.

3. Balance exercises: Balance exercises can help goalies improve their agility by strengthening their core and lower body muscles. Examples of balance exercises include single-leg squats, plank variations, and stability ball exercises.

4. Reaction drills: Reaction drills can help goalies become more agile by improving their reaction time and ability to move quickly in response to shots or passes. Examples of reaction drills include using a reaction ball, reaction board, or working with a partner to simulate game situations.

5. On-ice practice: Of course, on-ice practice is critical for improving agility as well. Goalies can work on their agility by practicing lateral movements, shuffling, and making quick movements in response to shots or passes.

By incorporating these types of exercises and drills into their training routine, goalies can improve their agility and become more effective at moving quickly and efficiently in the crease. It's important to remember that developing agility takes time and consistent effort, but with dedication and hard work, goalies can improve this critical aspect of their game.

Flexibility:

Goaltending flexibility refers to a goalie's ability to move and contort their body in various ways in order to make saves. This includes being able to stretch and reach for pucks, as well as being able to move their body quickly and efficiently.

Flexibility is important for goalies because it allows them to make saves on shots that might otherwise be out of reach. For example, a goalie who is able to stretch and reach for a puck that is just out of their glove hand's reach may be able to make a save that would have otherwise resulted in a goal.

In addition to making saves, flexibility also allows goalies to recover more quickly after making saves or after being knocked off balance. By being able to quickly and efficiently move their body into different positions, the goalie is better able to recover and maintain good positioning.

Overall, flexibility is an important component of successful goaltending. Goalies can improve their flexibility through various drills and exercises, such as stretching routines, yoga, and plyometric exercises. By improving their flexibility, goalies are able to make more saves, recover more quickly, and maintain good positioning throughout the game.

Here are a few exercises that can help goaltenders develop their flexibility skills:

1. Butterfly Stretch: This stretch targets the groin muscles and helps goalies develop the flexibility needed to execute the butterfly save. To perform the stretch, start in a seated position and bring the soles of your feet together in front of your body. Use your elbows to gently push your knees down towards the ground.

2. Leg Swings: Leg swings are a dynamic warm-up exercise that help goalies improve their hip mobility. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and swing one leg forward and backward, then side to side. Repeat with the other leg.

3. Wall Sits: Wall sits are a strength and flexibility exercise that can help goalies develop the leg strength needed to execute the butterfly save. Stand with your back against a wall and slide down into a squat position with your thighs parallel to the ground. Hold the position for 30-60 seconds.

4. Lateral Lunges: Lateral lunges help goalies develop flexibility in their groin, hip, and thigh muscles. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and step one foot out to the side while keeping the other foot planted. Bend the knee of the lunging leg and push your hips back. Return to standing and repeat on the other side.

5. Foam Roller Exercises: Using a foam roller can help goalies release tension in their muscles and improve flexibility. Roll the foam roller over the legs, hips, and back to target tight areas and release knots.

These are just a few examples of exercises that can help goalies develop their flexibility skills. It's important to focus on a variety of exercises to target different muscle groups and improve overall flexibility.

Tracking:

Here are some ways that goalies can develop and improve their tracking skills:

1. Eye training exercises: Eye training exercises can help goalies improve their ability to track the puck and anticipate shots. These exercises involve tracking moving objects or using visual cues to simulate game situations. For example, a goalie might use a light board or a ball machine to practice tracking and reacting to shots.

2. Video analysis: Watching game footage can help goalies improve their tracking skills by analyzing their positioning and movements in response to shots. By studying their own performances, goalies can identify areas where they need to improve their tracking and make adjustments to their technique.

3. Communication with defensemen: Goalies can improve their tracking by communicating effectively with their defensemen. By working together to identify potential threats and communicating about who is responsible for covering specific players, goalies can improve their ability to track the puck and anticipate shots.

4. Repetition: Like many skills, tracking requires repetition to become second nature. Goalies can improve their tracking by practicing tracking the puck in drills and during on-ice practice sessions.

