MAC Goaltending

Taking the Proper Angle.
January 2011

Based on my experience, I believe most goaltenders know that a high percentage of goals are scored when they are forced to slide into a shot (thanks to a cross ice one timer), or during goalmouth scrambles (when they are already down and forced to execute a continuous push in order to make a save). The game itself has evolved into more of a horizontal and quick tempo attack, with the vast majority of goals coming from the immediate scoring area, that is, in and around the hash marks. Both the butterfly slide and the ability to move when down have become imperative parts of today's elite goaltender’s skill-set. For efficient goalies, the use of the clumsy two pad stack or the desperation dive - both of which take you completely out of the play - has all but become extinct. The problem, however, is that goalies are still getting beaten on these kinds of plays at a very high rate despite the change in philosophy. While this may be the proper save-technique to select, more often than not it is incorrectly executed. So, what IS the most efficient way to attack plays stemming from this prime scoring area? Let’s take a closer look.

When the goalie comes up empty in these situations, there are many contributing factors. Here are some of the big mistakes:

Not leading with your eyes(See Archives October-November)
A goalie needs to look before moving, using the visual lead, and needs to be well aware of the play all around. Leading with the eyes allows the goalie to slow down the play mentally, which is very useful in an otherwise fast and chaotic situation.
Chasing space
This refers to taking the improper route in the shooting lane. This inability to recognize the lane (visual lead) and rotate the body to slide through the angle of the shot results in “chasing space” and often leads to an easy goal. One example of this is a cross-ice one timer or a quick shot that develops from a rush play. While this type of goal is generally not considered the “fault” of the goalie, it is a shot that can be handled more easily with the proper execution. When the cross-ice in-tight pass is sent, the goalie needs to turn the head, rotate the body, and slide through the shooting lane, which is generally diagonally back. If the slide is made directly across, the goalie will end up chasing space and it will be an easy goal to the near post.
A second example is on a goalmouth scramble. This play often develops off a rebound or a change of direction on a blocked shot. The natural instinct of the goalie is to either dive or slide straight across because that is the angle that they're currently facing and they are instinctively chasing the puck. Once again barring a mistake from the shooter, this will result in a goal. While this type of shot, too, is generally not labeled the “fault” of the goalie, it is a save that CAN be made. There obviously is not much time to think here, so through much repetition, the goalie needs to learn to instinctively turn the head to recognize, rotate the body, and slide through the shooting lane, rather than play the angle where the rebound or blocked shot is directed.

Efficiency is the key to consistent goaltending. Very few can manage to play at the highest level with an inefficient approach. It bears repeating that at the higher levels, the differences in skill set separation are miniscule. The key factors in sorting out the most talented net-minders are the consistency in their play and their ability to make the big save.

See you in the crease!

Mac

From the butterfly position, Jenn turns her head and rotates her body. She is preparing to slide through the angle of the shot. Jenn is in the process of completely filling the shooting lane from a downward push.

Simulating a cross ice one timer from a 2v0, Brenden flows back. While flowing back, Brenden turns his head and rotates his torso, preparing for a slide through the angle. Brenden is filling the shooting lane.

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