Lateral feeds require four elements and they do change somewhat depending on the type of feed (flat or staggered). A staggered feed is defined as a pass starting high in the zone and is received low in the zone. A flat feed, on the other hand, is made and received low in the zone. This latter feed is, therefore, parallel to the goal line.
The four elements are:
Ice awareness
Momentum build
Strong butterfly-slide response
Reaction mentality
Ice awareness identifies the weakside threat. This is vital if the goalie is going to position himself in a manner that will help facilitate the lateral drive. Really, depth is adjusted in order to combat a lateral feed. Angle and squareness are always given to the puck position and, therefore, are not adjusted. Depth, however, can be softened in order to make the lateral move easier.
Another benefit of softening depth is to build momentum for the lateral move. This is called a momentum build. Remember, however, it is depth, alone, that is altered. Furthermore, a momentum build requires proper initial depth and good timing. Initial depth is important because, if the goalie is too deep, then as the goalie slides back, squareness will be lost.
Timing is important because a premature drop may mean the goalie has to stop – which eliminates the benefit. Likewise, a late adjustment of depth won’t generate the necessary benefit.
As the goalie identifies the weakside threat through strong awareness and has good timing on a momentum build, the goalie executes a butterfly slide across.
A butterfly slide is used for a few reasons. First, it establishes critical coverage early in the push because the lead leg quickly achieves flush coverage along the ice. As, the move carries across, the goalie compacts himself providing coverage with no holes. Lastly, the upper body comes through and intersects the new angle providing excellent vertical and horizontal coverage.
Finally, as the goalie comes across, visual acuity helps determine whether further response is necessary. After all, the butterfly slide is not a save movement, it is a position-specific lateral move. The save required might be composed of acceptance of the puck on the body due to exceptional butterfly-slide timing and position. Alternatively, if the butterfly slide is too late, the goalie may have to react off the butterfly slide with a more extended play. The ability to react off the butterfly slide is only facilitated if the goalie coming across is in a “reaction mentality.”
RULE OF THUMB
When facing a lateral feed, the goalie requires excellent ice awareness (as is important all of the time), a momentum build and a properly executed butterfly slide.
The building of strong fundamentals allows a goalie to assemble key skills to form these types of tactical responses. Finding opportunities to execute high-volume repetitions on these plays is essential for a consistent and strong response. Coaches should dedicate at least one drill per practice in which a goalie must have a specific tactical response. Often, a drill can be initiated with an attack on the net (screen shot, wraparound, passout, etc.) before the primary drill is executed. Being creative in one’s practice plans assists the goalie in taking care of their development needs.
For more info, contact Kevin Swanson, GDI Alberta Regional Manager at 403-724-0281 or [email protected] |