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Table of Comparison
Aspect | Blocker Save | Kick Save |
---|---|---|
Definition | Using the blocker glove to deflect the puck away from the net. | Using the foot or leg to stop or redirect the puck. |
Primary Use | Deflect pucks on the glove side, typically mid to high shots. | Stop low shots near the pads or sides of the net. |
Body Position | Arm extended with blocker glove angled toward the puck. | Knee bent, leg extended toward the puck, weight balanced. |
Effectiveness | Quick redirection, limits rebound opportunities. | Powerful stop, reduces rebound chances, controls low zone. |
Common Sports | Ice hockey, inline hockey | Ice hockey, inline hockey, field hockey |
Introduction to Goalie Saves: Blocker vs Kick
Goalie saves in hockey primarily include blocker saves and kick saves, each relying on different techniques and equipment. The blocker save uses the padded blocker glove on the stick hand to deflect shots away from the net with controlled redirection. Kick saves involve the goalie using their leg pads to stop or redirect low shots, emphasizing quick leg movements and positioning for effective goal protection.
Anatomy of the Blocker Save
The anatomy of the Blocker save centers on positioning the blocker pad to seal low on the ice, directing pucks away from the net while maintaining balance and rebound control. This technique relies on precise angling of the blocker face and wrist movement to deflect shots efficiently, minimizing gaps between pad and stick. Mastery of the Blocker save enhances reaction time and puck visibility, distinguishing it from the Kick save, which emphasizes lateral leg extension and pad coverage.
Mechanics of Executing a Kick Save
Executing a Kick save requires precise foot positioning and timing, striking the ball with the inside or sole of the foot to deflect it away from the goal. Unlike a Blocker save that relies on hand placement and body angle to absorb the shot, the Kick save demands rapid leg extension and balance to redirect the ball efficiently. Mastery of the Kick save mechanics enhances a goalkeeper's ability to handle low, close-range shots with increased agility and control.
Key Situations for Blocker Saves in Hockey
Blocker saves in hockey are crucial during close-range shots and screens in front of the net, providing goaltenders with better control and quicker deflections. The flat, rectangular blocker allows goalies to redirect pucks away from dangerous rebound areas, especially during rapid cross-ice passes and tight-angle attempts. Key situations for blocker saves include 2-on-1 breakaways and scrambles in the crease where precision and rapid response are essential to prevent goals.
When to Use a Kick Save Technique
Kick save technique is most effective when the puck or ball is approaching low and close to the goalpost, allowing the goalie to quickly redirect the shot with their foot while maintaining balance. This method is ideal for saves requiring rapid leg extension and coverage near the ice or ground, minimizing rebound opportunities. Using kick save in situations where agility and swift leg movements are essential helps in efficiently stopping low shots and protecting vulnerable areas.
Reflexes and Timing: Blocker vs Kick Response
Blocker save relies on swift reflexes and precise timing to deflect the puck using the padded blocker, emphasizing controlled hand-eye coordination. Kick save demands rapid lower-body reflexes and impeccable timing to push the puck away with the leg pads, often requiring explosive lateral movement. The effectiveness of each save type depends on the goalie's ability to synchronize reaction speed with optimal positioning for either upper or lower body interception.
Equipment Differences: Blocker Glove vs Leg Pads
The Blocker save relies on a rectangular blocker glove designed with a padded, flat surface for deflecting the puck, contrasting with the Kick save which primarily uses large leg pads to absorb and redirect shots along the ice. The blocker glove's lightweight construction and wrist strap allow precise control and quick puck redirection, while the leg pads in the Kick save have a wider surface area and reinforced padding to maximize coverage and impact resistance. These equipment differences highlight the blocker glove's agility focus versus the leg pads' emphasis on stability and blocking efficiency.
Common Mistakes in Blocker and Kick Saves
Common mistakes in blocker saves include improper positioning, where the blocker is held too far from the body, reducing coverage and increasing rebound chances. Kick saves often suffer from poor timing and insufficient knee bend, limiting the goalie's ability to push the puck wide effectively. Both techniques benefit from maintaining proper angles and balance to maximize save success and minimize scoring opportunities.
Training Drills: Improving Blocker and Kick Saves
Training drills for blocker and kick saves emphasize rapid reaction and precise hand positioning to enhance goaltender performance. High-repetition practices using rebound shots and lateral movement exercises improve muscle memory and agility for effective blocker saves, while target-specific drills with angled shots develop timing and footwork critical for kick saves. Integrating video analysis and resistance training supports the refinement of save techniques and overall save percentage.
Impact of Goaltending Style on Save Selection
Blocker save and kick save techniques target different shot angles and game situations, influencing a goaltender's save selection based on their reflexes and positioning strengths. Goaltenders relying on blocker saves typically excel in deflecting high-intensity shots to the side, while kick saves offer superior coverage against low and near-post attempts. This specialization impacts overall defensive strategies, as coaches tailor goaltending styles to complement team shot-blocking and rebound control systems.
Blocker save Infographic
