The Hockey Resource

The T-push is a core mobility technique for a goaltender. It is a quick movement used over relatively long distances (within the crease). It is usually used to follow the puck during a pass. The goaltender must be aware that he may have to transition to a butterfly slide should the pass become a one-timer.

1. To perform the T-Push dig your inside skate edge into the ice with the leg (outside leg) opposite to the direction of travel.
2. Transfer all your weight to the outside leg.
3. Turn the inside skate so it points in the direction of travel.
4. Turn your body towards the location you want to move to.
5. Push off with the outside leg.
6. When you reach the required location, stop using the inside leg.
7. Re-position your legs to square off with the puck.

As you progress, the motion will become fluid with steps 2 to 5 occurring simultaneously.

A few points to note:

• The technique is performed from the basic stance.
• Lead with your stick!
• Move only the legs, the upper body should not move other than the initial rotation to stay square with the puck.
• Quick, powerful pushes, long strides. You should not need to do this technique twice to reach your destination.
• This technique is not for small adjustments!
• If you are T-pushing from one post to the top of the crease on the opposite side (crossing the crease completely) you can stop with the same leg that pushed off to stay squared up with the puck. In all other situations, stopping with the same leg will get you out of position.

The shuffle technique is one of the most basic and important ones to know as a goaltender. It allows the goaltender to move from side to side while maintaining proper position and is used to remain in position when the puck moves on the ice surface.

1. To perform the shuffle dig your inside skate edge into the ice with the leg (outside leg) opposite to the direction of travel.
2. Transfer all your weight to the outside leg.
3. Once this is done, move the inside leg in the direction you want to travel.
4. Push off with the outside leg.
5. Shift your weight back to normal.

As you improve on this technique, the movement should become fluid, steps 2, 3 and 4 should occur almost simultaneously.

A few points to note:

• Keep both skates facing forward, they should not move from the basic position
• The technique is performed from the basic stance, the goaltender should be ready for a shot at any moment.
• The movement involves only the legs, the upper body should always be facing the puck.
• Skates should always remain in contact with the ice to ensure proper balance.
• SHORT quick movements, this technique is for small adjustments not large distances
• The inside skate should be scraping the ice surface (making snow) while moving

The goaltender glove is the most versatile piece of equipment. Not only is it used to make amazing saves, it is also used to cover up loose pucks and handle the stick. Having a good glove is therefore extremely important to ensure good goaltending performance. This buyer's guide will help you assess which glove is best for you!

It is time for you to purchase a new set of goaltender leg pads. Perhaps this is even your first set! All the terminology, different sizes, manufacturers and price points available can be quite confusing. For this reason, we have compiled this buyer's guide to help clear things up.

This drill will help the goaltender recover from situations where he is out of position.

This drill will prepare the goaltender for situations where he is screened by another player.

This drill will practise the goaltender's basic puck stopping skills. More specifically when a rebound is given after a low shot.

This drill is used to practise goaltender reaction time, shuffling and proper positioning.

This drill will help the goaltender with his reaction time and using proper technique to freeze and protect the puck.

This drill is intended to practise positioning for wrap arounds or walk-ins from behind the net. The goaltender will have to be in the proper position to stop the wrap around while being able to move and properly stop a walk in.