Rim Stop Cut Across
Drill Information
This drill helps goalies develop stick skills behind the net and practice getting back into position quickly.
- Shooter rims the puck to either side.
- Goalie reads the rim, exits the crease, and stops the puck behind the net or along the wall.
- Shooter skates to either wall at the blue line to present a target.
- Goalie makes a controlled pass to the shooter.
- Shooter skates down the wall, enters the zone between the dot and circle, then cuts across the middle.
- Shooter releases a shot back to the original side (against the grain).
- Goalie recovers to the crease, tracks the shooter's cut, and sets for the shot.
Coaching Focus Points
- Set early before the rim arrives; read the shooter's body language.
- Efficient crease exit — take the shortest route to the rim with controlled edges.
- Square shoulders to the boards when stopping the rim to absorb and settle the puck.
- Hands out in front to smother or corral the rim cleanly and prevent pop outs.
- Scan before passing — shoulder check for forecheck pressure and shooter location.
- Crisp, flat pass to the shooter's stick; avoid floaters or passes into feet.
- Recover with urgency — head leads, stay tall, regain middle ice before the cut across shot.
- Track the change of angle as the shooter cuts across; maintain edge control.
- Set feet before the release — keep lead knee on puck; avoid sliding into the shot.
Shooter Focus Points
- Hard, purposeful rim — simulate a game speed dump in.
- Explode to the wall to present a clean passing target.
- Stick available early — show a clear target for the goalie.
- Skate the wall with pace — don't drift or slow down.
- Cut across with intent — force the goalie to move laterally.
- Shoot against the grain back to the original side.
- Change release point (pull and drag, push release, delay) to challenge the goalie.
Drill Progressions
Variable Rim Locations
Shooter varies rim height, speed, and angle while the goalie adjusts footwork and stick angle.
Shooter Delay Options
Shooter may cut immediately, delay at the wall, or take a quick shot from the wall.
Coach Pressure
Coach applies light forecheck pressure after the rim, and the goalie shoulder checks, protects the puck, and makes a decision.
Second Shooter Option
Add a second shooter in the slot so the primary shooter can pass or shoot.
Net Front Screen
Add an extra goaltender or obstacle in the high slot so the goalie must track the puck through a screen.
Skills Focus
Fundamental Skills:
- Skating
- Positioning
- Save Selection
- Rebound Control
- Recovery
Skating Skills:
- Shuffle
- T Push
Game Situations:
- Dump In
- Stick Handling
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.
