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!

The Umbrella is a tricky power play set-up to defend against. Here’s a quick discussion on what I think works, and what doesn’t work…

The Umbrella is a very effective power play set-up (which is why so many higher-level teams use it!). In order to defend against the Umbrella, your team will need a more complex PK set-up than the Simple Box, or either version of the Wedge +1. Your players will also need highly developed tactical skills such as angling and taking away passing lanes.

Enjoy!

The Expanded Wedge +1 is strategically very similar to the “Sagging” Zone Arrow d-zone coverage

The Expanded Wedge +1 is even more aggressive than the Wedge +1, and is very similar to the “Sagging” Zone Arrow defensive zone coverage set-up.

You need fast players that anticipate well to use this one, but if executed properly, it can be extremely effective. Remember, if the opposing team brings a second man to the front of the net, you either have to switch to a different PK system, or concede one of the passing lanes.

Enjoy!

The Wedge +1 is strategically very similar to the “Sagging” Zone d-zone coverage

The Wedge +1 is a more advanced, more aggressive penalty kill, that operates similar to our “Sagging” Zone defensive zone coverage set-up. This set-up allows the closest “corner” of the box to challenge the puck carrier, while the other three players remain in front of the net.

Make sure your players understand when to “force” the puck carrier, and when to “contain” the puck carrier. Reading this incorrectly will cause problems for you! Also, remind your weak-side forward and defenseman to keep their heads on a swivel, and not to let anyone creep in behind them on the backdoor.

Enjoy!

The Simple Box is strategically very similar to the Box +1 d-zone coverage

Our penalty kill set-ups closely mirror the characteristics of each of our defensive zone coverage systems. In this case, our Simple Box is very similar to the Box +1. It is great for covering the front of your net, but it is not very aggressive. So don’t expect to get the puck back very quickly.

This can be a great “starter pk” for youngsters or inexperienced players. However, you should quickly work toward implementing one of the more advanced penalty kill set-ups such as the Wedge +1 or Expanded Wedge +1.

Enjoy!

The Umbrella is a solid power play set-up that can be very difficult to defend against if run well

The Umbrella is a very common power play set-up at higher levels of play. The reason for this is that it is extremely effective when run well. Remember to structure your set-up using players that fit each position’s “job description,” including what way they shoot.

The Umbrella works very well when two cross-ice passes occur before the shot (see video for examples). This helps to hang the goalie out to dry, and can really mess up the opposition’s penalty kill.

Enjoy!

Here’s one of my favorite power play breakouts…

There are quite a few different power play breakouts. Rather than try to cover them all, I thought I’d just post my favorite. I like this one because it is very versatile, and can beat most penalty kill forechecks if the players read and react effectively.

This is another instance where I like to have designated responsibilities so that we always have the proper-handed-shot in the correct position.

Lastly, I forgot to mention in the video, but SOMETIMES there is an opening straight up the middle to the “breakaway man.” If the far forward notices this, he can cut across the blue line early and sync up with the quarterback behind the net. The QB can step out to the RIGHT side in this example, and fire a hard pass up the middle to that far forward. You can usually get away with this once or twice a game before the other team takes it away.

Enjoy!

My favorite power play set-up… The “Hybrid”

The “Hybrid” is a very complex power play set-up that has very specific skill requirements for each position. This is a phenomenal set-up IF you have the right personel for the job. If not, it will fall apart badly!

Make sure your players understand the “key indicator” that signals the “shift” (see video for details). Doing this will ensure that the timing works out correctly. Also, I like to designate a specific side of the ice to run it from every time to eliminate positional confusion, and to make sure we have the proper shooting hand in the proper spot.

Enjoy!

The Overload can be a great power play set-up to start with…

Because of its simplicity, the Overload is a really good power play set-up for youngsters. However, it also offers enough options that it can be very effective at older, more advanced levels of play as well.

I believe the Overload is a fundamental set-up that every player should know. Having a solid understanding of its principles will allow players to be effective in more complex power play set-ups like the “Hybrid” Power Play we discuss here.

Enjoy!

Penalty kill forecheck and 4 on 4 philosophies

In this post we discuss a little 4 on 4 philosphy, and outline a forecheck that can be used in a 4 on 4 situation as well as on the penalty kill. Like I always say – there are many different opinions when it comes to hockey systems, and many correct ways of doing things… often the right way depends on the strengths and weaknesses of your team. The concepts in this video have worked well for me in the past… feel free to apply them how you see fit for your own team. Also, click here for a printout you can bring to the rink with you.