Goalie Skating Drills to Get Set Before the Shot
Young hockey goalies can practice getting set before the shot by moving to a new puck angle, stopping under control and returning to a balanced stance. Start without a shot so the goalie and coach can see how the movement ends. Then add one shot to see whether that same finish holds up when the puck is live.
A puck moves from the wing into the slot. The goalie gets across, but the shot comes while their weight is still carrying them sideways. From the stands, it may look like a slow glove. From behind the net, you can see the goalie was still trying to stop.
Choose the Move for the Distance
A shuffle is useful for a short adjustment when the puck moves a little to either side. A T-push can help cover more ice when the puck changes angles and there is time to move and reset. Practice both directions. A goalie who needs a second push to finish on one side can work on that side at a slower pace.
Whatever the move, give the goalie a clear target to face. A cone can mark the new angle, but a coach holding a puck gives the goalie something to track. The idea is to move in relation to the puck and the net, rather than skate from mark to mark with no reference. See USA Hockey’s goaltending practice plans for examples of T-push and short shuffle work.
Build From a Controlled Stop to a Shot
Start with movement only. Have a coach show the puck from one spot, then move it to a second angle. The goalie follows with their eyes, moves across and stops facing the puck in a ready stance. Start with nearby spots for a shuffle, then use more separation when working on a T-push.
Add one shot. Repeat the same move and have the shooter wait until the goalie has arrived and reset. Give the goalie time to recover between reps. If the goalie still drifts past the target without a shot, shorten the distance and repeat the movement before increasing the pace.
Change the timing. Once the goalie can move and stop consistently, let the shooter vary when they release the puck. The goalie now has to read the play while moving. A game may require a save in motion, so treat the controlled finish as a habit to practice when there’s time to establish it.
Watch the Finish Before Judging the Save
Choose one thing to watch for a few reps. Can the goalie finish without a second correction? Are their shoulders facing the puck when the shooter releases it? If the goalie made the save, check whether they ended balanced enough to respond to a rebound.
Parents can help by watching where the goalie was when the shot left the stick. One useful question after a session is, “Which direction was harder to stop in today?” That gives the player something specific to bring to their coach. For a wider look at the position, read what makes goalie training different from skater training.
Work on Crease Movement in Elmwood Park
For goalies in Elmwood Park and across North Jersey, Cutting Edge’s semi-private goalie lessons offer position-specific work on movement, reads and game situations. If you have a practice clip, pick one where the puck changes angles before the shot. The coach can use it to see how the goalie moves, stops and sets up.
