In the world of hockey, being a goalie is a specialized discipline. While forwards create plays and defensemen disrupt them, goalies have one primary responsibility: react.
As a goalie, you don’t create the play; you ensure the play results in a save.
Your responsibility is to react to the unfolding action in front of you, not to dictate its flow. That’s why patience is one of the most vital skills a goalie can develop.
‘”Patience on the shooter isn’t passive—it’s calculated. Let them make the first move, and you’ll always be one step ahead.” ’ – Coach Moe
When a player with the puck is preparing to shoot, pass, or skate the puck into a better position, your instincts might tempt you to act quickly. But reacting too soon, without tactical purpose, plays right into their hands. The key is to stay composed, make them commit first, and then react with timely technical execution.
Goalies Don’t Create, They React
Unlike skaters who thrive on creativity—crafting plays, making moves, and setting up scoring chances—goalies succeed by staying disciplined and controlled. The moment you start trying to “guess” what a shooter will do, you step out of your reactive role and into dangerous territory. Overcommitting before the play unfolds can lead to unnecessary net openings and body gaps for the puck to find its way past you.
Instead, your focus should be on reading, processing and reacting. Let the game come to you. By staying patient and reading the situation, you maintain control over your movements and decisions.
Why Patience Is Key in Reacting
When you act too early, you hand the advantage to the shooter. They now have the freedom to exploit the net openings and body gap you’ve created. But when you stay calm and composed, you reduce their options and force them to work harder to beat you.
Patience Starts in the Mind
Hockey is a fast game, and a player bearing down on you with the puck can make the seconds feel like a lifetime. Staying mentally calm in these moments is essential.
Reading the Shooter For Best Reactions
A focused goalie maintains their position, challenging the shooter to make the first move. By staying reactive rather than overly aggressive, you create a better opportunity to maintain control.
The Power of Patience in Reaction
Goalies who stay reactive are the ones who frustrate shooters the most. By refusing to overplay the situation, you take away their ability to manipulate the play. This forces them into tougher decisions and lowers the odds of success.
Final Thoughts
Being patient and reactive is one of the hardest, yet most valuable, skills a goalie can develop. The next time you’re facing a player ready to make their move, remember your role. You’re not there to create a save situation. You’re there to hold your ground, read the play, and react to what the shooter executes.
Be patient. Make the shooter come to you. Mastering this mindset will elevate your game and turn you into the type of goalie that shooters dread to face.