Blocking a Snake Shot (Rollover shot)

Now that you know what not to do, here are some examples of defenses that MIGHT work really well. I say might, because some really good shooters might figure your defense quickly and know what you are doing. One thing to remember is not to beat yourself up over getting scored on by a good shooter, they can score really well on anyone - so making a block here or there can be considered a success.

1. Divide the net up into 3 sections (or 5 sections after you are really good at blocking 3 sections) in your mind. You have 2 men that can ever be in front of the net. Know that, because it is impossible to put 3 of your men in front of the net. Use your two men to cover 2 out of the 3 potential places the person can shoot. Usually a good shooter is VERY good at putting the ball deep into the corner, almost off the post and in every time. It is also too fast for you to react, so you have to already put your man out beside the post before they shoot. Use your two men to cover 2 out of the 3 holes for increments of time. Then switch and cover a different 2. You can't always switch in a rhythm, or the shooter will pick up on it and shoot as soon as you move. It is hard to make yourself leave your goalie all the way out beside the post for 3 - 4 seconds, but once you do that your blocking will go way up. You need to know what hole you are leaving open, and if the shooter picks the right hole they will score. Make sure they don't score on either of the holes you are trying to block, that gives you a 2/3 chance of making the save.

2. Watch for a tell about which side they shoot. Some shooters (even good ones) will always have a certain style of rocking the ball before they shoot towards a direction. They develop it from practicing the same shot over and over. They put the ball down, rock rock rock shoot. You can see the shot coming once you get to know what it looks like. Make sure you get to the spot they will shoot at early because usually they can't stop themselves from shooting into you.

3. Baiting and timing a hole. Most shooters will have a tendency when they shoot. Usually is is a timing thing.... they always shoot about 2-3 seconds after they have set up. Once you know the timing of the shooter, you can leave a side open for 1-2 seconds comfortably. Then when you move into the side that has been open, they are just deciding at that time to shoot. They shoot to the open side, which you are already closing. When you get there, the shot should get there just in time for you to block it. Keep in mind some people are good a varying the timing or have timing that isn't 2-3 seconds at all.

uh...i put my man in front of the shot...

Will, I can't block anyone.. any advice? hahaha Wait ill try Kitchensink's advice!