What to do against close head shots?

I dont think you can. A very hard shot, at such a close distance in my opinion is either going to hit you resulting in a save, or its going to go in the net. Im certainly no expert but from my experience playing, as well as watching NHL goalies those type of shots are just too fast to react to. If you think of most of the glove saves you have made, how many of them did you actually have to move your glove very far for?
Also watching NHL goalies make a highlight reel glove save. When you re-watch that save in slow motion the puck almost always goes straight into the glove and then they swing it so it looks cool. Same thing with pucks comming at your head. Hard shots from the blue line i can almost always react to and get my glove in front of my face to protect myself. However, the quick close in wristers are the ones that i tend to get hit with. Just not enough time to react to it.

Two choices - get the mask in front of it, or shrug your shoulders, perhaps combined with a small jump to gain more height.

Some shots you have little to no chance on.

those shots just past the ear are probably the toughest

don't go butterfly.... or don't go so low in your stance, if your not crouching/sitting wicked low your shoulders wont be below the cross bar and itll just hit you

Guys with big booming shots tend to fall in love with them. If you know a player is that type, get aggressive & challenge while they're winding up. Not only do you give the guy less net to hit, the puck/ball will hit you lower.

If a puck is going by your ears...there is no way it should be going in the net unless you are sagging in your butterfly(dropping your butt)..or are in less than ideal position...check out this article and watch the link..very helpful.


.The Size Myth and the Three Sightlines of Goaltending

Take it to the mask is my answer (do a soccer nodd, if possible)

Originally Posted by no.goalie

Take it to the mask is my answer (do a soccer nodd, if possible)

a soccer nod.... hahahahahaha i lover your termanology lol in Scotland we call it a 'heedar or Heedie' but the rest of the English speakers in UK say Header hahaha