There are five basic scoring zones in hockey. While there is some debate about how they are labeled, one thing is clear: the five hole is right between the goalie’s legs. Traditionally scoring zones are numbered as follows:
- Stick side low
- Glove side low
- Glove side high
- Stick side high
- Between the legs
Perhaps the reason the five-hole label lasted the test of time is because there is no mistaking its location. I’ve heard people refer to the two spot as the left side, but who’s left? The goalie or the shooter? (You see how this could get confusing).
So where is the best place to score? Definitely not the 5 hole. I’ve seen more goals go in high stick side than anywhere else. (See #4 on the chart). Maybe it’s because the goalie reacts just slightly slower because he has to bear the weight of the stick?
In any case, your best bet is to practice your shooting accuracy so you can aim it wherever you want. Scoring opportunities are highly situational and happen in an instant. The faster you can react with precision, the more goals you’ll get.
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Tags: goalie, terminology
There are also a 6 and 7 hole, between the arms and body.
Yeah I've heard that, too. I've also heard the 6th hole is when it goes "through" the goalie.
Allan Bester of the leafs tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train.
He survived as the train went through his "5 hole"
Just don't get a puck stuck in the a-hole! LOL
“the left side, but who’s left?” **whose**