WEEK 27 TIP

April 1st, 2002

Rebound control is one of the most important elements in a goaltender's game. The stick is a great tool to help direct pucks away from the front of the net - the most dangerous scoring area. It is critical for young goalies to perfect this technique early on. Here are a few things to remember when using the stick:

1) Review the notes on 'The Stance' in the Tips Archive Archives. Remember, your stick should be in the middle of your body, pushed out and away from your feet. Angling your stick towards yourself will help direct pucks to the corners and over the glass away from danger. This takes a lot of practice. Be sure to keep your blocker high enough in your stance (around knee height) so that the angle of your stick is not so severe such that you deflect pucks into your chest or the top of your net.

2) Move your stick in a semi-circle to reach pucks along the ice to the corners. Be sure to keep the blade flat on the ice when doing so. Pucks to the blocker side are a little tricky. You need to drop your shoulder in order to keep the blade flat on the ice as you drag the stick towards the puck

3) Keep your blocker arm straight, reaching for the puck as you make contact with it. That is, you want to get to the puck, before it gets to you. This helps direct it with force to the corners and over the glass. 'Cushioning' the puck is dangerous and often results in rebounds rather than controlling the puck as desired.

4) This technique works well stopping pucks while on your feet, or when dropping to the ice in a butterfly. Nothing changes when you take the shot from your knees - the same skills apply as above.

5) Always keep your eye on the puck - from the time it leaves the shooter's stick to when it hits your own, and then as it is directed to the corner or over the glass.

The more you practice this, the more natural it becomes. Work on this often to be sure that you possess one of the greatest rebound control tools.

Next Tip >>>