Short Answer
THE RVH IS A TOOL, NOT A DEFAULT POSITION.
At U16–U18, the Goalie RVH Technique can be extremely useful around the post.
However, using it simply because the puck is below the goal line can create problems.
For example, RVH can help seal the ice and short side when the puck is close to the net. In contrast, dropping into RVH too early can expose space high in the net or make recovery more difficult.
Therefore:
THE IMPORTANT SKILL IS NOT JUST LEARNING THE RVH.
THE IMPORTANT SKILL IS LEARNING WHEN TO USE IT.
That distinction becomes more important as shooters become better at recognizing what the goalie has given them.
Why the Goalie RVH Technique Matters
Our hockey-development people include a former owner of the Kenesky Goalie School, along with decades of minor-hockey coaching and player-development experience.
In addition, our hockey-management background includes Junior hockey ownership and management.
Modern goalie development includes multiple forms of post integration. Consequently, the RVH should be developed as one option within a larger post-play toolbox rather than treated as the only correct solution.
Hockey Canada teaches post-related movement and recovery as part of fundamental goalie development, while USA Hockey practice materials also include RVH post-integration work.
What Is the RVH?
RVH means Reverse Vertical-Horizontal.
In the position, the post-side pad is generally down along the ice while the opposite leg provides support and movement.
As a result, the goalie can create a strong seal along the bottom of the net while remaining connected to the post.
However, the exact execution can vary depending on the goalie’s size, flexibility, equipment and coaching system.
Therefore:
THERE IS NO VALUE IN COPYING A TECHNIQUE WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM IT IS TRYING TO SOLVE.
When Can the RVH Work Well?
The RVH becomes particularly useful when the puck is close to the goal line or threatening a tight-angle attack.
For example, a player trying to jam the puck around the post creates a different problem from a shooter standing several metres away.
In addition, RVH can help during:
wraparound threats
tight plays beside the net
low attacks near the goal line
certain passes from behind the net
short-side jam situations
Therefore, the technique is valuable because it helps the goalie manage a specific group of threats.
When Can the RVH Become a Problem?
WHEN THE GOALIE USES IT TOO EARLY OR STAYS IN IT TOO LONG.
A shooter farther away may have enough angle to target openings above the goalie.
Meanwhile, remaining down on the post can make the next lateral movement more demanding if the puck is passed into the slot.
For example, NHL-level analysis of the technique has highlighted how skilled shooters can attack space above a goalie who settles prematurely into RVH.
Therefore, the decision should depend on puck location and available threats rather than habit.
Is RVH Automatically Correct Below the Goal Line?
NO.
This is where technical teaching can become too mechanical.
Instead, the goalie should read:
distance of the puck from the net
whether the player can shoot
passing options
traffic
location of teammates
how much time is available
where the next threat could appear
For example, a puck carrier several feet from the post may create a different problem from someone driving directly into the crease.
Consequently:
PUCK LOCATION SHOULD INFORM THE TECHNIQUE.
THE TECHNIQUE SHOULD NOT REPLACE THE READ.
Why Does Puck Tracking Matter?
We have already established the importance of Goalie Puck Tracking.
Importantly, the RVH decision depends on accurately seeing where the puck is and what options remain.
For example, if the goalie focuses only on sealing the post, a pass into the slot can become dangerous.
Therefore, visual attachment must continue even after the goalie integrates with the post.
THE GOALIE STILL HAS TO READ HOCKEY WHILE IN THE RVH.
Why Does Skating Matter?
Entering RVH is only half the skill.
However, getting out efficiently can be just as important.
For example, if the puck moves from behind the net into the slot, the goalie may need an immediate recovery into a new angle.
As a result, post integration should be connected directly to Goalie Skating and recovery work.
USA Hockey practice material specifically includes recovering from RVH and finding the puck as part of post-integration training.
Therefore:
DON’T JUST PRACTISE GETTING INTO THE RVH.
PRACTISE GETTING OUT OF IT TOO.
Should Every Goalie Use RVH Exactly the Same Way?
NO.
A smaller goalie and a larger goalie may experience different advantages and vulnerabilities.
Likewise, differences in hip mobility, leg length and skating ability can affect execution.
Therefore, a qualified goalie coach should adapt post play to the individual.
The coach should evaluate:
post seal
body height
head position
puck tracking
recovery options
mobility
short-side coverage
ability to handle passes
Most importantly, the technique should help the goalie solve the play rather than merely look technically fashionable.
Can Younger Goalies Overuse the RVH?
YES.
Once a technique becomes comfortable, players can start using it automatically.
However, automatic use can become a problem when the situation requires patience or remaining on the feet.
For example, a goalie may drop into RVH every time the puck goes below the circle.
Consequently, shooters begin seeing predictable positioning.
Therefore, coaches should teach multiple post options and the reads that determine them.
Does RVH Matter to Junior Scouts?
THE DECISION MATTERS MORE THAN THE NAME OF THE TECHNIQUE.
A Junior evaluator is unlikely to be impressed simply because the goalie knows RVH.
Instead, the scout is evaluating whether post play remains controlled against better shooters.
For example, useful traits include:
proper seal
good tracking
efficient movement
patience
quick recovery
appropriate save selection
ability to adjust
Therefore, technically knowing RVH is only part of the evaluation.
USING THE RIGHT TOOL AT THE RIGHT TIME SHOWS HOCKEY IQ.
What Should Parents Look For?
Parents do not need to become RVH technicians.
Fortunately, there are already enough adults analyzing pad angles from the bleachers.
Instead, watch broader patterns.
Consider whether the goalie:
gets beaten high from sharp angles repeatedly
struggles moving out of the post
drops early automatically
loses sight of passes from behind the net
appears comfortable using more than one post option
receives specific post-integration coaching
In addition, ask the goalie coach why certain techniques are being used.
A good answer should involve the situation, not simply:
THAT’S HOW GOALIES PLAY NOW.
Goalie RVH Technique: Our Hockey Answer
LEARN IT. USE IT. BUT DON’T LIVE IN IT.
The Goalie RVH Technique is an important modern post-integration option.
However, it should be connected to puck location, threat recognition, skating and recovery.
Therefore, the goalie needs to understand:
when RVH solves the play
when staying higher makes more sense
how to:
seal the post
track while integrated
recover quickly
change techniques as the play changes
Most importantly:
THE GOALIE SHOULD NOT ASK, “CAN I USE RVH HERE?”
Instead:
WHAT DOES THIS PLAY REQUIRE?
That is the higher-level skill.
We Report What the Research Finds
Modern goalie-development resources clearly include post integration and RVH within advanced goalie training.
However, expert discussion also shows that RVH has limitations when it is overused or applied to the wrong puck location.
Therefore, Search the Hockey Answer™ supports teaching RVH as one situational tool within complete post play, rather than as an automatic response whenever the puck approaches the goal line.
EXPERIENCE IDENTIFIES THE QUESTION.
RESEARCH TESTS THE ANSWER.
WE REPORT WHAT WE FIND.
Search Other Hockey Answers
USE GOALIES AS YOUR SEARCH TERM:
How Important
Are Positioning and Depth at U16–U18?
Is Skating for a U16–U18 Goalie?
Is Puck Tracking at U16–U18?
Rebound Control at U16–U18?
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