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.
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.
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.
The “Post-Up” Regroup is a great set-up for youngsters, or less-experienced players. It can also be a supplemental “add-on” to your existing regroup set-ups.
The “Post-Up” Regroup is a versatile set-up that can be used in many ways. I’ve used this basic set-up as a “starter regroup” for my young teams, and I’ve also used it as a second set-up option (along with the Swing Regroup) for more advanced teams. In either case, is is effective when performed well, and provides good support through the neutral zone.
As we discussed in our video on Hockey Systems for Youngsters, structured systems CAN be taught to young hockey players, and a color-coded breakout system is one way of doing this.
Young hockey players are often more advanced physically than mentally. Because of this, players at higher levels of play can typically execute the basic patterns of a breakout (i.e. skate the puck behind the net and pass to a winger on the boards) long before they can read which option to select in a given situation.
Color-coding a breakout system allows the “read” portion of “read and react” to be passed along to the coach, who can call the plays from the bench using the color code. Well-trained players will hear the call, and react accordingly.
As players get older, they are taught to read the plays for themselves.
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