Jim’s Intro to Butterfly Save
Hi folks, Jim here, the only commentator who once tried a butterfly save in street hockey and learned that asphalt is not kind to the knees.
What is a butterfly save?
A butterfly save is when a goalie drops to their knees with their pads flared out, forming a wide barrier along the ice to block low shots. It’s the foundation of modern goaltending, designed to take away the bottom of the net.
How does it work?
The butterfly relies on strong mechanics and timing:
- Drop to Knees: The goalie quickly moves from their stance into a low, balanced butterfly position.
- Pads Flat: The inside edges of the pads seal the ice to stop pucks sliding along the surface.
- Glove and Blocker Positioning: Hands stay active to cover high shots or deflections.
- Core Engagement: A strong core stabilizes the upper body while the legs handle the lower net.
- Angles and Depth: Proper positioning in the crease ensures pucks hit the pads, not gaps.
- Quick Recovery: After the save, the goalie pushes back up or slides laterally to handle rebounds.
How do you make good decisions with it?
- Know the Shooter: Read if the shot is likely to be low or high before committing.
- Use Angles: Good positioning reduces the need for desperation saves.
- Control Rebounds: Direct pucks to the corners or cover them quickly.
- Stay Patient: Dropping too early opens up holes; dropping too late gives shooters time.
- Adjust for Screens: Track the puck carefully through traffic before going down.
How do you master it?
Mastering the butterfly requires repetition, flexibility, and strength. Goalies work on dropping quickly, sealing the ice, and recovering efficiently. Core stability and hip mobility are essential for both performance and injury prevention.
What does it look like when done right?
A great butterfly save looks calm and airtight. The goalie drops cleanly, the puck hits the pads or stick, and the play is either frozen or cleared with no panic.
Commentator’s Corner
Jim’s Take
A smooth butterfly save is like closing a trapdoor just in time. The puck’s there one second, gone the next.
Parent Tip
Support flexibility and strength training early. Proper mechanics protect knees and hips over the long run.
Player Tip
For goalies, focus on sealing the ice and recovering quickly. For shooters, know that a good butterfly can make the bottom half of the net disappear.
A Final Thought
The butterfly save is goaltending’s bread and butter. Master it, and you’ll turn low shots into routine stops while controlling rebounds like a pro.
