How to Screen the Goalie in Hockey

Blocking the view of the goaltender is a great way to set up a goal. Done correctly and you can make a goalie very unhappy during the course of a hockey game. However, if done incorrectly you could earn yourself a trip to the penalty box. Here is how to screen the goalie in hockey.

Instructions

    • 1

      When the puck is in the offensive zone, gain positioning in between the nearest defender and the goalie. You'll have to get past the defender or else you'll never be in a good enough position to truly screen the goalie.

    • 2

      Get as close to the goalie as you can without entering the crease. Remain outside of the crease but directly in front of the goalie as long as you possibly can. Begin by facing the goalie so you can get a good idea of where he is looking and how he moves while in the crease. This will help you better screen the goalie.

    • 3

      Follow and and all movements the goalie makes so you can continue to screen him. If he skates left, for example, follow him immediately. Screening a goaltender in hockey is much like boxing out in basketball except you don't touch your opponent to gain positioning when screening the goalie.

    • 4

      Push the defenders in the line of sight of the goalie. When you're trying to screen the goalie, his teammates will eventually come in order to attempt to move you from the goalie's sight. Stand your ground and even try to push them in front of the crease. As long as you don't push a defender into the goalie directly, this is a legal way to screen the goalie. It will also make the goalie quite angry with his teammates.

    • 5

      Avoid making contact with the goalie at all times. Even if the goalie comes out of the crease, you cannot use your body or stick to physically keep him from making a play on an oncoming puck. If you do, you will be called for interference and any goal that was scored will be called back.