(Skaters, you might pick up a few ideas from this too!)
One of the biggest challenges for goalies is to find the “sweet spot” in their crease.
If you are a few inches too far out, players will deke your pants off.
If you are a few inches too deep, players will rifle the ring into the top corner!
Check out Calgary Ringette Association star Shannon Hutchisons wonderfully simple tip on finding your “sweet spot”:
The perfect position in the net is when you are challenging enough to cut down the shooters angle and far enough back so players do not beat you to the post. The key to finding this spot is experimenting.
Most goalies don’t experiment much at all. They find a spot they like and stick with it – it becomes their comfort zone, and no matter what the coach says (or how many goals go in) they stay with it.
In practice, try playing “too far out” and “too deep”.
If you are too far back, you will know because straight on shots will continuously go in. The forwards can see all kinds of mesh behind you.
When you are too far out of your net, you will know because players are able to get around you (or score on you with one-timers).
Only when I FORCED myself to play these two ways did I find the magic spot right in between.”
About Shannon Hutchison:
- Team Alberta Ringettes 1999
- Canadian ringette champion 2001
- Ringette aa Goaltender for 14 years
