How to Run a Hockey Defense: Goal Tending

This is a hockey goalie's life ' protection of his goal. The offensive player will shoot for one of seven areas in the goal: either of the four corners, between the goalie's legs, between his stick and body, or between his body and the glove arm.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Goalie Face Masks
• Goalie Pads
• Hockey Elbow Pads
• Hockey Gloves
• Hockey Helmets
• Hockey Jerseys
• Hockey Pants
• Hockey Pucks
• Hockey Skates
• Hockey Sticks

1. Move the goalie out of the goal crease as the offensive shooter skates toward the net. From the puck carrier's perspective, this limits the space between the goalie and the goalposts.
2. Move the goalie slightly from side to side initially, keeping his body in line with the puck.
3. Maintain the goalie's ground and let the offense commit to one side until the puck carrier is about 10 feet away.
4. Have the goalie block the shot when it's taken, using everything at his disposal: pads, stickblade and glove.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the shooter's body and puck position. If the puck is carried on the side, this usually means the shot will come from that side.
• A puck carried in front of the shooter usually means a deke (decoy, or fake) is coming. Some carriers will lower their shoulder as if to shoot in one direction, then shoot or turn in the other.
• It becomes difficult to move left or right once the goalie is out of the crease. Watch that the carrier doesn't skate around or pass to a teammate. Worse yet, that the offense shoots and hopes for a rebound that it can scoop and dump inside the net.
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.