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 point attacks – deflections.
Point attacks: deflections
Now that we have covered screens, deflections are easy. In fact, deflections are very similar to screens.
The big difference occurs because the deflector is not necessarily in front of the goalie. The goalie, rather than pushing out towards the screen, now adjusts depth based upon the deflector’s position. This means that the goalie may opt to either increase or reduce depth to fulfill this need. The idea behind this depth adjustment is to position so that the save can be made as close to the point of deflection as possible.
Of course, since the deflector isn’t always in front of the goalie, the goalie must identify the attacker. This requires ice awareness.
Mobility is also important.
Since many deflections occur off point shots, which originate well away from the net, the goalie has time to react. This means that the goalie has time to react. This means that the goalie does not have to lower and widen the stance prematurely. If the goalie does, the mobility to move towards the deflection will be lost.
The reason that mobility is important is due to the change in angle that a deflection can cause.
The goalie may not only have to make a save movement but may also have to move, laterally, towards the potential redirection. This move is called a centre shift.
Through a combination of awareness, depth adjustment, centre shifting and compact save movements, the goalie can more easily repel deflection situations.
Rule of thumb
With good awareness, the goalie identifies the potential deflection, adjust depth, moves towards the deflection and uses a compact save.
For more info, contact: Kevin Swanson, GDI Alberta Regional Manager. 403-724-0281 or email [email protected] |
