GDI Goalie Tips /

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 goaltender’s game. This issue we will cover tactical responses off the rush, even attacks.

Rush attacks: even-numbered

In an even-attack situation, the number of attackers is equal to or less than the number of defenders. For example, one-on-ones, one-on-twos and breakaways are included in this category. The two options on an even attack are to shoot or deke (in case of a deke, it is either the defensive player or the goalie whom will be deked).

Since pass is not a prominent option on an even attack, the goalie does not have to worry about players in other areas of the ice. So, what does the goalie prefer?  In the case of a one-on-one, the goalie wants the offensive player to attack the defender, in other words deke the defender. The rationale is
that the defender holds a distinct advantage and will, in most cases, repel the challenge. Since the player opted to deke, the goalie never has to face a shot.

How does the goalie encourage deke?  The answer is to be more aggressive with initial positioning. By being more aggressive, which is counter to odd attacks, the goalie limits the availability of net, which discourages the puck carrier from shooting.

On breakaways, the reason bewhind the goalie coming out, initially, and then to retreat with the attacker is to also force a deke.

The concept being that an accurate shooter, with a quick release, can successfully pick their spot. In the case of a deke, the breakaway player only has two options, right or left, and the patient goaltender can combat more easily. Of course, different attackers have different tendencies and abilities and the astute goaltender, at a higher level of play, may have different approaches for different players because they know the shooters.

Rule of thumb
When faced with an even attack, the goalie should select depth that is more aggressive, within their positional range, in order to encourage attacks.

For more info, contact: Ryan Cyr, GDI Prairies Regional Manager, 204-330-5462, rcyr@gdihockey.com