Follow @stack_thepads on Instagram for weekly Film Review breakdowns and Save of the Week
← All breakdowns

Level 1 · Lesson 3 deep dive

Goalie C-Cuts

How goalies move in and out of the net while staying square: forward C-cuts to challenge, backward C-cuts to retreat, and how to steer with them.

A C-cut is a push where one skate carves a "C" shape in the ice while you stay in your stance and keep your chest facing the puck. Forward C-cuts move you out to challenge the shooter. Backward C-cuts move you back toward the net. Together they control your depth: how far out of the net you are.

In this breakdown

  • Why goalies use them
  • What your body is doing
  • Forward C-cut, step by step
  • Backward C-cut, step by step
  • Steering with C-cuts
  • When to use them in a game
  • Common mistakes and fixes
  • Practice it

Free to read

Create a free account to open this breakdown

Free accounts get 3 lesson breakdowns every month, with diagrams, step-by-step how-tos and coaching cues. No credit card needed.

More breakdowns

Goalie C-Cuts: Goalie Lesson Breakdown · Stack the Pads