The butterfly is the most commonly used save technique in modern goaltending, allowing goalies to cover low shots efficiently while staying mobile.
✅ Key Aspects of a Strong Butterfly:
✔️ Proper Knee Drive – Dropping into position with control and balance, keeping knees close together.
✔️ Active Hands – Keeping the glove and blocker engaged, not locked in tight in a reactionary butterfly.
✔️ Strong Seal – Closing gaps along the ice.
✔️ Recovery Movements – Using edges to reset and move from the butterfly.
📌 Why It Matters: A strong butterfly technique reduces rebounds, increases coverage, and improves recovery speed after saves.
Butterfly Saves – Reactionary vs. Blocking
In goaltending, the butterfly save is a foundational technique used to seal the ice and maximize net coverage. But not all butterfly saves are the same. There are two main types:
Reactionary Butterfly – Used to actively react to the puck and make athletic saves.
Blocking Butterfly – Used to take away space and allow the puck to hit the body, minimizing movement.
Knowing when and where to use each type is crucial for maintaining control, minimizing rebounds, and making consistent saves.
1️⃣ Reactionary Butterfly – Reacting & Tracking the Puck
The Reactionary Butterfly is an athletic, active save technique used when the goalie has a clear view of the puck and needs to react quickly to a shot. This style relies on tracking the puck into the save and making adjustments with the hands, arms, and legs.
✅ Some situations when you should use a Reactionary Butterfly:
Clear Sightlines – When the goalie can see the puck clearly from release to save, allowing them to track its movement.
Unscreened Shots – When there is no traffic obstructing vision, enabling quick, precise reactions.
Predictable Shooting Angles – When the shooter is in a position with limited shooting options, making it easier to react to the puck’s path.
Deflections or Tips – When the goalie can see the redirection and adjust to the change in direction.
📌 Why It Works:
Tracks the puck into the save – By reacting to the puck’s movement, the goalie can make more precise saves.
Active Hands & Body Adjustments – Hands, arms, and legs are actively adjusted to direct pucks to safe areas.
Quick Recovery – Athletic movement allows goalies to recover quickly for rebounds or second chances.
🚨 Key Tip: Use the reactionary butterfly when you see the puck clearly and need to react to a quick shot or deflection. This technique requires strong tracking skills and quick reflexes.
2️⃣ Blocking Butterfly – Sealing Space & Absorbing Shots
The Blocking Butterfly is a more passive, positional save technique used when the goalie is in good position and needs to take away space without reacting to the puck. In the blocking butterfly, the goalie relies on body positioning and equipment to absorb the shot, minimizing rebounds.
✅ When to Use a Blocking Butterfly:
Screened Shots – When the goalie is in position but can’t see the release point due to traffic.
One-Timers & Set Plays – When the puck is moving quickly and reacting isn’t possible, but the goalie is square to the shooter.
High-Danger Areas – Close-range shots where the shooter has little time to pick a corner.
📌 Why It Works:
Maximizes Net Coverage – The body is used as a blocking surface, taking away space.
Absorbs Rebounds – Shots are absorbed into the body, minimizing rebound chances.
Controlled Movements – Minimal movement ensures the goalie stays balanced and square.
Efficient Positioning – Relies on being in the right spot before the shot is taken, reducing the need for reactive saves.
Why Mastering Both Butterfly Techniques is Crucial
Elite goalies master both the reactionary and blocking butterfly techniques, knowing when to use each one based on the play’s development:
Reactionary Butterfly – For athletic, quick-reaction saves when sightlines are clear.
Blocking Butterfly – For efficient, positional saves when sightlines are impaired or movement is limited.
By understanding the difference and practicing both techniques, goalies can:
Maximize save efficiency and minimize rebounds.
Stay balanced and square while maintaining mobility.
Make smarter decisions by reading the play and choosing the best butterfly style.
Mastering both butterfly saves gives goalies the tools to handle any scoring chance, whether it requires athletic reflexes or smart positional play.