Hockey is one of the most popular sports all over the world, and it is becoming increasingly popular in Canada as well. While the basic rules of hockey haven’t changed that much over the years, the level of competition has increased significantly. If you want to be at the top of your game, then you need to put in the work now!
Goaltending is one of the most crucial aspects of hockey, and it is quite possibly the most difficult position to learn. In this article, we will discuss what it means to goaltend in hockey, as well as provide you with some tips on how to get started.
Table of Contents
Essential Goaltending Equipment
To successfully goaltend in hockey, you will need to have the proper equipment. This equipment includes not only the gear that you will wear on the ice, but also the accessories that you will need to complete your look. Below is a list of the essential items that you will need to have in your locker to be prepared for any game:
- Helmet
- Jacket
- Gloves
- Bridal Mask
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Tight-fitting sweater
- Spats
- Boots
- Mask strap
The Importance Of Learning Goaltending
The most important thing that you need to do if you want to excel at goaltending is to learn. It is important to note that there is no substitute for actual experience, so make sure that you gain as much experience as possible. The better your understanding of the game, the better your performance will be. The following are some of the things that you can do to give yourself a head start on learning:
- Look at video games and watch NHL highlights
- Study NHL goalies‘ tendencies
- Study how other professionals goaltend
- Talk to experienced coaches or players
- Join a local hockey association or league
- Attend goalie clinics or camps
- Play in a schoolyard or park league
- Practice with a ball or on one of the newer hockey mats
Goaltending Formations And Positions
Hockey is a dynamic game, and as a result, the position of the goalie changes frequently. In the below diagram, we can see the three most common goalie formations that are used in the NHL.
Each of these formations has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to learn which one is the best for you. Below is a table that summarizes these advantages and disadvantages.
The disadvantage of the triangle is that it leaves you open to a lot of danger down the wing. The two-goalie system, also known as the tandem system, is also a viable option, as it leaves you protected down the middle, but it also leaves you open down the wings. The advantage of the tandem system is that it allows you to play with pressure relief, as the second goalie can cover for the first if he gets beat.
The one-goalie system, which leaves one goalie on the ice at all times, is by far the most common formation in the NHL. The one-goalie system provides maximum protection and allows you to play in the most stressful situations. While this formation protects you the most, it also restricts your mobility the most, as you will always have only one defender to cover for you on the rush.
These are the most common formations that you will encounter in the NHL, but it is important to know that the coaches and the teams can always shift and change the formation, so you will never be truly locked in. This is one of the reasons that make hockey such a unique game. You will never know what is going to happen on any given shift, so you have to be prepared for anything.
Learn To Control The Game
The more you practice, the easier it will become to control the game. The best way for you to improve your control is by taking note of the things that you do well and accentuating these skills. For example, you might want to throw out your good body weight when blocking shots and instead rely more on your quick reflexes. The following are some tips from the pros on how to control the game:
- Know how and when to come out
- Choose your spots wisely
- Know when to push, and when to pull
- Control the rebounds
- Be aggressive, yet effective
- Keep your stick on the ice
- Know when to pass, and when to shoot
- Always look for your teammates
- Cut off the angles
- Takeaways are your friend
- Keep your head up
- Use your arms
- Follow the bouncing ball
- Use your imagination
- Protect the puck
The Importance Of Flexibility
As we mentioned before, the position of the goalie changes frequently, which creates the need for flexibility. When playing in a team, you will constantly be learning and adapting to your opponents’ tendencies, as well as trying to anticipate their moves.
If you are not flexible enough to adapt to the changing situations, then you will find it quite difficult to succeed in the NHL. In the below video, you will see how Konta goes about his day-to-day job, which is being a starting goalie for the London Knights hockey team. You will see him in a variety of situations, from stopping power shots to baring down on a breakaway.
Flexibility is one of the most important qualities that you can have as a goalie, as it allows you to adapt to whatever situation that you face and to keep your game sharp. The more you practice, the more you will gain this quality, and eventually, you will become a well-oiled machine that can dominate the net.
The Importance Of Mental Acuity
Mental acuity is exactly what it sounds like — the ability to think quickly and logically. The better your mental acuity is, the better your game will be. While there is no substitute for practice, you can certainly help your game by working on your mental acuity in a variety of ways. A good place to start is by keeping a notebook in your locker, which you can use to jot down your thoughts as they come to you during the game. In the video below, we can see a few examples of how top-notch goalies work hard at maintaining their focus and keeping their game sharp.
How To Get Started
If you are really serious about becoming a good goalie, then the first thing that you need to do is get started. There is no substitute for real-world experience, so make sure that you get as much experience as possible by taking on any opportunity that you can. The best way to improve your game is by playing in the NHL, so make sure that you aim for the top level as soon as you can. While you can still play in the minor leagues, make sure that you have a good coach who can help you improve your game and put you in a position to win!