Goalie Training Tips: Blocker-Side Post Position

Becoming a Smart Goalie in order to become efficient in your role is hard work.  Often frustrating due to the need for repetition during goalie training sessions, goalies looking to welcome the label of “A Smart Goalie” from coaches and scouts should start their journey at the post position in order to neutralize areas of the defensive zone which may become scoring opportunities.

Elbow Out

As mentioned in our Glove Side Post Position article, it is essential for goalies to ensure that the blade of their stick is able to cut off any passes through their crease.  Although the blocker-side post enables the goaltender to use the forehand to cut off passes through their crease, unfortunately it is also the more awkward for goalies to learn and apply because if not mindful when transitioning from post to post, the goalie may get the knob of their stick caught in the net.

In order to avoid the stick getting caught up in the net, the goalie must push toward the post while leading with their elbow.  Upon arriving at the post, like the glove-side post, the goaltender will want to perform a post hug with their elbow in order to allow them to bring the heel of their stick closer to the toe of their skate.  This will minimize any gaps for the puck to squeeze between their skate’s blade and their stick allowing it to travel into a scoring area.

Sweep and Swat

An essential aspect of the blocker-side post position to consider is sweeping (or swatting) with the stick’s blade as the elbow leads past the post.  While bringing their stick through the crease, goaltenders should look to keep the blade of their stick on the ice.  Once the elbow reaches the post, the goaltender should look to hug the post with their elbow as quickly and with as much force as possible.  This will allow the goaltender to ensure that the gap between their skate blade and the heel of their stick is minimized quickly while slapping any attempted passes through their crease, back below the goal line if they didn’t quite make it to the post with enough time to stop and freeze (or control) the puck.

(Learn how to Sweep & Swat effectively with our goalie training programs!)

Protecting the Bank Shot

In addition to neutralizing part of the defensive zone for passes along the ice and through the crease, the blocker allows the goaltender to avoid worrying about the potential of a bank shot off the back of their taking place because the blocker allows the goaltender to protect this area if positioned properly.

Glove Position on Blocker-Side

Just like the glove-side post position, the glove should be used to maximize the efficiency of this position.  This allows goaltenders to neutralize opposing threats within the defensive zone by implementing a “Challenge the Pass” mentality.  Although awkward for beginners due to the student’s skating ability, we still integrate this technique at early stages of our goalie training sessions to allow goaltenders to become comfortable with becoming well-rounded and efficient through applying proper techniques as early as possible.

All of our goalie training allows our students to apply our R3E System to become smart goalies and as efficient as possible in their role on their team.  Applying the techniques above are only part of what Goalie Army Academy can offer our students.  Goalies do whatever it takes to stop the puck, but if they’re not doing all that they can to stop scoring chances, it is evident that they have gaps in their game.  Learn how we can help you to become a better goalie.