Good goalie positioning in ice hockey means being square to the puck, on the correct angle, at the right depth and set in a balanced ready stance before the shooter releases. When those four pieces are in place, the goalie covers as much of the net as possible, and many shots simply hit the goalie’s body. In practice, that means keeping your chest facing the puck, staying on an imaginary line between the puck and the center of the net, adjusting how far out of the crease you play based on the threat, sealing the post when the puck is below the goal line, and stopping your movement so you are set before the shot. Positioning is often considered the foundation of goaltending, because even the best reflexes cannot make up for being out of position.
Why positioning matters
A hockey net is 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall, and a goalie cannot physically cover all of it. Positioning is how goalies take away as much of that space as possible. By standing on the right angle and at the right depth, a goalie reduces the openings a shooter can see. Good positioning also means less scrambling, which leaves the goalie in better shape to handle rebounds and second chances. Coaches often say that the best saves look easy because the goalie was already in the right spot.
The ready stance
| Body part | Position |
|---|---|
| Feet | A little wider than shoulder-width, weight on the balls of the feet |
| Knees | Bent, with pads close together to limit the five-hole |
| Chest | Upright and slightly forward, facing the puck |
| Glove and blocker | Out in front of the body, visible in peripheral vision |
| Stick | Flat on the ice a few inches in front of the skates, covering the five-hole |
| Head | Still and tracking the puck |
The ready stance lets a goalie move in any direction quickly while covering as much net as possible. Weight on the balls of the feet allows fast pushes, bent knees keep the goalie low and athletic, and hands in front help the goalie see and react to shots. Every goalie’s stance differs a little based on height, flexibility and style, so coaches usually adjust these guidelines to the individual.
Core positioning principles
- Square up. Keep your chest facing the puck so your body covers the most net.
- Play the angle. Stay on the line between the puck and the center of the net.
- Manage depth. Play near the top of the crease against most shooters, and deeper when passes or dekes are likely.
- Seal the posts. When the puck is below the goal line, get tight to the post to take away wraparounds and sharp-angle shots.
- Get set. Stop moving before the shooter releases so you are balanced and ready.
- Track the puck. Follow the puck with your eyes all the way into your body.
Finding your angle
Many goalies use reference points to find their angle. The crease markings, the hash marks on the faceoff circles and the posts themselves are common reference points. A quick touch of the post with the glove, blocker or stick helps goalies know where they are in the crease without looking back. Some goalies imagine a line from the puck to the center of the goal and position their body on that line. When the puck moves, the goalie shifts along an arc to stay on the new angle. Getting to the right angle quickly and consistently takes lots of repetition in practice.
Depth: how far out to play
Depth is how far a goalie stands from the goal line. Coming farther out reduces the shooter’s view of the net, but it makes lateral movement longer if the puck is passed across. Playing deeper makes it easier to move side to side but gives the shooter more open net. Many goalies play near the top of the crease against a lone shooter and retreat slightly deeper when the attacking team has passing options or when a player is driving to the net with speed. The right depth depends on the situation and the goalie’s style.
How to get set for a shot step by step
- Read the play. Watch the puck carrier and scan for passing options.
- Move to the angle. Use a shuffle for short movements or a T-push for longer ones.
- Square your body. Face the puck with your chest.
- Adjust depth. Step out or back based on the threat.
- Get set. Stop moving and settle into your ready stance before the release.
- Track the puck. Watch it off the stick and into your body.
- Control the rebound. Direct pucks to the corners or smother them when appropriate.
Movement skills that support positioning
Positioning depends on efficient movement. The shuffle keeps the goalie square for small lateral adjustments. The T-push allows a goalie to cover longer distances quickly by pointing the lead skate and pushing with the back leg. The butterfly slide lets a goalie move while down on the ice. Recovering from the butterfly back to the feet, or sliding in the butterfly, helps goalies reposition after the first save. Practicing these movements until they are automatic lets goalies focus on reading the play.
Screens and traffic
Shots through traffic are among the hardest for goalies. When a player is screening, goalies often look around the screen, low or to the side, to find the puck, while keeping their body square to where the puck is. Staying patient and not overcommitting helps with deflections. Communicating with defensemen, for example asking them to clear the front of the net, can help too.
Practice drills
- Angle drills: A coach moves the puck to different spots while the goalie squares up and sets.
- Post-to-post movement: Practice moving from post to post with shuffles and T-pushes.
- Depth control: Shooters come in at different speeds while the goalie adjusts depth.
- Screen drills: A teammate stands in front while shooters take shots.
- Rebound control: Practice directing pucks to the corners.
Health note
Goaltending places heavy demands on the hips, knees and groin, especially in the butterfly. Warm up thoroughly, work on flexibility and mobility, and wear properly fitted equipment. This article is general information, not medical advice; see a medical professional for persistent pain.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not being set when the shot is released.
- Being off angle, leaving the far side open.
- Playing too deep against a lone shooter.
- Overcommitting too far out and getting beaten by passes.
- Dropping too early, leaving the top of the net open.
- Losing the puck in traffic by not looking around screens.
- Weak post seals when the puck is below the goal line.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best stance for a hockey goalie?
A balanced stance with feet a little wider than shoulders, knees bent, chest up, hands in front and stick flat on the ice covering the five-hole.
How far out should a goalie play?
Often near the top of the crease against a single shooter, and deeper when passes or dekes are likely. It depends on the situation and style.
How do goalies know where they are in the net?
They use reference points such as the posts, crease markings and faceoff hash marks, often touching the post to check position.
