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
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.
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!!
Some simple Backchecking tips to improve effectiveness
Believe it or not, there is actually some technique to backchecking in hockey. Most players just put their head down and get back into the defensive zone as quickly as possible… this is a good start, but players need to do more if they want to REALLY stop the scoring threat. Here are a few key points from the video:
1. Backcheck with a purpose: Keep your head on a swivel while backchecking, and pick up any loose opponents along the way. Make sure you stick with them ALL THE WAY back into the zone (many players release their man at the blueline for some reason).
2. Revert to “5-Card” Formation: I explain this in the video, but use the “5-Card” set-up as your failsafe. Backcheck into 5-card formation, then adjust once the initial threat has been nullified.
3. Communicate: Let your teammates know who you’ve got (especially your defensemen). This can help eliminate confusion on odd-man rushes.
Use the Swing Regroup to create multiple passing options and to provide solid support through the neutral zone
The Swing Regroup is a more advanced set-up for players who understand timing and support tactics, and can present themselves as passing options in multiple receiving zones. If your team is ready to learn this style of regroup, it can be extremely effective, and will set you up to enter the offensive zone with great positioning!
If your team is younger, or less experienced, set them up on the “Post-Up” Regroup first, then work toward adding this one later on.
Sign up below to receive our FREE Drills of the Week!
Email:
Close
Sign up below to receive our FREE Drills of the Week!
Welcome to Weiss Tech Hockey!
We are committed to providing hockey coaches with solid, useful information. We do this by offering free instructional videos, hockey drills, and other great stuff that should be important to hockey coaches!
Join our mailing list and receive our free drills of the week! Simply enter your email address below:
on 
