Stick hand index finger

Just about every (good) goalie does the index finger method or even two finger method. It just sounds to me like you're putting too much pressure on your finger. When I do a paddle down, I'm not forcing my stick through the ice.. you just have to keep it as flat as you can. Your blocker should have adequate finger protection. If it doesn't, you need a new blocker. With an adequate blocker (I use Reebok PS3/Revokes), not once have I ever had a problem with my finger being smashed from either my stick or a puck.

Pics:

Grip, top side, without blocker.


Grip, under side, without blocker:


Grip, under side, with blocker: Notice the finger only slightly comes over the edge, just enough to grip it.


Paddle down. You'll note there's a TINY space between the stick and the floor, which is caused by my finger there. Don't jam your hand down into the ice.. just have to keep it there, and with that grip shown above you'll have more than enough strength to keep the puck and jamming sticks out of your net.

the blocker has protection..it was my finger was curled around the edge of the stick (the thin edge)... let me tell you i am a little leary of paddle down after i smashed it a few times between the ice and the stick (again, on the thin edge) OUCH.. THANKS FOR REPLYING

Added pictures. Hopefully that helps.

I was wondering about this same issue over the last week. I let a goal in with the paddle down, because my finger left a gap just big enough for the puck to slide under. I was wondering if my finger was too far down the paddle. It was a "bang-bang" play, but still, I should have been able to stop it properly paddle down. I'm just wondering about my technique/finger placement.

I have to cut a notch in my paddle so I can get the index finger to get a good wrap around grip as shown above in the pictures by Synesthete.

As far as paddle down I find that when I go into the paddle down I move my index finger to the paddle front and not on the edge and it seals to the ice very well and as I bring up my paddle the index finger slides back into its notch/grip. Now is this good? I dont know but it works for me just fine.

There is this weird-looking stick out there, with a curved shaft (haaaah) right at the paddle, so you can get your paddle flush against the ice. Though I hate change, and therefore hated the thought and idea of ever purchasing this stick, it is a good idea for that, though I haven't seen the stick out on shelves recently.

If you look at Synesthete's first picture, with his index finger curled around the stick, I am a bit different than that. Instead of putting my finger around the paddle, I put it more parallel to the edge of the stick, so when I go paddle down, my finger doesn't get in the way. I still get very good control, though it might not be as good as others like Synesthete.

Yes, I've taken pucks on my finger, and had them deflect off my paddle, straight up underneath the big side protection on the blocker and smash my hand. Ya get used to the pain unfortunately.