Offensive Attack: Options within the Attack Triangle

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
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. Enjoy!
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Breakouts: Open up Passing Options by Crossing Through Lanes

Coaches' Corner, Defensive Zone, Neutral Zone, Offensive Zone, Philosophy, Team Systems
Open up Passing Options by Crossing Through Lanes 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…
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Breakouts: Color-coded Breakout System

Defensive Zone, Team Systems
Color-coded Breakout System and Options 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…
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Inside Mohawk

Inside Mohawk

Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Individual Skills, Skating, Skating & Agility
The inside mohawk is a very versatile power skating maneuver. Here are a few simple drills to work on it. The Mohawk can be used while shooting, deking, pivoting, slipping checks... the options are limitless. Players who become proficient with the mohawk will find themselves performing it instinctively in games. Here's the diagram and explanations for the Mohawk Square Drill. Click Here for the Snake Drill mentioned in the video. Mohawk Square 1. Players start on the boards, about half way between the two cones 2. On the whistle, players skate around the square, executing a mohawk around each cone 3. After a few times through, go the other direction Note: Once the players can execute the move well, put a puck on their sticks and have them do a…
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