Ice Hockey Goaltending: Discussing 'Visual Lead'
Lead with the Eyes: The Key to Better Faster Goalie Recoveries
Last week, we broke down the two types of save selection: blocking vs reacting. Next, we are exploring shot recovery after the save has been made.
This Wednesday on the Hockey IQ Podcast, we are releasing a podcast with Jack Han, the author of “Hockey Tactics (insert year here).” Jack is a great blessing as he takes the hard work of synthesizing tactical areas of the game. And in Play Diagrams (Overview of DZ, NZ, OZ & special teams schemes), Drill Design (NEW for 2026), NHL Team Tactics (Illustrated diagrams for all 32 NHL teams), and Quick Tips (NEW for 2026).
The Visual Lead
‘Visual Lead’ simply means leading with your head and eyes when moving. This is what starts the movement in recovery, whether a simple following of the puck/play or a scramble situation where another shot is imminent.
“Lead with the Eyes” is a great way to teach goalies to move when recovering from a save… turn your head toward the play first, and your body will naturally follow your vision.
Jacob Fowler of the Montreal Canadiens shows us during a warmup drill. First is the head, then everything else. First skating is on his feet, then second skating is on his pads.
And one more for good measure:
Make the save, follow the rebound with your eyes. If a goalie does this well, they are rarely scrambling and actually tracking the puck/play to maintain control in the net and make save after save.
Next, we look at how to move and recover.
Further Reading