How to Be a Goaltender in Hockey

To be a goaltender in hockey, a player needs quick hands, solid fundamentals and a fearless approach. Because goaltending is a reactionary role, a player must be able to stay focused throughout an entire game in addition to establishing puck security when shots come his way. A successful goalie always tries to keep his body between the puck and the cage.

Things You'll Need

  • Goalie pads
  • Goalie stick
  • Goalie glove
  • Goalie blocker
  • Goalie mask
  • Hockey goal
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Work hard in practice to prepare yourself for the goaltender position. Because the position is the last line of defense, it is important to possess both mental strength and physical coordination. Focus on the simple aspects of the game that you can control. Allow your natural reactions to take over.

    • 2

      Position yourself in the middle of the goal crease at the beginning of each period, a yard or so out from the goal line. Hold the goalie stick out in front of your body with your dominant hand and make sure the blade of the stick rests flat on the ice. Wear the goalie glove on your other hand.

    • 3

      Track the puck with your eyes at all times. When the puck is on one side of the ice, cut off the offensive angle by covering that side of the cage and squaring your body to the player with the puck. Keep a large frame so that you take up as much of the cage as possible. Do not shrink your shoulders or hunch your back excessively, as this will minimize your net coverage.

    • 4

      If a cross-ice pass is made near the blue line, follow the puck with your eyes and T-push across the crease. A T-push is a lateral movement, usually made when the puck is far from the net, which is done in such a way as to eliminate the "five hole," the open space between the goalie's legs and skates. This will allow you to get in position to cover the other side of the net (while still on your feet). When using a T-push to move to the left side of the goal, push off with your right foot. When moving to the right side of the goal, push off with your left foot.

    • 5

      If a cross-ice pass is made near your goal, use the butterfly-slide move to traverse the crease quickly. This move is similar to the T-push, but requires the goaltender to rapidly slide across the crease and lay the long pad of the non-push off leg flat on the ice.

    • 6

      Block low shots with your pads and your stick and catch elevated shots with your glove. Always try to secure the puck when it is near the goal crease. If you get a piece of the puck but it remains loose, a rebound opportunity may arise for the opposing team. When the puck is rolling or bouncing in front of the cage, do your best to swat it to the side of the ice with your stick. If it is close enough to reach, smother the puck with your glove and hold onto it.

    • 7

      Watch your teammates and be aware of their ice positioning at all times. By doing this, you can potentially start a fast break for your offense. A firm wrist pass to an open man can lead to a goal scoring opportunity for your team. However, if no one is open, play it safe and hold onto the puck or give it to a point man in close proximity.