5. Focus on the puck: Finally, goalies can improve their tracking by keeping their eyes on the puck at all times. This sounds obvious, but it's important to remember that a goalie's eyes need to be focused on the puck in order to effectively track its movement.

By incorporating these types of exercises and techniques into their training routine, goalies can improve their tracking skills and become more effective at anticipating shots and making saves. It's important to remember that developing good tracking takes time and consistent effort, but with dedication and hard work, goalies can improve this critical aspect of their game.

Proficiency of Techniques to Stop the Puck:

Goaltending proficiencies refer to the various skills and techniques that a goalie uses to stop the puck. These include positioning, rebound control, glove and blocker positioning, and stickhandling.

Positioning is perhaps the most important proficiency for a goalie, as it determines their ability to cover the net effectively and make saves. A goalie with good positioning is able to anticipate the shot and move into the correct position to make the save. This requires a combination of quick reflexes, good lateral movement, and a strong understanding of angles and positioning.

Rebound control is another important proficiency for goalies, as it allows them to control where the puck goes after they make a save. A goalie with good rebound control is able to direct the puck away from the front of the net and into the corners, reducing the likelihood of second-chance opportunities for the opposing team.

Glove and blocker positioning are also important proficiencies for goalies, as they allow them to make saves with greater efficiency. By positioning their gloves and blockers correctly, goalies are able to make saves with less movement and less risk of leaving a hole in their coverage.

Finally, stickhandling is an important proficiency for goalies, as it allows them to handle the puck effectively and make quick, accurate passes to their teammates. This can be especially important in situations where the opposing team is forechecking aggressively or attempting to create turnovers.

Overall, goaltending proficiencies are critical for a goalie's success. By developing and refining their skills in areas such as positioning, rebound control, glove and blocker positioning, and stickhandling, goalies are better able to stop the puck and keep their team in the game.

Here are some techniques that goaltenders can use to improve their proficiency in making saves:

1. Positioning: To improve their positioning, goaltenders can practice their stance and footwork, focusing on maintaining good balance and keeping their body square to the shooter. They can also work on tracking the puck and anticipating where the shot is likely to come from.

2. Rebound control: To improve their rebound control, goaltenders can practice directing the puck to the corners or boards rather than leaving it in front of the net. They can also work on using their stick to clear the puck away from the net after making a save.

3. Glove and blocker positioning: To improve their glove and blocker positioning, goaltenders can practice their hand-eye coordination by focusing on tracking the puck with their eyes and moving their hands into position to make the save.

4. Stickhandling: There is no single "best" drill for stickhandling for goalies, as different drills can be effective for different aspects of the skill. However, one drill that many goalies find particularly useful is the Figure 8 drill. This drill involves setting up two cones or markers about 5-6 feet apart and dribbling the puck around them in a figure 8 pattern. The drill helps goalies improve their hand-eye coordination, control of the puck, and ability to maneuver around obstacles. Additionally, the Figure 8 drill can be easily modified by changing the distance between the cones or adding more cones to create a more challenging obstacle course. 

To develop these proficiencies, goaltenders should practice their techniques regularly, both on and off the ice. They can work with goaltending coaches to identify areas for improvement and develop drills and exercises to address those areas. Goaltenders can also study game footage and analyze their performance to identify areas for improvement. Finally, goaltenders should focus on developing their mental toughness and confidence, as this can also be a key factor in making saves effectively.

Facing Shots and Odd Man Rushes:

When a goalie is facing shots or dekes, their body positioning is crucial to making a successful save. Here are some general guidelines for body positioning in various situations:

1. Facing shots from the point or perimeter: When facing shots from the point or perimeter, the goalie should be in a comfortable stance with their knees slightly bent and their weight evenly distributed on both skates. The goalie should be square to the shooter, with their shoulders and hips facing the puck. The goalie should be in the top of their crease and be prepared to move quickly in any direction.

2. Facing shots from closer range: When facing shots from closer range, the goalie should be more aggressive and challenge the shooter. The goalie should be further out of the crease, with their body angled slightly towards the shooter. The goalie should be ready to make a save with their blocker or glove, or to drop into a butterfly position to make a save with their pads.

