When the play moves tight to the net, a goalie's positioning becomes a game of inches. For shots from sharp angles or wraparound attempts, goalies need a technique that seals the post without sacrificing mobility. This is where the Reverse Vertical-Horizontal, or RVH, comes in.

The RVH is a modern staple for a reason. It offers excellent coverage down low and allows a goalie to keep their upper body square to the puck carrier, ready to react to a pass or shot. To understand its advantage, it helps to compare it to the older technique: the Vertical-Horizontal (VH).

In the traditional VH, the goalie places their front pad (the one closest to the post) horizontally along the ice and pushes their back skate blade against the post. The back pad remains vertical. This creates a solid wall, but it has drawbacks. It can open up holes over the shoulder and makes it harder to push off the post to follow the play.

The RVH flips this configuration. The pad closest to the post is now vertical, sealing the post from the ice up. The back pad is now horizontal along the ice, creating a wide base. This simple change has a huge impact. It's much easier to look around the post and track the puck. More importantly, the goalie is in a much better position to push off their back leg and follow a pass across the crease or a player trying to walk out from behind the net.

RVH is your go-to move when the puck is below the goal line or at a very sharp angle. Think of these common situations:

• Wraparound attempts: When an opponent tries to skate around the back of the net and tuck the puck in the near side, the RVH provides a perfect seal on the post.
• Sharp-angle shots: For shots coming from near the goal line, the RVH takes away the entire bottom of the net, forcing the shooter to try and hit a small target high.
• Jam plays: If a player tries to force the puck in from the side of the crease, the RVH creates a strong barrier that is difficult to push through.

The basic mechanic involves a controlled drop onto the knee of your back leg while driving the front knee and pad into the post. Your front skate provides a pivot point and helps seal the ice, while your back leg is ready to push. The goal is a quick, seamless transition from standing to sealing the post, all while keeping your eyes on the puck.

With the basics covered, you can start to see why the RVH has become so popular in modern hockey. It's a versatile tool for handling the toughest plays around the net.