RVH Low To High Release
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Age Group: All
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Space Required: Whole Zone
Drill Information
- Coach begins with a puck on one side of the net. The goalie starts in RVH on the strong-side post.
- Coach rims or passes the puck behind the net to a player positioned on the opposite side.
- As the puck travels, the goalie slides to the far post in RVH and sets their seal.
- The player then makes a low-to-high pass to the high slot for a catch-and-shoot.
- The goalie must release from RVH, establish angle and depth, and square up to the shot.
Coaching Focus Points
- Beat the pass with your eyes — head snaps behind the net before the body moves.
- Efficient post-to-post movement — rotate first, then push; avoid drifting or sliding past the post.
- Arrive in RVH early — seal the post with pad toe, shoulder seal, and active stick.
- Release cleanly — push off the post with a strong lateral release or T-push depending on distance.
- Get to your angle first, then your depth.
- Stay tall on arrival — avoid dropping early; read the shooter's hands.
- Hands out in front — active gloves to track the puck and control rebounds.
- Track the puck through the pass — eyes stay locked on the puck as it moves low-to-high.
- Stop on balance — no sliding into the shot; arrive set.
Shooter Focus Points
- Shoot off the pass — force the goalie to move and set under time pressure.
- Change the release angle — pull, push, or drag the puck to create lateral deception.
- Hit the net — prioritize accuracy over power to create realistic rebound scenarios.
Drill Progressions
Progression 1 — Passer Walkout Threat
Low player can either pass to the slot, or walk out short-side for a jam attempt.
Progression 2 — High Slot Movement
Shooter starts high, then times a downhill cut into the slot.
Progression 3 — Second Shooter Option
Add a second shooter on the weak-side flank. Low player can pass to the high slot (original) or the weak-side flank for a catch-and-shoot.
Progression 4 — Rebound Live
After the initial shot, the puck is live for 2-3 seconds.
Progression 5 — High Slot Screen
Add a second goalie or skater in the high slot as a screen.
Skills Focus
Fundamental Skills:
- Skating
- Positioning
- Stance
- Save Selection
- Rebound Control
- Recovery
Skating Skills:
- T Push
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.
