Lateral Movement: The primary concentration of Titan Goaltending
In today’s fast-paced game, lateral movement is THE most critical aspect of a goaltender’s skill set. The ability to move efficiently from A to B, post to post, cover angles, and react to cross-ice plays can determine a goaltender’s success. With forwards getting faster, at all levels and ages, the ability to master lateral movement separates elite goaltenders from the rest.
The Importance of Lateral Movement
Lateral movement is crucial for goaltenders because it allows them to track the puck while maintaining balance, positioning, and control. Without proper lateral movement, a goaltender will struggle against east-to-west passing plays and one-time shots, which have become a staple in modern offensive strategies. Poor lateral movement leads to overcommitting, opening up holes, or being too slow to react, leaving the net vulnerable.
Fundamental Techniques for Efficient Lateral Movement
1. hands up
Proper hand positioning allows for quicker reactions to high shots and maintains coverage of the upper net. Dropping the hands while moving laterally creates unnecessary delays in shot preparation and exposes openings that skilled shooters can exploit, as well as causes the goaltender to loose balance. By keeping the gloves active and forward, goalies stay square to the puck and ready for any shot release. Integrating proper hand discipline into lateral movement drills ensures consistency in game situations, helping goalies make more controlled saves and reducing the chances of being beaten on high-danger chances.
2. Edge control
Edge control is the foundation of elite goaltending. A goaltender’s ability to grip the ice with their inside edges allows for precise lateral movement, efficient transitions, and quick recovery after saves. Strong edge control ensures balance, stability, and the ability to push explosively while maintaining proper positioning. Without it, goalies risk losing their balance, control, and ability to (re)react to the play. Developing superior edge control through Titan Goaltending drills and off-ice training is essential for mastering crease movement. In a game where split-second reactions make the difference, refined edge work is the key to staying ahead of the play.
3. Butterfly Push
The butterfly push ranks as the #1 concentration skill taught at Titan Goaltending. In this movement, the goaltender is already down in the butterfly position and uses their inside edge to push laterally across the crease while maintaining a low, controlled stance. This movement is the most common and critical skill set to stay in control during game play and make desperation saves when traffic in front of the net is at a high volume.
4. Reverse VH and Post Integration
In today’s game, goaltenders must seamlessly integrate lateral movement with post play. The Reverse Vertical-Horizontal (RVH) position allows goaltenders to seal the post while being ready to push laterally in response to a pass or wraparound attempt. Proper use of RVH combined with explosive lateral pushes ensures goalies remain in control of their movements while staying prepared for quick plays near the net.
Key Elements of Strong Lateral Movement
Edge Control
Strong edge work is the foundation of effective lateral movement. Goaltenders rely on their inside edges to push, stop, and transition efficiently. Poor edge control leads to inefficient movements, loss of balance, and an inability to recover quickly. The use of the heel of the skate will be the priority during Titan Goaltending sessions.
Body Control and Balance
Goaltenders must maintain a strong center of gravity while moving laterally. Keeping the chest upright, knees bent, and weight evenly distributed allows for smooth transitions and quick adjustments. A well-balanced goaltender can move explosively without losing control of their stance.
Explosiveness and Recovery Speed
A goalie’s ability to generate power in their lateral movements can be the difference between making a highlight-reel save or allowing a goal. Training explosiveness through off-ice workouts such as plyometrics and leg strength exercises enhances a goalie’s ability to push quickly across the crease.
Situational Awareness and Anticipation
Understanding when and how to move laterally is just as important as the movement itself. Elite goaltenders read the play, anticipate passes, and position themselves efficiently to limit unnecessary movement. Over-sliding or being caught off-angle can lead to breakdowns in net coverage.
Conclusion
Lateral movement is one of the most essential skills for modern goaltenders. Mastering techniques like keeping proper balance, stance, edge control, and butterfly push allows goalies to move efficiently, stay square to the shooter, will result in game-changing saves. By developing strong edge control, balance, and anticipation, goaltenders can improve their ability to react to dynamic offensive plays. As the game continues to evolve, goaltenders who prioritize lateral movement will have a significant advantage in maintaining elite performance on the ice.
