Question:
I have a question about using my left hand while on the ground. Recently in a game the ball got behind me. I saved it with my left hand right on the left post. I dragged it out with my left hand without thinking. The ref called a stroke (which I saved thankfully). Now I know that he was right to call a stroke, but what is the purpose of this rule: that you can’t use your left hand to push (or pull) the ball away from the goal. I can understand that you can’t push it when in the air because it’s dangerous but on the ground I don’t see the reason why. Can you tell me why they have this rule?
Answer:
The rules of hockey have never allowed a keeper to bat or propel, especially with your left hand. Hockey has changed a lot in recent years and one of the biggest changes has come with the increase in the number of raised shots a keeper faces. To eliminate the danger a keeper might create by saving a shot in the air, a keeper is permitted to “intentionally deflect” the ball over the endline, out of play. Intentionally deflecting is not batting, or sweeping the ball. Please see the Aerial Saves on the OBO website for more information. Your question is about sweeping the ball with your left hand while on the ground. Many times you can be successful in the situation with patience and composure. If you are faced with a loose ball on the ground that you have to play with your left hand, get your hand protector as close to the ball with out covering it or batting it. By doing that, you force the opponent to play the ball in to your hand if they play it forward. If they try to pull it back, you move your hand forward, staying as close to ball as possible, preventing them from flicking over you. If you force an opponent to put on a skill to beat you, i.e. pulling the ball back, you put them under pressure and you give your teammates a chance to get back in the play and help you. . If the ball is behind you and is certain to be knocked in, then giving the stroke up might be the best you can do. As to why the rule is what it is, I don’t know.