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

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

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.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Neutral Zone, Offensive Zone, Positioning, Support Tactics, Swing

Use the 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck to trap your opponent in his zone

The 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck is a great forecheck to add to your hockey systems repertoire. When executed correctly, it is effective at all levels of play, from youth all the way up through Junior and College level hockey.

The key to making this forechecking system work is to have everybody know, understand, and execute their roles properly. When this happens, the 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck works similarly to a neutral zone trap – except that it happens in the offensive zone!

CLICK HERE to check out our “FAQ” on the 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck (expanded discussion).

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: coaching hockey, Foosball, Forecheck, Hockey Forecheck, Hockey Systems, Level Hockey, Neutral Zone Trap, Offensive Zone, Opponent, Youth Hockey

Let players be creative within a structured offensive framework

I’ve mentioned a number of times that I like to give players set positions and responsibilities in the defensive zone. This helps keep players accountable when breakdowns occur (it’s easier to pinpoint the problem and say “why wasn’t the “sagman” in the low slot?” for example).

However, as the play progresses into the offensive zone, I like to encourage players to be creative within a structured framework. I like to attack using the “Attack Triangle,” which is based on solid front-side and back-side support. There are many different attack options that can be executed within this framework.

So… teach your players to attack using the triangle, and make sure they understand proper support tactics, then let them do their thing!!

CLICK HERE to check out our video on “Timing and Support Tactics”
CLICK HERE to check out our “Attack Triangle Sequence” drill.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Breakdowns, Defensive Zone, Offensive Attack, Offensive Zone, Options, Support Tactics, Triangle