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COVERING LOOSE PUCKS
Many goaltenders give up cheesy goals because they weren't hungry
or aggressive enough to smoother a loose puck. This comes back to practice
habits and you must treat these loose pucks in practice as you would in a
game.
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The first thing a young goaltender must do is to actually stop the puck
as it comes to the net. We have all seen the tyke goalie try to smoother the
puck and have it scoot under them. Stop it first.
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If the shot has some speed you will have to cushion the puck with your
stick so the puck is deadened by your feet. Drop to your glove side knee,
slamming your trapper on the puck. Place your stick in front of your glove to
protect it from incoming skates and sticks.
!
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Keep your head up away from the ice so you can see what is coming and
keep your head and neck away from skates and 'accidental" knees to the head.
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If the puck has squirted out of the reach of your glove carefully, but
quickly pass the puck back to a smothering position with your goal stick.
Advanced Tip
!
What should you do when some guy gets cute and gives you a snow
shower? Ignore it! If you react, you will be playing into their hands as well
as the fans, if it is a road game. This snowing is only done for one reason, to
try to get you off your game. Ignore it and they will likely give up trying to
fire you up.