A Detailed Analysis of the Winnipeg Jets’ Penalty Kill Forecheck and Defensive Zone Coverage Setups

In this video we walk through a detailed analysis of the Penalty Kill Systems the Winnipeg Jets are using. Remember, systems play is very subjective – everyone has their own opinions… this is my two cents worth!

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for:

FORECHECK:

• 1-3 Forecheck: F1 tends to commit too early, allowing the Wild defenseman to walk out from behind the net uncontested.
• F1′s Angle: Breaks my cardinal rule for trap-style forechecks – DON’T GET BEAT BEHIND YOU!
• NZ Transitions: Jets rely too heavily on picking off passes in the neutral zone, and not enough on solid angling and positioning. This won’t work as well against the better teams.

PK DEFENSIVE ZONE COVERAGE:

• Triangle +1 against Umbrella: Not a good systems match-up in my opinion. Angles are off, and it allows the opposing team’s “Quarterback” to easily pass to whomever he wants.
• Standard Box against Overload: Good systems match-up, but the Jets need to tighten up on a few things (see next few points)
• Weak-side Forward: Tends to over commit, leaving the opposing far defenseman open
• Net-front Coverage: Jets are letting a player sit right in the middle of their coverage, in front of the net
• 5 on 3: Too passive (in my opinion)

Cheers!

Jeremy

Technorati Tags: Angles, Angling, Cardinal Rule, Cheers, Defenseman, Defensive Zone, F1, Net Jets, Neutral Zone, Transitions, Triangle, Two Cents, Umbrella, Winnipeg Jets, Zone Coverage

A few Offensive Zone Faceoff options that have worked well for me in the past

Here are a few of my favorite offensive zone faceoff options. Remember, it is up to the centerman to make sure everyone is ready, and on the same page before the puck is dropped. I recommend naming your faceoff plays so the communication is quick and simple before the draw.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Faceoff, Offensive Zone, Options, Puck

A few Neutral Zone Faceoff options that have worked well for me in the past

Neutral zone faceoffs are a good time to get a little more aggressive than maybe you otherwise would be. Here are a few “more aggressive” options I like to throw in every once in a while to catch the other team off guard.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Good Time, Neutral Zone, Options

A few Defensive Zone Faceoff options that have worked well for me in the past

I like to have VERY structured positioning and responsibilities in my defensive zone play––including faceoffs!! This particular set-up will leave you in great position for a breakout if we win the draw, and great position for defensive zone coverage if we lose the draw. Either way we are covered!

This set-up also allows for a few “more aggressive” options that I like to use every now and then to catch the other team off guard.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Breakout, Defensive Zone, Options, Play Set, Zone Coverage, Zone Play

Two variations of the “T” Penalty Kill Forecheck

I’ve always been a fan of the “T” PK Forecheck. If done correctly, it is very effective at stopping the other team’s breakout, and causes a lot of turnovers in the neutral zone.

Over the years, I’ve developed a slightly “beefed up” version of the “T” Forecheck, that is more aggressive, and just as safe (if not, safer!). In this video, I show you both versions. As you’ll see in the video, the second version can actually cause a lot of offensive-zone turnovers and odd-man rushes… ON YOUR PK!!

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Breakout, Forecheck, Neutral Zone, Odd Man, Offensive Zone, Turnovers, Variations