Banbury Bulldogs

Skater Hockey Club

Keeping Them Out

Cover the ball

Rule number one in goal keeping is cover the player with the ball/puck. Trust your defenders to look after any attackers who stray into your area - you must make sure you face up to the player with the ball/puck as they are the one who can shoot at that second. Try to keep your body angled towards the ball-carrier as that way you present the largest area and cover more of the net, reducing the target they have to aim for. Keep your catcher at shoulder height and be aware of the position of your blocker - it's there to fill the gap on your top right (right-handed keepers) - you need to be ready to lift your elbow to bring it into action fast.

Stand up

Don't be too quick to drop to the floor. If you hit the deck before the shot comes in, the forward can deke round you or lift the ball and you are stranded. How long does it take to get up again, once you are fully kitted out? Exactly - so stay on your feet until you are sure the shot is coming in and coming in low. Even then, use your stick and skates to clear the danger before having a lie down.

Fall down

If the ball/puck is at your feet - don't hesitate, drop on top of it! Get your catcher mitt over the ball/puck and put your stick blade in front of it to protect it. Then push! Push down on the ball/puck for all you are worth to stop the attackers knocking it loose. After 3 seconds the ref will blow the whistle and its face-off time with the play a nice safe distance from the net.

Holding the ball/puck for a face-off also allows the coach to change lines and get over any change in tactics to the team. This can be especially valuable if the opposition are getting the better of you.

Remember, under BISHA rules, if you are not under pressure from one of the opposition, you must release the ball in order to keep the play moving.  In this case, push it behind the goal, where it's safe!

Narrow the Angle

Look at the difference in the amount of goal you can cover if you halve the distance between yourself and the oncoming forward.

Remember, this is safe only if you don't come too far out of the net and only close down the forward if he/she is not supported. If they have a colleague then you are stranded if they pass to the side. In that case, hold your line and let your defenders push them wide.