A few different attack options stemming from the attack triangle
I love the attack triangle because it can be branched off into so many different attack possibilities. I usually like to outline 8-10 of these possibilities for my players, just to get their minds moving in the right direction… then I let them get creative on their own, always encouraging more and more creativity in the offensive zone.
Having a solid understanding of support tactics will allow your players to “improvise” effectively within the offensive framework you have given them.
CLICK HERE to check out our “Attack Triangle Sequence” drill.
When I was a kid, my first coach (NOT MY DAD) took me a side one day, and drew two lines down the middle of a rink diagram. He then taught me that “the right winger stays on the right side, the left winger stays on the left side, and that the centerman mostly stays in the middle, but can help out if a winger needs him…”
HOW FAR THE GAME HAS COME SINCE THEN!!!
Today’s hockey is much more dynamic, with players interchanging positions constantly––especially in the offensive zone. I like this more “European” style of play, and I think it is much more effective at opening up passing options and scoring chances.
My general philosophy is to let structured, positional assignments govern defensive zone play, and concepts such as timing, support, and triangulation govern neutral and offensive zone play. This allows forwards to be creative within a framework in the offensive zone.
Use the 3 Man Weave to teach and re-enforce key concepts like timing, support, and offensive zone triangulation. As skill progresses, increase the demand on the players. I like to insist that all my lines are able to get in three stick to stick passes before the far blue line, then a controlled attack on net.
Use the Timed Delay Drill to introduce basic passing and timing concepts, as well as offensive attack and delay tactics
Passing and timing are extremely important concepts for hockey players to understand. This is a drill you can use to introduce these ideas at a young age. As is the case with many drills, you can progress this through from simple to more complex versions as your players progress.
The first part of this drill develops basic passing and timing skills, the second part can be progressed to work on attacking the offensive zone in “waves,” meaning if the first attack option is shut down, a player can “delay” by misdirecting, then wait for his trailer man to come in late. Here’s the diagram:
Timed Delay Drill:
1. First player in line walks in and shoots, then picks up a puck from the corner.
2. Second player in line times it, then explodes as first player is ready to make the pass.
3. After receiving the pass, second player drives wide, then delays with a misdirection toward the boards
4. First player times it to cross the blue line as the second player is coming out of his misdirection.
5. First player picks up the pass and shoots.
NOTE: Run from both sides of the ice at the same time.
This half-ice drill mimics recurring offensive-zone situations
This drill is simple and straight to the point. Players must learn to read the pressure, get a pass back to the corner, and execute a give-and-go. This is a situation that happens again and again in games. Learn it and use it!
Enjoy!
CLICK HERE for a PDF of the Give and Go Shooting Drill
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Timed Delay Drill:
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