3. Facing odd-man rushes: When facing odd-man rushes, the goalie should communicate with their defensemen to determine the best course of action. The goalie should be square to the puck and prepared to make a save on any shot or pass. The goalie should be ready to move quickly laterally to cover the available net.

It's important for goalies to maintain good balance and body control in all situations. They should be able to move quickly and efficiently while maintaining their positioning and focus. Goaltenders can practice these skills through various drills and exercises both on and off the ice.

Facing Dekes:

If a goalie is out too far from the crease, there is an increased risk of the player deking and getting around them to shoot in the open net. To decrease the chances of this happening, the goalie should do the following:

As a general rule, the goalie should gradually back up towards the net as the player gets closer to the net. This is because the closer the player gets to the net, the less time the goalie has to react and make a save. By backing up towards the net, the goalie is able to maintain good positioning and better cover the available net.

However, it's important for the goalie to be patient and read the play as it unfolds. If the shooter is not in a position to shoot, the goalie may choose to stay out of their crease to challenge the shooter and reduce the amount of available net.

In any case, the goalie should be constantly moving and adjusting their positioning based on the movements of the shooter and other players on the ice. This requires good communication and awareness, as well as quick reflexes and agility to move quickly and efficiently in any direction.

1. Stay on their feet: If the goalie is out too far, they should avoid dropping into the butterfly too early. Staying on their feet will allow the goalie to move more quickly and react to any dekes or passes from the shooter.

2. Facing dekes or breakaways: When facing dekes or breakaways, the goalie should be patient and focused. The goalie should be square to the shooter and be prepared to move quickly in any direction. As the shooter approaches, the goalie should move forward slightly to challenge the shooter and reduce the amount of available net. The goalie should keep their body low and use quick lateral movements to make saves.

3. Maintain good body control: The goalie should keep their body under control and be prepared to move quickly in any direction. They should avoid lunging or reaching too far out of their comfort zone, as this can leave them vulnerable to dekes and fakes.

4. Read the play: The goalie should be constantly reading the play and anticipating the shooter's next move. If the shooter is looking to make a pass, the goalie should be prepared to move laterally to cover the open net. If the shooter is looking to deke, the goalie should be prepared to make a save with their stick or body.

5. Use angles to their advantage: The goalie should use their positioning and angle to their advantage. By cutting down the angle, the goalie can reduce the amount of available net and force the shooter to make a more difficult shot. This can also give the goalie more time to react to any dekes or passes from the shooter.

Overall, the key to decreasing the chances of the player deking and getting around the goalie is to maintain good positioning and body control. The goalie should be patient, read the play, and be prepared to move quickly in any direction to make a save.

Overlooked Areas for Development:

A few areas that players may overlook or forget to develop. Here are a few examples:

1. Skating ability: While it's easy to focus on the technical aspects of making saves, goaltending also requires strong skating ability. Goaltenders need to be quick and agile on their feet in order to move efficiently around the crease and make quick lateral movements. Skating drills and exercises can help goalies improve their skating ability.

2. Physical conditioning: Goaltending requires a lot of physical exertion, and it's important for goalies to be in good physical condition in order to perform at their best. Goalies should focus on building strength and endurance through strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

3. Offensive skills: While goalies are primarily focused on stopping shots, it's also important for them to have some offensive skills in order to make plays and move the puck up the ice. Goalies can work on their puck handling, passing, and shooting skills to become more effective at contributing to their team's offense.

By focusing on these often-overlooked areas of goaltending training, players can improve their overall performance and become more well-rounded goalies.

Contributing to Offensive:

Here are a few ways that goalies can contribute on offense:

1. Quick decision-making: One of the keys to effective offensive play as a goalie is quick decision-making. When a goalie gets possession of the puck, they need to make a quick decision about whether to pass it to a defenseman,or cover it up. Goalies can work on improving their decision-making skills by practicing scenarios in practice and by studying game footage.

