Ready Position for the Goalie

Getting a good, steady ready position is the first thing goalies should learn how to do. Since during a game goalies are almost always in the ready position, it's important to get it right the first time, and not to get any bad habits.

In the ready position, your knees should be bent at all times. This helps you move faster and react faster to quick shots. Your catching glove should be open and out in front of you a little. The only time your that glove should be closed is when the puck is in it! Your blocker should aslo be held out infront of your knees. It's best that both your gloves are held at the same height.

Your stick should always be on the ice. It's really important to get this right: Stick on the ice at all times! Even when moving from side-to-side or post-to-post, keep your stick on the ice. The puck might hit a stick or skate and deflect right at you and it will probably be on the ice (where your stick should be!!). Your stick should not be touching the toes of your skates. If your stick is against the toes of your skates, and a puck hits your stick, you will give out a really big rebound (usually right out in front) and you will have less control of where it goes. Your stick should be placed at a small angle and far enough in front of your feet so it doesn't touch your toes. You should always keep your head up when in the ready position.

Your legs should be independant from your arms. When you move your legs, your arms don't move with them. You should be ready to move in any direction at any time. You should be comfortable when in your ready position. Try not to lean to far forwards, or backwards. Get a nice balanced position. Your weight should be on the balls of your feet. And above all else, relax! Don't think, react!