Pro Tips with Bill Ranford
- Bill Ranford's back-of-net system positions left-catching goalies in a left-shoulder dominant stance to simplify puck tracking behind the net.
- The Kings teach the system in three progressive stages: stationary pucks, movement with a single puck, then live pass outs.
- Ranford credits this system with zero hip surgeries among LA Kings goalies over his 17 years using it.
- The system baits shooters into glove-side wrap attempts while making those shots easy recoveries for the goalie.
- Eliminates bad habits like using windows, switching sides mid-play, and getting caught moving back and forth behind the net.
Bill Ranford was our special guest when The Hockey Shop hosted TendyFest 6, and the Los Angeles Kings Director of Goaltending and four-time Stanley Cup winner took the time to deliver both on-ice instruction and a lengthy and informative Q+A session.
InGoal Magazine plans to share both with our Premium Members but wanted to start with the on-ice component, in part because Ranford goes on to talk about it more in the Q+A, but also because the net play system he shared is one that Kings goalies have told us both simplifies their ability to track pucks behind the net and eases stress on their hips.
“I was in LA 17 years, never had a goalie with hip surgery using this system,” Ranford said.
Ranford explains this “back of net” system by setting up five pucks below the goal line, and a reminder there are parts of it specific to how the Kings defend the front of the net:
Unlock the rest of this premium breakdown
Join thousands of goalies, parents, and coaches who train smarter with InGoal.
15+ years as the #1 goaltending resource
Already a member? Log in