help with VH position

[phizix]

Hi guys,

I'm having problems with going into the VH position. When i start to drop into it i start to loose my balance, not to the point where i fall down but i don't feel stable. Another part of the problem is that the pad on my outside leg seems to get hung up on my inside(post) leg. Could someone please explain the proper mechanics of this movement, and where your weight should be placed durring the process? Any tips would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance

Dan

[jacksonh]

When you are on the post put all your weight on the post leg. You don't need any weight on the other leg because there is no reason to travel past the post.

Once you put all your weight on the post leg you can widen your base a little bit. I usually go down into the VH and once my trailing leg is on the ice I "suck" it into my post leg so there isn't a gap anymore.

Also try practicing off ice a lot, just put a pillow on the ground and try moving in and out of the position (no pads necessary). VH requires some flexibility in the hips, so it's difficult when it's new.

[PeteSmithStoppa]

I wonder about the VH sometimes, I think it may be over used. I saw Fleury once come across from left to right, and go right into the VH on the post, it seemed like wasted movement. If the play is in tight and you see an opportunity in the slot, then it seems like a good movement to VH and then push off the post. Otherwise, I don't get it.

[LukePhillips]

Originally Posted by PeteSmithStoppa

I wonder about the VH sometimes, I think it may be over used. I saw Fleury once come across from left to right, and go right into the VH on the post, it seemed like wasted movement. If the play is in tight and you see an opportunity in the slot, then it seems like a good movement to VH and then push off the post. Otherwise, I don't get it.

By getting into the VH, you are already prepared for the play to get tight. If you standing upright hugging the post and the guy behind the redline throws it out front quick, you already have the bottom sealed up and you don't have to worry about getting beat 5-hole. But if you don't keep your shoulders up, you can get beat upstairs.