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
• 5 on 3: Too passive (in my opinion)

Cheers!

Jeremy

Technorati Tags: Angles, Angling, Cardinal Rule, Cheers, Defenseman, Defensive Zone, F1, Net Jets, Neutral Zone, Transitions, Triangle, Two Cents, Umbrella, Winnipeg Jets, Zone Coverage

Awesome Hockey Forechecking Drill that Works on Multiple Game Situations

I’ve been using this Hockey Forechecking Drill in my practices, and it has worked really well for my team. The thing I really like about it, is that it allows you to work on a lot of different stuff at once. Obviously, the main focus is forechecking, but you’re also working on D-Zone Coverage, and Breakouts as well.

Here’s how the drill works:

• 5 forecheckers start at center ice
• 5 defenders at each end
• Coach dumps puck in, defenders attempt to break out, or play d-zone coverage, depending on how quickly the forecheckers get in
• Forecheckers execute whichever forechecking system the coach designates
• Play continues until defending team breaks out, or until the forecheckers score
• If defending team breaks out, forecheckers peel off as soon as puck crosses blue line. After breaking out, the defenders cross the red line, dump it in, and become the NEW forecheckers at the other end.
• If the forechecking team scores, coach blows two quick whistles to kill the play, then dumps a new puck into the far end. Defending team hustles to the far end to become the NEW forecheckers.

Give this one a go – I think you’ll get some good usage out of it!

CLICK HERE for the Full Explanation of the Perpetual Forecheck Drill, including Printout and Importable Versions!

Technorati Tags: Breakouts, Center Ice, Coach, D Zone, Defending Team, Forechecking, Game Situations, Red Line, Score, Team Scores, Whistles, Zone Coverage

A few Defensive Zone Faceoff options that have worked well for me in the past

I like to have VERY structured positioning and responsibilities in my defensive zone play––including faceoffs!! This particular set-up will leave you in great position for a breakout if we win the draw, and great position for defensive zone coverage if we lose the draw. Either way we are covered!

This set-up also allows for a few “more aggressive” options that I like to use every now and then to catch the other team off guard.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Breakout, Defensive Zone, Options, Play Set, Zone Coverage, Zone Play

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!

Technorati Tags: Arrow, D Zone, Defensive Zone, Pk, Second Man, Zone Coverage

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!

Technorati Tags: Backdoor, D Zone, Defensive Zone, Puck Carrier, Zone Coverage