IHM Knowledge Center
What Is Reverse VH (RVH)?
What is the Reverse Vertical-Horizontal (RVH) technique in hockey goaltending, and why has it become the preferred method for defending attacks from below the goal line?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: July 13, 2026
Short Answer
Reverse VH (RVH) is a modern post-integration technique in which the goalie seals the near post using one vertical leg against the post while the opposite leg remains horizontal along the ice.
The technique allows goalies to defend sharp-angle shots, wraparounds, jam plays, and passes from behind the net while remaining prepared to recover toward the middle of the crease.
Full Explanation
The RVH technique has become one of the defining developments in modern goaltending.
As offences increasingly attack from below the goal line, traditional post play became less effective against wraparounds, sharp-angle releases, and quick slot passes.
RVH allows goalies to seal the post while maintaining excellent puck tracking and efficient recovery options.
Today, nearly every professional goalie regularly uses RVH during games.
Why RVH Matters
RVH helps goalies:
- Seal the short side
- Stop wraparound attempts
- Defend jam plays
- Track passes behind the net
- Recover quickly toward the slot
- Maintain body balance under pressure
It is designed specifically for today’s fast-paced offensive attacks around the crease.
How RVH Works
During RVH:
- The near-side skate remains vertically connected to the post.
- The opposite pad lies horizontally across the ice.
- The stick seals the ice in front of the body.
- The torso remains upright.
- The head stays locked on the puck.
This structure protects both the post and the lower net while preserving mobility.
When Goalies Use RVH
RVH is commonly used during:
- Sharp-angle shots
- Wraparound attempts
- Puck possession below the goal line
- Jam plays at the post
- Short-side attacks
Elite goalies select RVH only when the situation requires it rather than using it automatically.
Advantages of RVH
- Excellent post seal
- Strong lower-net coverage
- Efficient recovery into the slot
- Good puck visibility
- Reduced gaps around the post
Limitations of RVH
RVH is not the correct solution for every play.
If used too early or held too long, it may:
- Slow lateral recovery
- Create upper-net exposure
- Reduce mobility against east-west passes
- Trap the goalie on the post
Successful RVH depends on timing rather than simply executing the technique correctly.
NHL vs IIHF Use of RVH
RVH is now standard throughout both NHL and IIHF hockey.
NHL teams frequently attack from below the goal line, making RVH essential against today’s offensive systems.
International hockey uses the same technique for identical tactical reasons.
Why RVH Is Often Misunderstood
Many people believe RVH simply means dropping beside the post.
In reality, elite RVH requires precise skate placement, stick positioning, body alignment, puck tracking, and rapid recovery.
Poorly executed RVH often creates more problems than it solves.
Edge Case: Perfect RVH, Wrong Tactical Choice
Sometimes the goalie executes RVH perfectly but selects the wrong moment to use it.
For example:
- The puck is already moving into the slot.
- A cross-crease pass develops.
- The attacker delays behind the net.
- The goalie remains attached to the post for too long.
Elite goalies know when to leave RVH just as well as they know when to enter it.
IHM Signal System: How to Evaluate RVH
When evaluating RVH, focus on these signals:
- Seal signal: Is the post completely protected?
- Tracking signal: Does the goalie maintain visual contact?
- Recovery signal: Can the goalie recover quickly toward the slot?
- Timing signal: Is RVH entered at the correct moment?
- Balance signal: Does the body remain stable?
Trigger-level rule:
If RVH delays recovery toward a lateral pass, the initial advantage of sealing the post is usually lost immediately.
IHM Insight: RVH Is About Timing, Not Position
Elite goalies are not successful because they know the RVH position.
They are successful because they know exactly when to enter it-and, just as importantly, when to leave it.
Modern post play is built on decision-making rather than memorising a stance.
Mini Q&A
What does RVH stand for?
Reverse Vertical-Horizontal.
Why do goalies use RVH?
To defend sharp-angle attacks, wraparounds, and plays from below the goal line.
Is RVH used in every situation?
No. Elite goalies choose it according to the developing play.
What is the biggest advantage of RVH?
Excellent post sealing while maintaining recovery potential.
What makes elite RVH execution?
Correct timing, positioning, puck tracking, and efficient recovery.
Why This Concept Exists
Modern offences attack from below the goal line more frequently than ever before.
RVH gives goalies a reliable method of sealing the post while staying prepared for the next phase of the attack, making it one of the defining techniques of contemporary goaltending.
Key Takeaways
- RVH is the modern standard for post play.
- It seals sharp-angle scoring opportunities.
- Timing is more important than simply using the technique.
- Recovery remains part of successful RVH execution.
- Elite goalies know when to enter and exit RVH.
- RVH combines positioning, tracking, and balance.
- It is one of the foundations of modern NHL goaltending.