GDI Technical Review: Backside Push - Extension

One of the most forgotten technical areas of all lateral movement is the extension into a new space. Ultimately, any lateral movement is executed in order to establish new net coverage. Following the proper steps, a goaltender must consider why each step is used.

Completing the final stages of a backside push, it is important to have a flared lead-leg before pushing with the backside edge. This will initiate the coverage build and minimize resistance.

As the drive is made the body must come back together. The drive across allows the lead pad to build low, middle coverage rapidly. It is the body coming through which helps to build the coverage up. The goalie that re-compacts the body after the drive that begins to rebuild maximal net coverage.

Backside recovery is an important skill for all goaltenders and should be implemented as quickly as possible. However, with younger and beginner level goaltenders, driving to a new position while remaining down should not be attempted due to a lack of strength. Since there is more resistance when pushing a down body unit along the ice, power is a prerequisite to its success.

Brenna McNulty - GDI Prairies Goaltender, POE U18 - Top 40 Goaltender

GDI Technical Review: Backside Push - Extension