Rebound Control: The Skill That Prevents Second Chances

By Eldon 'Pokey' Reddick | Hockey Horizons Mentor & Former NHL Goaltender

A save that creates a dangerous rebound is only half a save. I know that sounds harsh, but it's the reality of goaltending at any level above recreational hockey. If you stop the puck and it slides into the slot for a wide-open second shot, you haven't actually solved the problem — you've just delayed it by about two seconds. Rebound control is what turns a good goalie into a great one.

There are three things that determine where your rebounds go: the angle of your pads or blocker when the puck hits, your positioning relative to the shooter, and your intentionality — meaning whether you're thinking about where the puck goes after you stop it. Most young goalies are only thinking about stopping the puck. Elite goalies are thinking about stopping the puck and directing it.

Directing rebounds into the corners is the goal on most shots. You want the puck to go wide, toward the boards, where your defensemen can retrieve it and reset. You do not want it sliding back to the slot, bouncing to the front of the crease, or sitting in a dangerous area while players converge. That requires angling your pads, using your stick actively to redirect, and being aware of where your teammates are.

Communicate With Your Defense

Rebound control is also a communication job. Your defensemen need to know where you're directing pucks so they can be in position to retrieve them. Talk to your 'D' in practice. Establish habits together. A goalie and defensive pair that communicate about rebound management become a unit that's extremely hard to score on second chances against.

At Hockey Horizons, we understand that goaltending is its own world — technically, mentally, and strategically. Pokey Reddick works directly with goaltenders and their families to navigate development, team selection, and the junior and college recruiting process. If you're serious about your goalie's future, reach out to us at hockeyhorizons.com.

For guidance on the complete development picture, visit us at hockeyhorizons.com.