• Hockey goalies must constantly refine their skills.hockey net pattern image by GoodMood Photo from Fotolia.com
  
  Ice hockey goalies must work on their skills and techniques, as opposing players constantly come up with new and improved ways to score. Practicing a few basic skills will make you into a better goalie, especially if you repeat relevant drills accordingly. Goalies who do not improve will quickly find themselves playing other positions, making it very important for you to learn these goaltending skills.
  
  

Practice Your Stance

• Consider your stance the foundation of your goaltending abilities, as your speed and power begin here. InGoal Magazine recommends that you have a comfortable stance while bending your knees significantly, rather than your back. Bent knees allow you to generate power as you push off the ice, which allows you to follow the puck while keeping you close enough to the ice to stop lower shots.
  
  

Control Rebounds

• Maintain a commitment to controlling your rebounds, as rebound control can make your life as a goalie much easier. Former NHL goalie Kevin Weekes believes that equipment, skating ability, and technique all contribute to rebound control ability, as they determine the angle at which the puck will hit you. Watch how professional goalies keep the puck close to them or direct them into the corner, as they work hard to eliminate rebound scoring chances.
  
  

Work on Positioning

• Keep yourself in good position at all times. According to InGoal Magazine, you should keep yourself square to the shooter and make small movements to adjust to any movements that the puck makes. Make sure that your head remains aligned with the puck because this ensures that your body stays in the proper position.
  
  

Skating Matters

• Practice your skating often--some goaltenders neglect this important skill and pay for it in the long run. Hockey Canada teaches all of its goalies to work on their control and mobility, as goalies must start, stop, and push off to stay in position. Work on changing directions while skating, since most shooters will attempt to shoot the puck away from your body, forcing you to move quickly to make the save.
  
  

Puck-handling Skills

• Work on your puck handling regularly, as it gives your team a distinct advantage. InGoal Magazine reports that a goalie skilled in puck-handling can prevent the opposing team from gaining control of the puck in the offensive zone. Practice your puck handling frequently, as leads to fewer scoring chances for the opposing team and, therefore, fewer saves for you to make.