29Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 5 Comments

D-Zone Coverage: “Sagging” Zone

Defensive Zone, Team Systems
The "Sagging" Zone is a more aggressive defensive zone coverage set-up that will cause more turnovers than the less aggressive Box +1 In this video, we walk through the "Sagging" Zone set-up. I really like the risk level of this particular set-up. It is quite aggressive, but by dropping your weak-side winger down into the low slot, you can still maintain great coverage in front of the net. As players get more comfortable with this system, teach the weak-side winger to anticipate and pick off D to D passes, and cross-ice passes out of the corner. Good, quick wingers will see a lot of breakaways and 2 on 1's by reading these passes well. As is the case with the Box +1, "Sagging" Zone Coverage converts very well into a…
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29Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 10 Comments

D-Zone Coverage: Box +1

Defensive Zone, Team Systems
Box +1 is an excellent introductory defensive zone coverage set-up I have used the Box +1 as an introductory defensive zone coverage set-up for a number of teams ranging from talented youngsters to beginner adults. The Box +1 is a great way to introduce structured defensive zone positioning, without a lot of risk. It is a passive system, which means it's very forgiving if a player makes a mistake (since you always have 4 players in front of the net!). The Box +1 also lends itself to progress into more complex coverages such as "Sagging" Zone Coverage, and the "Sagging" Zone Arrow. Furthermore, the transition from d-zone coverage to breakout is simple and straight-forward with this style of coverage. Enjoy!
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04Jan 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 3 Comments
Advanced Hockey Breakout Progression

Advanced Hockey Breakout Progression

Breakouts, Defensive Zone, Hockey Drills, Team Skill Drills, Team Systems Drills
This hockey breakout progression is recommended for advanced teams only This is a highly effective breakout progression. There are endless ways to change it up to work on different game situations, and it involves many recurring passing patterns. Since there are many possible "points of failure" I only recommend this drill for older, or more advanced hockey teams. Here's the diagram and explanation: Advanced Hockey Breakout Progression 1. D to D to Wing 2. D to D to Wing 3. D to D to Wing, one-touch to Center 4. D to D to Wing, one-touch to D who follows up play 5. Start again from the other side OPTIONAL: Put defensemen on far blue line for a 1 on 1. Enjoy!! USE THIS DRILL IN YOUR OWN PRACTICE PLAN:
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03Aug 2010 by Jeremy Weiss 3 Comments
Breakout, Regroup, Regroup, Attack Drill

Breakout, Regroup, Regroup, Attack Drill

Breakouts, Hockey Drills, Regroups, Team Systems Drills
A very versatile drill to work on Breakouts, Regroups, and Attacks Since finishing up our Coaches' Training Course, a few people have asked about different ways of practicing some of the systems we discussed in the course. This drill is in response to the questions about practicing breakouts and regroups. The "Breakout, Regroup, Regroup, Attack Drill" is extremely versatile, and can be used to work on a number of different game situations. After your team gets good at it, try throwing in a forechecker (or two). You can designate where and how you want the forechecking pressure coming in, which will make your defensemen have to read and react to different scenarios. For a more detailed explanation of the Swing Regroup mentioned in this video, CLICK HERE Here's the diagram…
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21Apr 2009 by Jeremy Weiss 6 Comments
Hockey Breakout Drill

Hockey Breakout Drill

Breakouts, Defensive Zone, Hockey Drills, Team Skill Drills, Team Systems Drills
This is an Excellent Hockey Breakout Drill to Teach the Patterns of Game Situations Many hockey situations occur in patterns. This simple hockey breakout drill breaks down these patterns into their simplest form, then puts them back together in sequence to mimic a game situation. Here's the diagram and explanation: Hockey Breakout Progression: PHASE 1: 1.Set up forwards on the blue line, with defensemen on the close hash mark. Defenseman who is going steps out to the dot 2.On whistle, first forward in line passes to the defenseman, then skates down around the bottom of the circle and opens up for a breakout pass 3.Defenseman skates behind the net, then passes to the forward on the boards, who skates down for a shot Note: Teach forwards to pivot and keep…
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