Tag: goalie errors

What Are Common Goaltending Mistakes?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Are Common Goaltending Mistakes?

What are the most common goaltending mistakes, why do they occur, and how can goalies correct them?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: December 17, 2025

Short Answer

Common goaltending mistakes usually come from poor positioning, early commitment, loss of balance or mental lapses rather than lack of athletic ability.

Full Explanation

Many technical errors originate from impatience. Dropping into the butterfly too early, sliding unnecessarily or overplaying angles opens space for shooters.

Another frequent mistake is poor posture. Leaning forward, sitting back on the heels or letting hands drift behind the body reduces reaction efficiency and rebound control.

Goalies also struggle with rebound awareness and recovery. Focusing only on the first save often leads to delayed responses on second-chance shots.

Mental errors play a significant role. Overthinking after a goal against or trying to “make up” for mistakes often leads to additional breakdowns.

How to Correct These Mistakes

Correction starts with fundamentals: posture, patience and positioning. Video review helps identify patterns, while focused drills reinforce proper habits.

Key Takeaways

  • Most mistakes come from impatience or positioning.
  • Posture and balance affect every save.
  • Rebound awareness is often overlooked.
  • Mental discipline prevents error chains.