Hinch switching set-up at "shuffles"

With the "shuffles" highlighting a technical change in approach for goalkeepers to do their best in, one highlight has been Hinch using a different equipment set-up at the close of normal playing time. For the "shuffles" shootout, she has changed RHP's to the tube style Obo hi control from the larger blocking RHP of the hi rebound used in game time. And also changed sticks to a 'goalkeeper style' stick for the length and extra surface area on the backhand to block in close. Both can be seen here in action photos against Belgium:

http://hockeyimages.co.uk/jm10780

Pinner changing sticks at 'shuffles'

With a lot of goalkeepers mentioning the use of the stick for penalty 'shuffles', akin to that of Gucassoff's stick alterations, it's been interesting to take note of George Pinner changing to a longer goalkeeper specific stick at the 'shuffles'. Competing for England this weekend in some friendly games against Australia, it was obvious to see that he changed sticks for the shootout round. Finally a kit sighting worth mentioning (huzzah!), the stick can have its advantages at 'shuffles', with the extra reach and extra surface area for shot blocking during the 1-on-1's faced in the penalty round.


Pictures courtesy of Ady Kerry's great photography, illustrating the point.

http://adykerry.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/140524-ENG-AUS/G0000Xn9gKQZqEZI/I0000p85L3Noi3Ng/C0000qxh4OL1mRtA

It would appear that Edge are an Australian company, ironically, so not sure what the link is here, or whether Pinner managed to borrow one of the Aussie goalies' sticks!

Gucassof's 'broom' stick

One equipment sighting that was of actual interest (am aware I !), was Jeremy Gucassoff and his interesting stick concoction. Considered to be quite the 'broomstick', the stick itself has drawn a few comments, criticism and queries and raised a few eyebrows when he used it in action during the 'shuttles' he played in. I had heard on the grapevine of the Goalies Union that the long stick is used and preferred in Australia because of its extra reach in 1 on 1's and when down in 'logs'. 38 - 42" sticks are in this range for this reason for goalkeeping technique.

Innovation is part of pushing things forward and experimentation is the only to try out certain methods, so it's good to see him having a go. And it seems that a lot of international and elite goalkeepers have considered the switch to a longer stick for the use in stick tackles and the handiness of having extra reach when playing a clearance from distance. But it is questionable how much a goalkeeper can get away with in this regard!! If the powers that be decide it is an unfair advantage, then Gucassoff will have to reconsider chopping down his twig, just as the Polish stick alteration was banned for the indoor format!