Målvinkel

Målvinkel, a Swedish term, translates to "goalkeeper angle" or "shooting angle" in English, primarily used in sports contexts like ice hockey, football (soccer), and handball. It refers to the specific area or space between the goal and the goalkeeper that an offensive player aims to exploit or cover, respectively.

For an attacking player, understanding the målvinkel is crucial for making successful shots. It represents the part of the goal that is not directly protected by the goalkeeper. By analyzing the goalkeeper's position and body geometry, a player can identify the open areas within the net. A shot taken towards the edges of the målvinkel, away from the goalkeeper's reach, is more likely to result in a goal. Conversely, a shot taken directly at the goalkeeper's body reduces the chances of scoring.

From a defensive perspective, the goalkeeper’s primary objective is to minimize the målvinkel. This involves positioning themselves strategically to cover as much of the goal's opening as possible. Goalkeepers often adjust their stance, depth in the net, and body angles based on the puck or ball's location and the attacker's position. A well-positioned goalkeeper effectively reduces the available målvinkel for the shooter, making it more difficult to find an opening. The concept also influences defensive strategies, such as forcing attackers into less advantageous shooting positions that present a smaller målvinkel.