Ball or Puck

[kevinsane]

Hunster's league uses a Nerf ball.

[Ippo]

I like the playing in goal when a puck is used.

I have decided that I hate the hockey ball.
I went in net for some drop-in at a community centre, where they used a ball instead. (No player was wearing any proper protection for a puck)

I let in two slapshot goals cuz the ball curves like crazy... also when it hit me it rolls off in unpredictable ways... guess I wasn't used to it. I might not hate it if I were used to it.

It's also easier for the players to use a ball - they can lift it with no strength at all.

[soulpatch]

I will add my 2 cents. Being a rollr goalie for over 6 years now I still prefer the ball. We play with a ball for most of my travel games up at Penn State. (I have to try out in 2 weeks to make it on the real touring team. Right now I just play against the other Penn State campuses. Kinda like a really big intermural league with multiple campuses.) I always goalie and I love the challenge of the ball. Sure I let in more goals but I like it. I am always more experienced than the other goalies so I am used to the ball. I don't think it has anything to do with it being for a younger crowd since experienced players can do things will a ball that you would never think of. Some players even learn how to use the curve and can aim places knowing that the ball will curve a certain way.

The puck is fun too but it never creates the chaos that the ball does. I like both but I prefer the ball. Also the ball is beter for us aggressive types. I always challenge the shooter on a breakaway. I think it is easier to challenge someone if you are playing with a ball than a puck.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Platinum Horse]

Well despite starting this thread saying I prefer puck to ball, i am going to slightly change my mind here.

For the simple shooting aspect, making the saves, I do prefer the puck, as you know there won't be any funny curves or rebounds from your body. Plus using a puck is closer to ice hockey.

But i do like playing skater hockey with the ball - because the game itself is better. It's much faster, requires good stick handling, and even better skating. Plus with the shots dippings, curving, and being able to roof the ball almost at will, it requires you to be a better goalie - to have quicker reflexes, and to be more prepared for a sudden different shot.

The rebounds i still don't like - but that just means I have to make the save and recover quicker. and there is nothing wrong with that!

So to sum up - I think i'm coming more round to the Ball - becaue it'll help to increase my skills.

[Roymond]

Answering ur first question

I use both, but i prefer ball because it forces me to focus more on the shot rather then going down low...

To answer ur 2nd question

You have nothing to worry about. When a human is pulled from action their muscles start to tense up. That edge we once had starts to dull and we begin to relax.

I think it has something with adrenaline and when we get pulled the body stops putting adrenaline into our systems.

[VaughnVelocity4]

in my opinion the puck is nicer because its easier to control but to me the ball forces you to always be on your game and makes me a better player because i have to constantly keep my eyes on it and direct it.

[Frank_the_tank]

Both are good, the ball adds some interesting challenges curve, dipping and rebound control. I play in a summer ball league in Edmonton that has full size rinks and has 10 divisions approx 160 mens teams. Even NHLers have played in this league. Its pretty organized there is city finals, provincials, westerns, nationals and even world championships. I am currently trying to find some ex junior players to add to my team.