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

U18 Feature Goaltender: Brenna McNulty

GDI Prairies would like to recognize one of Manitoba's Top Female U-18 Prospect - Brenna McNulty.

Brenna was most recently slected by Hockey Manitoba to attend the Program of Excellence Top 40 Camp at the end of May. Brenna brings a wall of confidence to her game, along with a intimidating presence as she presents a challenging frame that pressures her opposition.

Key areas to note from her game include:

- Absorbing and corralling pucks with her body
- Locking up holes by her posts and maintaining a compact position off of nearside attacks.
- Minimal post-save delay off of directed pucks from limbs
- Competitive mindset and will allow herself to get out a technical and tense style to battle for pucks in tight.

The Under-18 players who have been selected to attend the Program of Excellence (POE) TOP-40 Camp, held May 26-29, 2011 in Winnipeg. The players selected to attend the POE TOP-40 Camp have advanced from the pool of 102 players who competed at the POE Spring Tournament which was held April 15-17, 2011 at Max Bell Centre in Winnipeg.

The POE TOP-40 Camp is the third phase of the Program of Excellence which is the selection process for the U-18 Team Manitoba roster that will compete at the 2011 National U-18 Women's Championships in Saguenay, Que this November.

For more information Click Here.

U18 Feature Goaltender: Brenna McNulty