Body Cradling

During the last few here at GDI Prairies goaltenders have been asking questions on certain aspects of their position to make sure they are correcting their own mistakes, and also to develop a techniqually sound position for their upcomming tryouts. Today we will direct your attention towards a large focus in each goaltenders game, Body Cradling.


The use of the body goes hand in hand with a strong, centered position. The goalie that established consistent and optimal positions will potentially activate the body. This occurs because the body unit is taking up the bulk of the net, and therefore, the bulk of shots will attempt to access the net through this body coverage.

Proper cradling technique is vital for rebound control on the body. Well positioned goaltenders understand the importance of angle which, in turn, activates the body. These goalies should expect a large proportion of shots to come into their body position. Thus, the importance of cradling. This technique first and foremost requires acceptance. In other words, do not interfere with the oncoming puck. Simply allow it to come into your down body position. A combination of "concaving" your body and also maintaining compact glove support will retain the puck.

Check out the following video from icinteractive on Body Cradling, featuring a young Morgan Clark, who now plays for the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL and was a NHL Draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks.

To view other video's from Ian Clark's Twitter Page you can visit his page at Icinteractive. It is updated frequently with insight and tips towards all goaltending aspects. As founder and president of GDI, Ian Clark has built an organization recognized for the development of high-performance goaltenders at all levels of play.

Body Cradling