Butterfly Map Series
Drill Information
Goalie begins in butterfly, hands active, chest up, weight slightly forward. Shooter stands at Location 1 Pucks staged in a clean line for rhythm and consistency. Goalie resets to butterfly between each shot.
- For each location, complete the following 5-shot sequence:
- 5 Low Right: Shooter targets pad along the ice. Goalie executes controlled pad save and square recovery.
- 5 High Right: Shooter places puck to blocker/catcher side high. Goalie tracks with eyes first, hands second.
- 5 Five-Hole: Shooter shoots through the center line. Goalie seals knees, keeps chest tall, hands forward, stick on the ice.
- 5 Low Left: Shooter targets opposite pad. Goalie drives rebound to corners with active stick or pad angle.
- 5 High Left: Shooter places puck high glove/blocker side. Goalie maintains hand discipline and controlled catch/deflection.
- Repeat the entire sequence at Location 2 and Location 3.
Coaching Focus Points
- Hands out in front - present early, maintain shape, smother pucks.
- Track the puck from stick to impact - no guessing.
- Stay tall in the butterfly - chest up, shoulders forward.
- Seal the five-hole - knees tight, stick blade flat.
- Active stick - angle low shots to safe areas.
- Controlled rebounds - no unnecessary chaos.
- Reset quickly - recover to ready butterfly between reps.
- Head leads every movement - eyes before body.
Shooter Focus Points
- Consistency of release - same body language for all shot types.
- Hit precise locations - this drill is about accuracy, not velocity.
- Maintain rhythm - 1-2 seconds between shots.
- Don't cheat the pattern - follow the 5-shot sequence exactly.
- Keep feet set - stable base produces predictable, coachable shots.
Drill Progressions
Progression 1 - Variable Timing
Shooter varies release timing (hold, quick release, delay). Goalie must maintain discipline and patience.
Progression 2 - Lateral Movement Added
After each shot, goalie performs a butterfly slide to one post or post to post, returns to center, resets to butterfly, then receives the next shot.
Progression 3 - Shot Deception
Shooter adds slight shoulder fakes, shoots at any of the 5 locations, blade angle changes, quick puck pulls before release.
Progression 4 - Timed Set
25 shots in 45-60 seconds. Simulate focus and late game fatigue.
Skills Focus
Fundamental Skills:
- Positioning
- Save Selection
- Rebound Control
- Recovery
This drill and the website on which it is hosted were developed as part of USA Hockey's Goaltending Gold certification program. For more drills and goaltending content, visit GoalieGen.com. All drills created and organized in CoachThem.
