ProTips #2 with Richard Bachman
- The standard rule — lift the opposite leg first to drive lateral recovery from butterfly — has exceptions that skilled goalie coaches now actively teach.
- Richard Bachman identifies specific overlap situations where using the 'wrong' recovery leg is the more efficient and controlled choice.
- A two-part movement back to the post can be superior to a one-part move when balance and positional control are the priority.
- Bachman's preferred overlap position places the skate approximately two inches outside the post for maximum control.
- Getting 'level' on the skates when moving into the post is a foundational checkpoint Bachman reinforces before adding complex recovery patterns.
The concept of proper leg recovery from the butterfly has been around roughly 20 years now.
Need to move to your left? Your right leg should be lifting off the ice first to drive that push.
Need to go right after a save? You recover with your left leg first to power that move.
What if we told you there are instances where it’s better to use the other leg? And what if, with all the drive to find improved efficiency in movement, we also told you there is an instance where a two-part move to get back to your post makes more sense than a one-part move?
Those were some of the concepts that Minnesota Wild goaltending development coach Richard Bachman worked through with Vancouver Giants prospect Matthew Hutchison on the final day of this year’s NET360 Goalie Camp in Kelowna. We already shared the first part of their session that day, which focused on the importance of inside-foot skate placement when doing crease movement patterns to set up the next push, and that session continued with overlap work.
Before we get into the above-mentioned examples and reasoning for “wrong” leg recovery and two-part movements to get back to the post, let’s have Bachman will explain the patterns:
Become a Member to Read the Full Article
We’re working hard to bring you the best exclusive goaltending content whether you play goal, you are a coach, a parent of a goaltender, or a fan of the greatest position in sports.
All InGoal Premium members enjoy an ad-free experience.
Already a member?
Join thousands of goalies, parents, and coaches who train smarter with InGoal.
15+ years as the #1 goaltending resource
Already a member? Log in