Basic HTML Version
[111]
MAN BEHIND THE NET
!
One situation that causes problems for goaltenders of all levels is when an
opponent has possession of the puck behind the net. It should be rather easy to
handle but it is a very dangerous time for the goaltender.
!
Wayne Gretzky, Doug Gilmour and others routinely made goaltenders look
foolish on this exact play. Why is this?
!
Since no human, (excluding teachers) have eyes in the back of their head,
you simply can't watch both the man behind the net and open men in the slot. As
well, you know you can't turn and face the man the man behind the net so how
can you play this?
!
To learn how to handle this play lets took at what they normally are
trying to do.
The cute pass out
- The player will try a pass right through the crease for an
easy tap in goal. Smart players have even been known to try to bank it off
someone in front usually your own defenseman.
The head spinner
- The player will start moving back and forth hoping the
goaltender will move with them. Once they get the goalie moving with them
you will see the goaltender's head start spinning side to side. They know
they got you when that head starts moving.
The Houdini
- The Houdini is what follows once the goaltender gets caught
moving their head back and forth. The player gets you looking and or moving
one way and then instantly reverses direction either walking out or passing the
puck out the side you just left.
What the goaltender should do
.
1) Always face your chest towards center ice. The man behind the net
can't technically score from back there so chances are that the shot
will eventually come from out in front.