Reaction Shot Read

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Last Updated: 2026-05-25

Age Group: All

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Equipment Needed: None

Space Required: Half Zone

Drill Information

Shooter begins each rep by presenting a 5-hole threat (stick angle, puck position, body language).
Shooter may: Shoot 5-hole, or fake 5-hole and elevate if the goalie drops early.
Goalie must: Stay patient. Read the puck release. React appropriately: hold edges if shooter delays, seal 5-hole if shot is released low, or extend hands upward if shot elevates.

Coaching Focus Points

Read the blade: watch the shooter's bottom hand, blade angle, and puck position.

Patience first: avoid pre-dropping; force the shooter to make the first commitment.

Seal 5-hole with purpose: knees snap together, stick blade flat, no gaps.

Track up through the puck on high shots - don't collapse backward.

Recover immediately: reset to stance after each rep.

Shooter Focus Points

Sell the 5-hole threat: show a believable low release.
Read the goalie's posture: If goalie stays tall = shoot 5-hole. If goalie drops early = elevate.
Keep release deceptive: slight delay, change blade angle late.
Maintain consistent body language so the goalie must read the puck, not the shooter's habits.

Drill Progressions

Progression 1. Tempo Variation

Shooter releases immediately or delays the shot/fake. Forces goalie to read timing, not just release angle.

Progression 2. Lateral Movement Start

Shooter takes one or two lateral steps before shooting. Goalie must adjust angle and still read release.

Progression 3. Screened Release

Add a stationary screen player between shooter and goalie (Extra Goalie, Player, Pads). Shooter still uses 5-hole vs. high read. Goalie must track puck late and maintain patience.

Progression 4. Rebound Reaction Layer

After the initial shot, shooter immediately shoots any rebound. Goalie must recover and react quickly.

Skills Focus

Fundamental Skills:

Stance
Save Selection
Rebound Control