Splits

[pantherfan 0]

Just wondering if all goalies can do the splits and if it is really nessisary for them to be able to?

[ctaz 0]

spilts (one leg in front, one leg in back) are not necessary at all, you'd make more saves doing straddles (both legs out). Personally I don't think it's necessary if it was then why would so many goalies do half-butterflies. If you can do them it sure won't hurt you playing in net, but if you can't it's just a matter of finding something other than flexibility that you are good at.

[unholygoalie 0]

I can't do the splits. It's not really necessary, but it looks really impressive. I will say that having some flexibilty in the groin/leg area IS rather advantageous. While I can't do the splits, I'm pretty good at kicking my legs out to either side. I've made plenty of saves that way, I guess 'cause many players don't think I can get my leg out that far.

If a goalie doesn't have very good flexibility in that region, they can make it up by being a good skater and being able to recover quickly. Flexibilty is nice, but not all that necessary if you can be in position quickly.

[TBLfan 25]

it's good for a recovery save. Plus the chicks dig it! :P

[jumanjaq143 0]

i did this pretty nice split save and this one guy was so amazed (not at me making the save but at me being able to do the splits lol) i have always been flexable when i was a kid i could put my leg over myhead so ye i gues i am just flexable :P

[TBLfan 25]

I was playing roller as a Dman and I of course squared up to the puck(screening my goalie nicely)... The goalie yelled "Screen" so I move to my left about a foot, shooter moves to my right and takes the shot; I kick my foot out, drop in a full split and knock the puck into the corner. Everyone was like "DAMN, You ok?! NICE BLOCK!!" as I popback to my feet. lol, gotta love non-goalie's reactions! I just looked at the goalie and told him that "it was just a bad habit." lol :P

Then they decided I should play forward, lol.

[crazykeeper3317 0]

^^^ lolol. i cant do the splits but i make up for it by working on my positioning, recovery etc. so i can still get to the puck in the corners

[jimmy 194]

About the only splits I can do have fudge, bananas and whip cream on them. :D

Still, those who want to improve their flexibility should use a martial arts leg machine. Basically you sit on it and crank the handle. It splits your legs open. You do it slowly, let the muscle stretch, then do it more, etc. My daughter had one and over time you really can get great leg extensions.

[TBLfan 25]

yeah, just dont over push yourself. I actually got my flexability by stretching in tae kwon do. It really doesn't take as long as you'd think to train your muscles to do splits... especially if you are young at the time.

P.S. Chicks dig guys that can do the full splits. ;)

[patman 0]

Adductor and Abductor machines are great for that too...But what's the point of doing the splits if you can't get back up (that would be me...) HELP...my b@lls are stuck on the ice!