This drill helps goalies learn how to track the puck around screens, maintain awareness on their strong side, and quickly react to in-tight rebounds—especially when the puck moves across the middle of the ice (a high-danger area).
Setup
Start at the outside post (opposite of where the puck is coming from).
The coach (or a shooter) stands near the center, facing out, simulating a screen in front of the goalie.
A puck is placed on the far side to simulate a rebound shot.
Part 1: Eyes Around the Screen
On “Go,” the goalie pushes out from the post, keeping eyes locked on the strong side (the side the puck originally came from).
The goalie uses the screen (the shooter’s body) to hide their push, peeking around the screen to track the puck.
The coach will tap their stick to simulate a shot.
Key concept for goalies:
Keep your eyes on the strong side, not across the screen. This keeps you set up to react to a shot or rebound without getting pulled out of position.
Part 2: Off-Center Shift + Rebound Movement
After the stick tap, the goalie makes an off-center shift—a small lateral move that adjusts angle without overcommitting.
The rebound is simulated as a puck moving across the middle of the ice—also known as the Royal Road (imaginary line running through the center of the ice).
When the puck crosses the Royal Road, the goalie must rotate and push laterally in the shape of a “Y” (a classic goalie movement pattern).
Key goalie movement:
Off-center shift to adjust positioning.
Rotate and push in response to the puck crossing the middle.
Get square and drop into a save position quickly—this simulates making a tough, in-tight rebound save.
Putting It Together: Full Drill Sequence
- Start on the post.
- Coach says “Go.”
- Goalie pushes out and aligns with the shooter’s screen, keeping eyes on strong side.
- Coach taps stick = shot simulation.
- Goalie shifts off-center, then reacts to puck crossing the Royal Road.
- Goalie pushes laterally and makes a save on the simulated rebound.
Top Takeaways
Strong side eyes = strong saves: Goalies stay dialed in on the side the puck came from to stay ready for shots or rebounds.
Royal Road = high-danger zone: When pucks cross this area, quick lateral pushes and clean rotation are crucial.
Off-center shifts keep goalies mobile: These subtle movements are key to covering angles without overcommitting or sliding out of position.