Stickhandling: Attack Triangle

Coaches' Corner, Hockey Drills, Hockey Equipment, Individual Skill Drills, Individual Skills, Off-ice Training, Puckhandling, Skills, Stickhandling, Useful Products
Use the Attack Triangle to Mimic a Defenseman in a 1 on 1 Stance A number of years ago, one of my coaching buddies told me he had just bought 10 Attack Triangles to use for his team. I took a look, but didn't totally see the value. I thought it looked a little gimmicky, and it seemed like it would be a hassle to bring that many on the ice each practice. It wasn't until a couple of months ago that I actually got the chance to use the Attack Triangle, and when I did, I liked it a lot! The Theory The Attack Triangle is designed to mimic a defenseman in a 1 on 1 stance. You've got the stick and two skates, and they're positioned exactly where…
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Coach Regroup 2 on 0

Coach Regroup 2 on 0

1 on 1's, 2 on 2's, 2 on 1's, 3 on 2's, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Neutral Zone, Passing & Timing, Regroups, Team Skill Drills, Team Systems Drills
The Coach Regroup 2 on 0 is a nice little regroup drill, with plenty of progressions to work toward! I love this drill because is is very modifiable. You can start simple, with coaches controlling the play, and progress to complex variations which include 2 on 1's! I've used this drill with all levels of experience, from beginners up to college-level players, and it's always a lot of fun! Coach Regroup 2 on 0 Forwards in each of the corners, one defenseman on each blueline. 1. Forward steps out, passes to far D-man. 2. Both forwards from that line swing through for a regroup pass. 3. After receiving the return pass, forwards regroup with other D-man, then return 2 on 0. OPTIONS: start simple with one side at a time,…
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On the Dot 3 on 2

On the Dot 3 on 2

1 on 1's, 2 on 2's, 2 on 1's, 3 on 2's, Half Ice Drills, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Misc. Drills, Shooting, Skating & Agility, Small Area Games, Team Skill Drills
Here's another great Small Area Game Drill to work 3 on 2's and quick transitions This can be a fantastic drill, depending on the skill level of your players. At best it's a quick-paced, high-intensity, odd-man-rush drill. At worst it can be quite slow, with too much standing around... So, as I've often said, USE YOUR "INFINITE WISDOM" AS COACH to determine whether this drill will be a good fit for your team :) On the Dot 3 on 2 2 on 2 plus 1. Players on dots can pass or shoot, but can't leave the dots. Make it 3 on 3 plus 1 after a while UPDATE: I suggest letting the "dot men" move anywhere within their half, so it becomes a true 3 on 2 in each zone…
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3-Zone Timing Drill

3-Zone Timing Drill

Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Passing & Timing
The 3-Zone Timing Drill is one of my all-time favorite passing and timing drills! I've been using the 3-Zone Timing Drill for years as both a player and a coach. I love it because it simulates passing patterns that happen over and over in game situations––particularly in breakouts and regroups. This is a "classic" flow drill with lots of passing, timing, and shooting. Make sure you check out the One-Touch Timing Drill as a precursor to this drill. Here's the diagram and explanation: 3-Zone Timing Drill 1. To start the drill, 3 players leave from the corner (after that only 2 leave from then on) 2. First player shoots, picks up a puck from the circle, and hits the second player in the first green receiving zone 3. Receiver controls…
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Slovakian Agility Race

Slovakian Agility Race

Half Ice Drills, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Misc. Drills, Skating & Agility
  Slovakian Agility Race Drill Since I started this blog back in 2008, I have met a lot of really cool hockey folks. Believe it or not, it has made me a better coach! I have had the opportunity to exchange drills from coaches all over the world. I make a point to work my way through most of these drills, and pass the best ones on to my "readers" here on the blog. I usually try to credit the drill to the person who sent it to me. However, many times the drills that come in are in other languages... as is the case with this one from my good buddy Ján Bednár. Ján has sent me A LOT of drills over the past year or so! Since he…
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