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Coaches Tips
Three Visual Habits for Goaltenders
» Added: September 23, 2008 Three Visual Habits for Goaltenders
1. Ice awareness: When there is not an immediate threat of a shot, the goaltender should constantly survey the ice to see where the players without the puck are located. This is important for two reasons. The first reason is that the goaltender’s depth is determined by the players without the puck. If the puck carrier’s only option is to shoot, then the goaltender can move out and be more aggressive with his or her depth. If, however there is a pass option, the goaltender may need to subtract some depth so they are able to respond if the pass is made. The second reason ice awareness is important is that, when a pass is made, the goaltender will know exactly where to go to get to their new position. Any delay in locating the next position is eliminated and the goaltender can move immediately.
2. Visual Leads: Any time a pass is made, the goaltender needs to quickly gather information about what the player that receives the puck is going to do. Is it a one-timer? Do I have time to gain depth, or do I only have time to get on angle? These are questions a goaltender needs answered immediately. A visual lead means that every time a goaltender moves laterally the first thing to move is the head and eyes. This way the goaltender can quickly determine what the receiving player intends to do with the pass. Whether the goalie is moving with a t-push, butterfly slide, or recovering from a rebound; all must begin with a visual lead.
3. Visual Tracking: Visual tracking means watching the puck from the shooter’s stick to the piece of equipment that makes the save and beyond. This is important not only for making the save, but also for the rebound recovery. The goaltender that has visually tracked the puck will know exactly where the rebound goes and can respond instantly. There will always be a delay in recovery if the goaltender has lost sight of the puck.
Vision is crucial for goaltenders. It gives the information needed for both positioning and making saves. It is important that these visual habits are not ignored but worked on every time the goaltender faces a shot.
Goalie Coach Jones
» Three Visual Habits for Goaltenders
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