To block shots in ice hockey, get in the shooting lane between the puck and the net, face the shooter, keep your stick on the ice and your body square, and let the puck hit the areas covered by equipment: your shin pads, the front of your pants or the padded parts of your upper body. Players block either by staying on their feet and closing the lane, or by going down to one knee or sliding to cover more space. Good timing and position matter more than bravery, and a well-executed block is much safer than a late, awkward one.
This guide explains why shot blocking matters, the main blocking techniques and when to use each one, how to read the shooter, the equipment that protects you, drills to practise safely and the most common mistakes.
Why shot blocking matters
A blocked shot never reaches the goaltender. That means no rebound, no deflection, no screen and no chance of a goal from that shot. Blocking is especially valuable on the penalty kill, late in close games and when defending point shots, where many goals come from tips and rebounds in traffic. It also shows commitment, and coaches often treat a willingness to block shots as a sign of a reliable defensive player. Blocked shots are tracked as a statistic in many leagues, and top defensive defencemen can block well over a hundred shots in a season.
Main blocking techniques
| Technique | When to use it | Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing block | Most situations, especially when close to the shooter | You stay on your feet and can recover quickly | Covers less space |
| One-knee block | Point shots from medium distance | Covers low shots and keeps you able to get up | Upper body can be exposed |
| Butterfly-style block | Wide lanes and low shots | Covers a large area low to the ice | Takes longer to recover |
| Full slide | Last-ditch blocks or passing lanes | Covers the most ice | You are out of the play if you miss; higher injury risk if done poorly |
How to block a shot standing up
- Get into the lane early. Move between the puck and the net before the shooter winds up.
- Square your body to the shooter. Face the puck so it hits the front of your pads, not the side of your leg or the back of your skate.
- Keep your stick on the ice. Your stick blade covers low passes and low shots.
- Keep your knees together or close together. This closes the gap between your legs.
- Keep your hands and head protected. Keep gloves close and turn your face slightly while keeping your eyes on the puck.
- Recover and clear. After the block, find the puck and move it away or support your teammate.
How to block a shot going down
Going down covers more ice, but timing is everything. The best time to drop is just as the shooter commits to the shot. Drop too early and the shooter can simply walk around you or pass. Drop too late and you may be hit in an unprotected area. When going down to one knee, keep your body square and your stick in the lane. For a full slide, go down with your pads facing the shooter and your body angled to cover the lane, keeping your hands and face protected. Players should practise sliding blocks with soft pucks or balls before trying them in games.
Reading the shooter
Good shot blockers read the shooter’s body before the puck is released. Watch the puck position on the stick, where the shooter’s hips and shoulders are facing, and how far the stick is drawn back. A big windup gives you time to get into the lane. A quick wrist shot or snap shot needs you to be in position already. Also watch for fakes; experienced shooters will fake a shot to get you to drop, then walk around you. Stay patient and in position until the shooter commits.
Protecting yourself
Proper equipment makes shot blocking far safer. Shin guards should fit well and cover from the top of the skate to the knee. Some players add shot-blocking guards that cover the top of the skate and ankle, which are a vulnerable area. Pants should be well padded at the front of the thighs. Players should wear well-fitted gloves, and for youth players, a full face cage or visor as required by their league. Avoid blocking with your hands, face or the back of your legs, and never turn your back on a shot.
Shot blocking carries real injury risk. Learn proper technique under a qualified coach, wear properly fitted protective equipment and follow your league’s equipment requirements. Check your governing body’s rulebook, such as Hockey Canada, USA Hockey or the IIHF, for specific rules on protective gear.
Drills to practise shot blocking
- Lane-reading drill: a coach moves the puck along the blue line while players adjust their position to stay in the lane.
- Soft-puck blocks: use foam pucks or balls to practise square positioning and sliding blocks without injury risk.
- One-knee drop timing: practise dropping to one knee on a coach’s cue as the shooter winds up.
- Penalty kill scenarios: work on positioning and blocks in small-area penalty kill drills.
Common mistakes
- Turning away from the puck: this exposes the back of the legs and ankles, which have little protection.
- Going down too early: the shooter can walk around you or make a pass.
- Screening your own goalie: if you cannot block the shot, do not stand in your goalie’s sightline.
- Lifting the stick off the ice: low shots and passes get through.
- Blocking with hands: hands are easy to injure. Keep them protected.
Blocking shots in different game situations
Shot blocking changes with the situation. On the penalty kill, players are expected to block more shots because the opponent has an extra skater and more time to set up point shots. Late in a close game, especially when protecting a one-goal lead, teams collapse toward the net and players are more willing to go down to block. At even strength, defenders balance blocking with staying on their feet so they can recover and win the puck. Coaches often set clear expectations for when to stand and when to slide, so every player on the ice reads the play the same way and nobody leaves an opponent open at the back door.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a puck hit you when blocking a shot?
On the front of your shin guards, the padded front of your pants or other well-protected areas. Avoid the hands, ankles and the back of your legs.
Should you go down to block a shot?
Only when the timing is right, usually as the shooter commits. Standing blocks keep you in the play and are often the safer choice.
What equipment helps with shot blocking?
Well-fitted shin guards, padded pants and gloves, plus optional shot-blocking guards for the skate and ankle area.
