No Red Lights: Hockey

In light of this holiday, I would like to begin a new series of posts on explosiveness  -- not the fireworks kind, but about explosive movement kind.  When most goalies hear of explosive movement, they immediately conjure up images of t-pushes, shuffles, and long lateral movements. While these comprise the majority of drills used to increase explosiveness, explosiveness is not just about the skating. Recoveries, butterflies, stick movement -- these all need to be explosive.

This series will discuss the technical nature of explosiveness in all its forms.  The truly quick goalies are explosive in ALL their movements, not just the long lateral movements. The truly great goalies rarely have to make the long lateral movement. I argue because they are so explosive in their short movements and saves (butterflies, paddle down, etc.), the great goalies rely less frequently on the long movements.  Whether that is true or not, can be up for debate, but the fact still remains that great goalies are quick in every movement or position they do.

This series will progress by the following topics:

1. butterflies

2. shuffles

3. stick placement

4. paddle down

5. t-pushes

6. lateral movement

While this progression of this series seems a bit random, it is ordered by least mentioned.  While everyone talks about butterflies, the mechanics and physical motions are not often discussed; most coaches say "Go down!" and "quicker!" but how exactly is that accomplished?  How does a goalie get fast?  The secret to quickness lies in the physical mechanics and form of the goaltender.  

Stay tuned for next week's post - the butterfly effect!