Without a proper stance it is almost impossible for a goaltender to learn all the right saves, moves and basics of goaltending. In this article we are trying to give you the right idea of the proper stance and a detailed checklist on how to build a proper stance.

     The older the goalie is, the more the coach should try to cater to his/her own personal style, that has been developed over the years, and try to bring the best and most effective ways of the style out while trying to fine tune the stance etc. instead of trying to change the goaltender's style to something totally different.

     When you are coaching young or beginning goalies, the stance should always be taught the same way. Do not do any modifications over the first few years.

     A proper stance should be built the following way:

• Start by setting the goalie just to stand normally and relaxed
• Set feet roughly to shoulder width apart

• Bend the knees slightly to a natural feeling angle where the goalie has good balance
• Roll the back forwards so that you reach the well balanced position demonstrated in the photos on your right
• Bring the stick in front of you (30-40cm / 12"-16") in front of the skates so that the blade is centered between the pads with the whole blade on the ice. If the goalie has the wrong size stick or wrong lie it will ruin the stance since the goalie has to adjust his/her stance to accomodate the stick.
• Bring his/her catch glove to the same level as the blocker. Keep the arm loose and in front of the pads, level, with fingers pointing towards the puck and the palm of the hand "seeing" the puck.