Best stretches to even try and do butterfly?

mx42 · Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 5:37 pm Post subject:

Here is what I think.

Pads are okay. You can make them work if you put in the effort, you just need to loosen them up a bit. Get some slack in the toe string (tie a knot where you want it to sit against the frame of your roller chassis). Too many people these days are advocating taller pads when proper stick positioning, reading the shot well, and keeping your knees together when you drop resolve the problem easier (and cheaper) than picking up new gear and worrying about sizing. Don't get bigger pads if you aren't an excellent skater.

Don't really need a new stick (unless you WANT one of course), but FYI:
Roy was listed at 6', used a 25" paddle
Fleury is listed at 6'1, uses a 25" paddle
Brodeur listed at 6'2, uses a 25" paddle

Guys like Kolzig and (I think) Luongo are using 26" paddles and they are 6'3, 6'4.

Bring your stick and gloves forward and lower (next to your pants) so you are a solid block of foam, plastic, and human. It takes up valuable inches of visible net for the puck to beat you, and also forces them to better shots (don't get beat through your body is the key). As long as you are quick enough, your stick blade doesn't have to be flat on the ice, it can ramp back towards your chest a little bit.

All in all, loosen up those pads...loosest at the top (thigh and knee) and slightly tighter as you go down. Boot strap needs to be loose too.

And get some shots with your full gear on (noticed in that one, you have your street shoes on). Let's be honest, you'll be playing hockey with full gear, and it will give me a better idea of what you're working with...

Now as far as stretching goes, you want to stretch EVERYTHING. People are saying just stretch the hips etc, but they are wrong - everything is connected. So you need a regimen that does your hamstrings, quads, butt, hips, etc etc etc...

PensHockeyFan · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 9:10 pm Post subject:

I have been reading the posts and advice you guys have been leaving for me. I currently use a 24" RBK Premier II stick, and I love it! I have made SO many stick saves it's sick! I have been working a lot on stretching and stuff, and while I can't really do a wide b'fly, my reflexes have genuinely improved! I am looking at some new pads now since there are a lot on sale now. I am guessing I'll be looking at some 34" pads, since I also think these are a little short for me. Any advice? Since I'm not really a b'fly goalie, some good hybrid pads? I'm looking for cheap, gotta get financing from the money boss (wife). This was my first FULL season in goal, and we went 11-0 winning the championship!!! Woo hoo!!! The new season starts at the end of August, so I'll be getting something quick I hope. We'll see. Thanks for all the advice guys! I'll be checking back a lot more often!
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MattiKorhonen · High School Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 11

I made this video that shows stretches for splits and wider butterfly. Just do what I'll show in the video everyday for 20 minutes for 2 weeks and you will be doing splits.

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzyCIw_zEqI

Matti

p.s. If you are not used to this kind of stretching your joint may feel kind of sore. Do not force anything.

p.p.s. Remember that your hip area is where the flexibility comes from, not knees like some people think.

Matti
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Old Man Goalie · Peewee Joined: 09 Dec 2010 Posts: 8

Matt,

Thanks for posting that video of your suggested stretches. I've been working on those and am starting to see some improvement in my hip flexibility and in my overall butterfly.
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dirkhorst · College Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 86

Hi Matti,

yeah that´re great stretching exercises.....we use the same in Tae kwon Do...
regards
Dirk

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