Finding the Fundamental Save Position (FSP)

Focusing on protecting the lower part of the net, while important, means nothing if the goaltender is off angle.  There are three things the goaltender must accomplish, at the same time, to truly be on angle.

 Goaltenders Must:

  1. Be on the Centre of the Net
  2. Be Square to the Puck
  3. Find Proper Depth for the Situation

  1. CENTRE OF THE NET is the most important aspect a goaltender needs to begin to play a simple, more effective game.  Again, centre of the net is from the puck’s point of view.  The goalie that plays a “centre of the net” approach will face less shots.  First, by being in a position to reduce the number of second shots and/or being in a position of control to stop any rebound.  Second, taking away more net delays the shooter in their shot selection or forcing the shot high/wide.

    2. Definition: Draw a line from the middle of the net, on the goal line, to wherever the puck is being shot from.  The goalie stands over that line so that it intersects the body and they have found the CENTRE OF THE NET. 

  2. SQUARE TO THE PUCK means that the goaltender’s shoulders. Gloves, knees, and toes, are all facing the puck when the shot is taken.  Being square to the puck translates into covering as much net as possible with the body.
  3. DEPTH is how far you move off the goal line to take away any available space from the puck.  The closer to the puck the less space the puck will see.  However, the more a goaltender moves out, the further the goaltender will have to move laterally if a pass is made.  The depth the goaltender chooses to play relies on game situations.

A well-positioned goaltender will create more missed shots.  The less the puck sees the more accurate the shot must be.  The more a goalie can find middle of the net and stay square the more a shooter is forced to hit a smaller target.

 If a goalie can incorporate these three elements into their save selection they will have reached their

FUNDAMENTAL SAVE POSITION