A tactic is a strategy. A strategy is used to mitigate the risk of attack. A tactic is made up of individual skills which when assembled form a strategic response. Developing a strategy for different situations, and the ability to recognize and anticipate them developing, is a crucial step in the development of a goaltenders game. This issue we will cover tactical responses to net play – walkouts
Net play: walkouts
Walkouts, like wraparounds, require the same initial fundamentals (post coverage and tracking skills).
Beyond this, since the attacker has walked the puck off the goal line, the puck can now be shot low or high. This occurs due to the shooter’s improved body position. The goalie must now worry about all shot locations.
In order to establish the required coverage, the goalie must rotate off the post. This allows for a square, compact position, thus maximizing the goalie’s coverage. Therefore, as the player walks out, the goalie rotates off the post. This rotation brings the goalie square.
Next, the goalie must separate from the post. This means that as the rotation occurs, the goalie wants to move off the post.
By moving off the post, the goalie is able to drop to a butterfly if necessary. The problem with staying on the post is that when the goalie drops, the body is pushed away from the post leaving the short side exposed. By separating from the post, the goalie cannot only drop to fully cover the net but can remain square and on angle.
Sometimes, the goalie will drop to the paddle out of fear for the wraparound. This is alright provided the goalie can rotate while down.
Also, it is often beneficial, once rotated, to shift from a paddle-down position to a butterfly position due to the increased vertical coverage.
If still against the post in this case, the goalie should lean towards the post with the upper body to secure short-side coverage.
Rule of Thumb
On a walkout, the goalie must track the puck properly and be strong on the posts.
Furthermore, the goalie must be able to rotate square, separate from the post and use a butterfly effectively to block the net.
For more info, contact: Brady Robinson, GDI BC Regional Manager, by phone at 604-219-9254 or by email at brobinson@gdihockey.com |