libterm.com A stick save is a crucial goaltending maneuver in ice hockey involving the goalie using their stick to block or deflect the puck from entering the net. This technique requires precise timing, sharp reflexes, and strong hand-eye coordination to effectively protect the goal. Discover how mastering the stick save can improve your overall defensive game by reading the rest of the article.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Stick Save | Paddle Save |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Using the goalie stick blade to block or deflect the puck | Using the paddle section of the stick to stop or redirect the puck |
| Common Use | Close-range saves and outlet passes | Wide, low shots and rebounds |
| Coverage Area | Focused, precise blocking | Broader surface area coverage |
| Speed & Reaction | Fast stick movements for quick saves | Relies on paddle position and angle |
| Advantages | Highly effective for deflections and controlled puck handling | Better at stopping low shots and controlling rebounds |
| Limitations | Less coverage for wide shots | Less precision in puck handling |
| Typical Players | Goaltenders emphasizing stickhandling skills | Goaltenders focused on blocking and rebound control |
Introduction to Goalie Save Techniques
Stick save and paddle save are fundamental goalie save techniques used in ice hockey to stop shots on goal. The stick save involves using the blade of the goalie's stick to deflect or block the puck, typically effective for low or quick shots along the ice. The paddle save uses the flat, wide paddle of the stick to cover a larger surface area, ideal for stopping mid-height shots and rebounds with increased control.
What is a Stick Save?
A stick save is a goaltending technique where the goalie uses the stick blade to block or deflect a puck shot toward the net, often during low or lateral saves. It requires precise coordination and quick reflexes to control rebounds and maintain puck control. This save is fundamental in ice hockey and lacrosse, providing goalies with an effective tool to stop fast, low attempts.
What is a Paddle Save?
A paddle save in hockey is a defensive technique where the goalie uses the flat, broad surface of the stick blade held horizontally to deflect or stop the puck, usually from low or close-range shots. Unlike a stick save, which relies on the stick's edge or shaft mainly for redirecting the puck, the paddle save maximizes surface area contact for better control and blocking power. This type of save is essential in preventing goals during tight, rapid plays near the goal crease.
Key Differences: Stick Save vs Paddle Save
Stick save in ice hockey involves using the blade of the goalie's stick to block or redirect the puck, offering precise control and quick reactions to low shots. Paddle save uses the flat surface of the goalie stick's paddle to stop or deflect the puck, typically covering a larger area to stop shots close to the ice. The key difference lies in the technique and area of coverage, with stick saves emphasizing accuracy and paddle saves focusing on maximizing blocking surface.
Situational Use: When to Choose Stick or Paddle Save
Stick saves are most effective when facing low shots aimed at the corners or along the ice, providing precise blade control for quick puck deflections. Paddle saves excel in situations requiring broader surface coverage to block mid-height shots or deflect powerful slap shots, offering greater reach and stability. Choosing between stick and paddle saves depends on the puck's velocity, angle, and position, allowing goalies to optimize their response based on shot characteristics and game context.
Advantages of Stick Saves
Stick saves in hockey provide greater reach and control due to the extended length of the stick, allowing goaltenders to block shots that are further away from their body. This technique enables faster reaction times by using precise stick positioning to deflect pucks and disrupt puck handling by opponents. Stick saves also minimize the need for large body movements, reducing goalie fatigue and improving overall in-game endurance.
Benefits of Paddle Saves
Paddle saves offer enhanced control and quicker reaction times due to their larger surface area and ergonomic design, making them ideal for blocking fast shots and deflections. The rigid structure of paddle saves provides increased durability and support, reducing hand fatigue during extended play. Compared to stick saves, paddle saves improve glove coverage and overall hand protection, contributing to greater confidence and performance on the ice.
Common Mistakes in Stick and Paddle Saves
Common mistakes in stick saves include improper hand positioning, resulting in reduced control and slower reaction times, and failing to keep the stick blade flat on the ice, which leads to gaps that allow pucks to slip through. In paddle saves, players often position their paddles too high or at incorrect angles, causing deflections away from the body and increasing rebound risks. Both save techniques suffer when goalies neglect body alignment and timing, compromising save efficiency and rebound control.
Tips to Improve Your Stick and Paddle Save Skills
Improving your stick save requires focused drills on hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and proper glove positioning to maximize coverage and reduce rebound control issues. Paddle save skills benefit from practicing precise angle cuts and maintaining a solid, balanced stance to effectively block low shots and deflect pucks away from the net. Consistent practice with targeted exercises like reaction ball drills for stick saves and low-shot simulations for paddle saves enhances overall goalie performance and responsiveness.
Stick Save vs Paddle Save: Which Is More Effective?
Stick saves rely on quick reflexes and precise control using the goalie's stick to deflect low shots with minimal stick movement, making them highly effective for saves near the ice. Paddle saves, made by extending the wide paddle of the goalie stick to block shots, cover a larger surface area and are better for stopping mid-height or slightly elevated shots. Effectiveness depends on shot placement and game situation; stick saves offer precision and faster recovery, while paddle saves provide broader coverage and stability.
Stick save Infographic
