If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either an avid hockey fan or someone who knows one. If you’re in either of those groups of people, then you’re probably aware of how expensive it can be to keep up with the latest trends in hockey equipment, and how difficult it can be to find the time to actually practice due to work and family commitments. Luckily, there’s a brand new trend that can save you tons of money while drastically increasing your efficiency and skill when it comes to hockey!
Yes, you’ve probably heard of “Hockey Stopping”, a technique where the goalie slides one foot in front of the other, as he or she stops the puck with the body. The Hockey Stopping technique was first developed in the 1920s and has since then been used predominantly by goalies in Canada, the U.S., and some other countries. Although there are variations to how the technique is performed, in its most basic form, the goalie will stand in the goal with their arms raised above their head in an “X” shape. As the puck is shot towards the goal, the goalie will slide one foot in front of the other, stopping the puck with their body.
For some reason, hockey fans in the U.S. began referring to this technique as “Dual Foot Stopping”. It was actually adopted by the NHL in the 1970s, and for a long time the Dual Foot Stopping was used almost exclusively by American goalies. That is until 2011, when the technique was “rediscovered” by European goaltenders, who had previously avoided it because they didn’t see the need for it.
Thanks to the Europeans, Hockey Stopping is now a technique that could potentially be used by any goaltender, regardless of their nationality. The main reason that European goalies started using it is that it allowed them to play with greater consistency, as they were no longer hindered by the limits of traditional techniques when it comes to maintaining their pre-shot position.
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Why Should You Try Hockey Stopping?
Hockey Stopping can be a great way to save money on hockey equipment, as well as increase your efficiency and skill when it comes to stopping the puck. When compared to other techniques, like the butterfly, where the goalie lies on their back and only moves their arm to cover the puck, Hockey Stopping forces the goaltender to maintain a more stationary position (one foot in front of the other).
By maintaining this position, the goalie is able to better control the direction of the puck, making them a better “fence” for the defensemen to clear away. Although the position is slightly altered, the basic technique is still the same: as you put the puck in the net, the goalie will come sliding back towards you and stop the puck with their body.
Another great thing about Hockey Stopping is that it can be used to improve your net mind-set. In most goaltending situations, the goalie will not be directly in front of the net, but instead will be at the top of their crease, where they can see the entire ice surface. By getting used to stopping the puck with both feet, you’re allowing yourself to become more confident at taking difficult saves, as well as being able to accurately judge the location of the puck, making you a better overall goaltender. Finally, because you’re using both your feet, rather than just one or the other, you’re increasing the efficiency of your stop, as you’re giving more weight to your leg(s) that the puck is resting on.
How Do You Performance Hockey Stopping?
As with most new techniques and gadgets that emerge in hockey, there are numerous ways to perform Hockey Stopping. However, the general consensus among goalies is that the best way of doing it is with two hands. To begin with, the goalie will need to raise their arms above their head, as they would in the classic position. As the puck is shot towards the goal, the goaltender will bring their foot in front of the other, stopping the puck with their body. They will then bring the other foot forward, and repeat the process. It is also advisable to keep your feet shoulder width apart and slightly bent at the knees, as that is the position that makes it easier for the goalie to stop the puck with both feet.
The Benefits Of Using Two Hands
One of the main benefits of using two hands to stop the puck is that it allows the goaltender to use their body weight to their advantage. When one hand is used to stop the puck, it is usually resting on the shoulder or the chest area. Although this position can be used effectively, if the other arm is raised above the head when the save is performed, it is usually an indication that the goalie is either resting on their knee or at least have one foot in front of the other in the classic “Hockey Stopping” position. This is a much more stable position, which makes it easier to stop the puck.
Using two hands to stop the puck gives the goalie complete control over where the puck is going to be placed once it is shot. This enables them to better position themselves both before and after the shot, as well as alter the direction of the puck by simply moving their hands, rather than having to move their entire body to the side. On the other hand, using one hand to stop the puck leaves the goalie open to injury, as they have to lean forward for the save, which could lead to broken bones or other injuries as a result of overexertion.
Risks Vs. Rewards
One of the risks of using two hands while stopping the puck is that it is more difficult to master than one hand. In most situations, it takes a while before the goalie is able to stop the puck using just their arms, as they have to get used to their new, more stable position. This means that there’s more room for error when using two hands, as compared to one. Also, because there are more variables, it is more difficult to judge how well a goalie is performing, as it is harder to tell whether or not they are doing their job correctly.
On the other hand, one of the rewards of using two hands while stopping the puck is that it is a more effective technique than using one hand alone. In hockey, there are usually multiple pucks on the ice at once, which means that the goalie’s position is constantly changing, and that they have to keep up with the speed and motion of the game. Using one hand alone to stop the puck usually results in at least one of the hands being placed on the ice surface, which could cause an accident. Placing both hands on the ice is a safer option, as it prevents the goalie from being injured by falling objects or another player’s skate.
Where Do You Go From Here?
Once you’ve tried out Hockey Stopping and seen the benefits that it can bring, you can’t go back. It’s time to pay back the team and get yourself some new equipment! You should also try and get some drills and games set up with family and friends, so that you can work on your technique, as well as have some fun with the person you love most.