2. Puck handling: Goalies can contribute to their team's offense by being effective puck handlers. By being able to handle the puck well, goalies can create turnovers and move the puck up the ice quickly. Goalies can work on their puck handling skills through drills and by practicing during warmups and in-game situations.

3. Passing: Another way that goalies can contribute on offense is by making accurate and timely passes. When a goalie gets possession of the puck, they can quickly pass it to a defenseman or a forward to start the breakout. Goalies can work on their passing skills by practicing passing drills and by working on their accuracy and timing during on-ice practice.

4. Communication: Good communication is essential for effective offensive play as a goalie. By communicating effectively with their defensemen and forwards, goalies can help their team create turnovers and move the puck up the ice quickly. Goalies should work on their communication skills by practicing calling out plays and talking to their teammates during drills and games.

5. Risk management: Finally, goalies need to be careful not to take too many risks when contributing on offense. While it's important to be aggressive and make quick decisions, goalies also need to be aware of potential risks and be prepared to retreat back to the crease if necessary.

By focusing on these aspects of offensive play, goalies can become more effective at contributing to their team's offense and creating opportunities for scoring. However, it's important to remember that a goalie's primary responsibility is still stopping pucks, and they should always prioritize that over contributing on offense.

Eye-Hand Coordination Drills:

There are many drills that can help goaltenders improve their eye-hand coordination. Here are a few examples:

1. Tennis Ball Drill: This drill involves using a tennis ball instead of a puck. The goalie stands facing a partner or coach who tosses the ball at the goalie from various angles and heights. The goalie tries to catch the ball with their glove hand, blocker hand, or both. This drill helps goaltenders work on tracking the ball with their eyes and improving their hand-eye coordination.

2. Reaction Ball Drill: This drill involves using a reaction ball, which is a small rubber ball that bounces unpredictably. The goalie stands facing a wall and throws the reaction ball against the wall. As the ball bounces back, the goalie tries to catch it with their glove hand or blocker hand. This drill helps goaltenders work on their reaction time and hand-eye coordination.

3. Juggling Drill: This drill involves juggling a few balls or pucks at once. Goaltenders can start with one ball and gradually increase the number they are juggling. This drill helps goaltenders work on their hand-eye coordination and reaction time.

4. Multiple Object Drill: This drill involves having a coach or partner throw multiple objects (such as pucks or balls) at the goalie at once. The goalie tries to catch as many as possible with their glove hand, blocker hand, or both. This drill helps goaltenders work on their ability to track multiple objects at once and improves their overall hand-eye coordination.

It's important to note that these drills should be done regularly and in combination with other goaltending drills to develop a well-rounded set of skills.

How do Scouts Evaluate Goalies:

Hockey scouts evaluate goalies using a variety of methods and metrics to determine a goalie's potential and skill level. Here are a few key factors that scouts may consider when evaluating goalies:

1. Technique: Scouts will evaluate a goalie's technique to determine their proficiency in making saves. They will look at things like positioning, rebound control, and glove and blocker hand position. Scouts will also consider the goalie's ability to move quickly and efficiently in the crease, as well as their ability to recover quickly from a save.

2. Athleticism: Goalies need to be athletic in order to make saves, and scouts will evaluate a goalie's athleticism by looking at their speed, quickness, and agility. They will also consider factors like balance, flexibility, and coordination.

3. Mental toughness: Goaltending can be a mentally challenging position, and scouts will evaluate a goalie's mental toughness to determine their ability to perform in high-pressure situations. They will look at things like focus, composure, and confidence.

4. Game performance: Scouts will evaluate a goalie's performance in actual games to determine their ability to perform under pressure. They will consider factors like the number of saves made, the quality of the saves, and the goalie's ability to make saves in critical situations.

5. Consistency: Finally, scouts will look at a goalie's consistency over time to determine their potential for future success. They will consider factors like the goalie's performance over a season or multiple seasons, as well as their ability to bounce back from a poor performance.

In addition to these factors, scouts may also consider things like the goalie's physical size, their level of experience, and their potential for improvement. By evaluating these factors and considering a goalie's overall potential and skill level, scouts can make informed decisions about which goalies to draft or sign to a team.