The basic saves every ice hockey goalie needs are the butterfly save for low shots, the glove save and blocker save for high shots, the stick save for pucks along the ice, and pad saves for wide, low shots. Most modern goalies start from a balanced ready stance, drop into the butterfly to seal the bottom of the net, and use the glove and blocker to handle shots above the pads. Just as important as the save itself is rebound control: absorbing pucks into the body, catching them cleanly, or steering them into the corners rather than back into the slot. Good positioning, patience and quick recovery tie all of these saves together.
Start with the ready stance
Every save begins from a solid stance. Feet slightly wider than shoulder-width, knees bent, weight on the balls of the feet, chest up and facing the puck, glove and blocker out in front, and the stick flat on the ice covering the five-hole, the space between the legs. From this position, a goalie can move quickly in any direction and react to shots high or low. If the stance is off balance, every save becomes harder. Coaches often spend a lot of time on stance before moving on to specific saves.
The basic saves at a glance
| Save | When to use it | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfly | Low shots and shots through screens | Drop to the knees, pads flared out, hands forward, stick covering the five-hole |
| Glove save | High shots on the glove side | Catch the puck in front of the body, not beside or behind it |
| Blocker save | Shots on the blocker side | Angle the blocker to redirect the puck to the corner |
| Stick save | Low shots along the ice | Angle the stick to deflect the puck away from the slot |
| Pad save | Wide, low shots | Extend the pad and direct the rebound wide |
| Chest save | Shots at the body | Absorb the puck and trap it with the glove |
The butterfly save
The butterfly is the foundation of modern goaltending. The goalie drops to the knees with the leg pads flared out to the sides, covering the bottom of the net. The hands stay forward and up, the chest stays tall, and the stick covers the five-hole. The butterfly is effective because most goals are scored low, and it lets the goalie cover a large area quickly. It is also useful on screened shots, when the goalie cannot see the puck clearly. The weakness of the butterfly is the upper part of the net, so goalies must keep their chest up and hands ready.
Glove and blocker saves
For glove saves, reach forward to catch the puck in front of your body, where you can see it and control it. Catching beside or behind the body makes it more likely the puck slips past. Keep the glove open and facing the shooter, and close it firmly when the puck arrives. For blocker saves, the goal is usually to redirect the puck into the corner rather than back into play. Angle the blocker slightly so the puck deflects away from the slot. Keep your arms relaxed but ready, since stiff arms tend to create hard, unpredictable rebounds.
Stick and pad saves
Stick saves handle shots along the ice, especially from close range or at the five-hole. Hold the stick firmly with the blade flat on the ice and angle it so pucks are directed to the corner. Pad saves are used for wide, low shots that the goalie cannot reach with the butterfly. Extending the pad toward the puck, often with a push, lets the goalie make the save and steer the rebound away from danger.
Standing saves and when not to drop
Not every shot calls for the butterfly. On high shots from distance with a clear view, many goalies stay on their feet and make the save with the glove, blocker or body. Staying up keeps the top of the net covered and makes recovery easier. Reading the shooter helps here: a player shooting from the point with no traffic may be more likely to shoot high, while a player driving to the net may try a low shot or a deke. Good goalies learn to be patient and let the shot come to them rather than guessing and dropping too early.
How to make a save step by step
- Get set. Be square to the puck and settled in your stance before the shot.
- Track the puck. Watch it leave the stick and follow it all the way into your body or equipment.
- Choose the save. Butterfly for low shots, glove or blocker for high shots.
- Move into the puck. Attack the shot slightly rather than waiting back.
- Control the rebound. Catch it, trap it or steer it to the corner.
- Recover. Get back to your feet or slide to the next shot quickly.
Rebound control
Many goals come from rebounds rather than first shots. Rebound control means reducing second chances by absorbing pucks into your body, catching them cleanly, or directing them into the corners. Soft hands and relaxed arms help absorb pucks. When a shot comes at the chest, try to trap it with the glove. On low shots, angle the pads and stick so pucks go wide. When you cannot control a rebound, recover quickly so you are ready for the next shot. Freezing the puck to get a whistle is sometimes the right choice, especially under heavy pressure.
Recovery after the first save
After making a save, goalies often need to move again. Butterfly slides, where the goalie pushes across the crease while staying down, help cover rebounds and passes. Recovering to the feet with a strong push allows the goalie to reset. Many goalie coaches emphasize recovering on the correct angle so the goalie is square to the next shot. Practice recoveries as often as saves, since games are rarely one-shot situations.
Practice drills
- Butterfly reps: Drop into the butterfly and recover repeatedly, focusing on form.
- Glove and blocker drills: Take shots to each side, focusing on catching in front and redirecting.
- Rebound control: A coach shoots low shots while the goalie steers pucks to the corners.
- Two-shot drills: After the first save, the goalie recovers for a second shot.
- Screen shots: A teammate stands in front to practice finding the puck.
Health note
The butterfly and quick recoveries place heavy stress on the hips, knees and groin. Warm up properly, work on flexibility and strength, and wear well-fitted equipment. This article is general information, not medical advice; see a medical professional for persistent pain.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Dropping too early before the shot, leaving the top of the net open.
- Catching beside the body instead of in front.
- Stiff arms and hands, creating hard rebounds.
- Leaving a gap at the five-hole in the butterfly.
- Kicking rebounds into the slot.
- Slow recovery after the first save.
- Losing sight of the puck by not tracking it into the body.
Frequently asked questions
What is the butterfly style of goaltending?
Dropping to the knees with the pads flared out to cover the bottom of the net, while keeping the chest up and hands forward.
How can a goalie stop giving up rebounds?
Work on absorbing shots with relaxed hands and arms, catch pucks in front of the body, and angle the stick, pads and blocker to direct rebounds to the corners.
Should a goalie always use the butterfly?
No. The butterfly is ideal for low shots and screens, but goalies also need standing saves, glove and blocker saves, and good judgment about when to drop.
