Cranbarry Tags

BOUNCE-BACK MENTALITY The best goalies know they′re going to have bad goals and more bad games. In an 82-game season it′s impossible not to. They can shrug it off and not let it get to them. Positive self-talk and a positive attitude are the keys to this. Goalies get scored...

Sometimes a player makes the mistake of carrying the puck in front of him so the goalie knows what he′s going to do because he can′t shoot the puck from that position. As you get close to the net bring the puck to your side so you can either take...

You can practice your backhander just like you would the wrist shot. Line up near the boards with some pucks. Pick out spots on the boards (one low and one high) and practice hitting the target. Remember to concentrate on your weight transfer and follow through. It′s also good to...

One of the reasons the backhand shot is not used as much anymore is because of the invention of the curved stick. So many players today have such a big hook in their blade that it′s really tough to take an effective and accurate backhand shot....

Players must learn to protect themselves especially along the boards. When going into the corner use some fakes with your body stick or skates to avoid being a stationary target. Keep your skates parallel to the boards rather than pointing toward the boards. As soon as you pick up the...

The key to a backhand shot is the element of surprise. Since the shot is seldom practiced or used in a game many goalies aren′t used to the shot. They′re not used to how the puck is going to come off the stick whether it′s going to go low or...

Blocker. Proper blocker sizing will allow a goaltender to control the face of the blocker. This will lead to better rebound control and protection. Similar to fitting for a glove from the end of the finger channels to the tips of a goaltender's fingers there should be no more than...

Players must learn to protect themselves especially along the boards. When going into the corner use some fakes with your body stick or skates to avoid being a stationary target. Keep your skates parallel to the boards rather than pointing toward the boards. As soon as you pick up the...

Don't forget the parents. Most coaches kick off the season with a parents' meeting to lay down a few ground rules discuss philosophies and map out a course for the season. That's all well and good when the season is young and everyone is refreshed and ready to go. Keep...

A flip or saucer pass is the most effective pass when you have a man between you and your intended target. A good saucer pass floats eight to 10 inches off the ice and lands flat close to the blade of a teammate′s stick. Practice is the key. You don′t...