Hockey goaltenders often use the butterfly position to effectively cover the lower part of the net. Here are 5 supporting facts on how to do the butterfly position in hockey:
1. Begin by getting into a balanced stance: Before attempting the butterfly position, it’s important to have a solid foundation. Start by standing with your skates shoulder-width apart and slightly bent knees. This will help you maintain balance and mobility.
2. Drop into the butterfly position: To initiate the butterfly, drop down by bending both knees simultaneously. Sit back on your heels while keeping your upper body upright and balanced. Your goal should be to lower your body as close to the ice as possible.
3. Position your pads and skates correctly: As your body drops into the butterfly position, ensure your pads are flat on the ice, forming a tight seal against the ice surface. Your skate blades should also be flush against the ice to provide stability.
4. Keep your hands in front: It’s crucial to keep your hands in a ready position in front of your body. This allows you to react quickly to incoming shots and maintain balance. Typically, the glove hand should be positioned slightly higher than the blocker hand.
5. Properly seal the five-hole: The primary purpose of the butterfly position is to seal the five-hole, the space between the goalie’s legs. To do this effectively, make sure your knees are pressed together, and your feet are slightly angled outward, maintaining a tight seal to prevent pucks from slipping through.
FAQs about the butterfly position in hockey:
1. Why is the butterfly position important in hockey?
The butterfly position is crucial because it allows goaltenders to effectively cover the lower part of the net, which is a common target for opponents. By dropping into this position, goalies can maximize their chances of making saves.
2. Is the butterfly position suitable for all goalies?
Yes, the butterfly position is widely used across the hockey world by goaltenders of all ages and skill levels. It provides a versatile and effective way to defend against shots.
3. How do I improve my speed in getting into the butterfly position?
Improving your speed in getting into the butterfly position requires practice and conditioning. Work on strengthening your leg muscles, agility drills, and repetitions of dropping into the butterfly position quickly.
4. Should I always use the butterfly position for every shot?
No, while the butterfly position is effective, it’s not always necessary for every shot. Depending on the angle and distance of the shot, a different save technique might be more appropriate. Developing a sense of when to use the butterfly position comes with experience and understanding of the game situation.
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the butterfly position?
Some common mistakes include not sealing the five-hole properly, not keeping the upper body upright, and not positioning the hands correctly. It’s essential to focus on these key aspects to ensure maximum effectiveness.
6. Can I still move quickly in the butterfly position?
Yes, with proper technique and practice, goalies can move quickly in the butterfly position. Efficient pushing movements with the legs and using your stick to generate momentum can help in quick lateral movement.
7. Are there any variations of the butterfly position?
Yes, there are slightly different variations of the butterfly position. The most common are the traditional butterfly and the hybrid butterfly, which combines aspects of the butterfly position with a more upright stance. Some goalies may also modify the angle of their feet or pad positioning based on their personal preferences.
BOTTOM LINE:
Mastering the butterfly position in hockey requires practice, a solid foundation, and attention to detail. By getting into the proper stance, dropping into the position correctly, maintaining proper pad and hand position, and sealing the five-hole effectively, goaltenders can improve their chances of making saves and defending the net efficiently.
