IHM Knowledge Center
How Do Goalies Handle Deflections and Tips?
How do goalies handle deflections and tips, why are they difficult to stop, and what techniques improve success against redirected shots?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: December 17, 2025
Short Answer
Goalies handle deflections and tips by maintaining strong positioning, tracking the puck as long as possible, and staying balanced to react late.
Full Explanation
Deflections and tips change the puck’s direction at the last moment, reducing reaction time and disrupting normal shot reading. Because of this, positioning and patience are more important than reflex speed.
Goalies focus on arriving early to the shot line and holding their stance rather than dropping or sliding prematurely. Staying upright longer allows last-second reactions to puck redirection.
Visual tracking is critical. Goalies attempt to see the puck through traffic until the point of deflection, then react instinctively rather than guessing.
Stick and pad positioning help eliminate low deflections, while balanced posture allows goalies to adjust glove or blocker angle on higher tips.
Why Deflection Control Matters
Many goals at higher levels come from tips rather than clean shots. Goalies who remain calm and structured against deflections reduce high-danger goals significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Positioning matters more than reflex speed.
- Stay upright as long as possible.
- Track the puck until the deflection point.
- Balance enables late reactions.