Shot Rebound Recovery
Drill Information
- Coach begins with a puck below the goal line and passes to Shooter 1.
- The goalie starts on the post in RVH, then releases off the post to establish angle and depth on Shooter 1 as the pass arrives.
- The shooter takes a controlled low shot aimed at the goalie's far pad to generate a rebound toward Shooter 2.
- The goalie executes a controlled butterfly slide across the crease to make the rebound save on Shooter 2.
- Run the drill from both sides of the net to work forehand and backhand retrieval angles.
Coaching Focus Points
- Release cleanly from RVH and square up to Shooter 1 with proper angle and depth.
- Track the initial shot into the save and recover quickly to locate the rebound.
- Execute a controlled butterfly slide to Shooter 2, keeping weight centered, gloves presented, and upper body tall through the movement.
Shooter Focus Points
- Shooter 1: Deliver a purposeful low shot to the far pad to create a predictable rebound.
- Shooter 2: Attack the rebound immediately with a quick, decisive shot.
Drill Progressions
Progression 1 - Variable Rebound Location
Purpose: Force the goalie to read and react instead of sliding to a pre-planned spot. Shooter 1 still shoots low, but may aim slightly wider or closer to the pad. Shooter 2 adjusts to the rebound instead of standing in a fixed spot. Goalie must locate the puck before committing to the slide. Coaching emphasis: Eyes find the puck first, movement second.
Progression 2 - Shooter 2 Delay or Quick Release Options
Purpose: Add timing pressure and force controlled edges. Shooter 2 may shoot immediately, hold for one stickhandle, or pull the puck laterally before shooting. Goalie must maintain balance and avoid over-sliding. Coaching emphasis: Stay tall in the slide; don't chase.
Progression 3 - Coach Shot Fake Before Pass
Purpose: Add deception and force the goalie to manage visual cues. Coach gives a shoulder fake or stick fake before passing to Shooter 1. Goalie must stay patient in RVH and release only when the puck moves. Coaching emphasis: Don't pre-release off the post.
Progression 4 - Third Shot Recovery
Purpose: Build endurance and post-save recovery habits. After Shooter 2's rebound shot, Coach immediately tosses or shoots a third puck back to Shooter 1, into the slot, or behind the net. Goalie must recover to feet or rotate on knees depending on puck location. Coaching emphasis: Prioritize recovery path, not speed.
Progression 5 - Traffic / Screen Layer
Purpose: Add game-like chaos. Add a passive screen in front of the goalie for the first shot. Shooter 1 still aims for far pad; Shooter 2 reacts to rebound. Goalie must track through bodies and maintain discipline on the slide. Coaching emphasis: Head trajectory stays level through traffic.
Skills Focus
Fundamental Skills:
- Skating
- Positioning
- Stance
- Save Selection
- Rebound Control
- Recovery
Skating Skills:
- T Push
- Butterfly
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.
