The 5-hole in hockey refers to the space between a goaltender’s leg pads when they’re positioned together but not completely covering the lower part of the net. It represents a prime target area for players looking to score goals during gameplay.
Why do they call it 5-hole in hockey?
The term “5-hole” originates from the concept of assigning numbers to the different areas around the goalie, forming potential openings or ‘holes’ where a puck can be shot to score. The body position of the goalie divides the net into five distinct zones, with the 5-hole being the space between the goalie’s leg pads.
Other goalie hole numbers and their labels
Above the goalie’s shoulders, the areas are often referred to as ‘top shelf.’ These include the upper corners of the net, which are particularly challenging for goalies to defend due to the difficulty in covering these spaces efficiently. The numerical system helps players aim for specific vulnerable areas during a game.
There are many hockey training nets available online that provide the 5 openings for practicing shooting accuracy. Players should learn to place their shots to effectively beat the goalie and score more goals.
The image of the training net below shows the 5 common scoring holes when the goalie is standing in the net.
How do you score a 5-hole goal?
- Deke: A deceptive move where the player attempts to fake out the goalie by a series of quick maneuvers, often causing the goalie to shift position and open up the 5-hole momentarily.
- Screened Low Shot: Creating a screen in front of the goalie makes it difficult for them to track the puck, increasing the chances of slipping it through the 5-hole with a low, hard shot.
- Redirect: Redirecting the puck by either using a deflection off a stick or the body of another player, changing its trajectory to surprise the goalie and sneak through the 5-hole.
5-hole goals in the NHL
Here’s a video of some awesome 5-hole goals being scored in the NHL.
Is it difficult to score a 5-hole goal?
Scoring through the 5-hole is considered one of the most challenging tasks in hockey. Goalies are trained to quickly drop into a butterfly position, closing their legs and minimizing the opening of the 5-hole. This makes it a small and elusive target, requiring precision and quick decision-making from the player attempting to score.
The 5-hole offers both an opportunity and a challenge during a hockey game. It represents a vulnerable area for the goalie but demands skill from the player aiming to exploit it. Understanding the dynamics of the 5-hole not only enriches the gameplay but also showcases the strategic depth and excitement that define hockey as a sport.