Swing Regroup: FAQ

Coaches' Corner, Neutral Zone, Neutral Zone Tactics, Philosophy, Team Skills, Team Systems
Some Frequently Asked Questions on the Swing Regroup In our Coaches' Training Course we outline the fundamentals of the Swing Regroup, which is one of my favorite regroup set-ups. Over the past few weeks, I've received a number of emails with questions on the Swing Regroup. So I figured it was time to put together an FAQ video. The problem many coaches were having, was differentiating between the "textbook version" and the "read and react version." In other words... in a perfect world, we draw up the play, and the players perform it exactly as diagrammed, AKA textbook execution. However, in the actual game, sometimes it happens as planned, but many times it doesn't. In these cases there's a degree of improvisation that needs to be accounted for... this is…
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Slovakian 3-Pass and Shot Drill

Slovakian 3-Pass and Shot Drill

1 on 1's, 2 on 2's, 2 on 1's, 3 on 2's, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Passing & Timing, Team Skill Drills
Slovakian 3-Pass and Shot Drill Here's a solid drill from my Slovakian friend Jan Bednar. He sends me awesome drills from time to time, and they're always exactly my style! This drill has two variations, one ends in a 1 on 0, and the other ends in a 1 on 1. Here's the diagram: Slovakian 3-Pass and Shot Drill: 1. Player from low line passes to the first player from the line at center ice. 2. One-touch pass back, then loops around the center circle. 3. Player from low line receives pass, then executes side-step crossovers to the far side of the circle, powerturns out of the crossovers, and hits the other player with a long pass. Variation: Same set-up as above, except play ends in a 1 on 1…
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Penalty Kill: Forecheck

Special Teams, Team Systems
Two variations of the "T" Penalty Kill Forecheck I've always been a fan of the "T" PK Forecheck. If done correctly, it is very effective at stopping the other team's breakout, and causes a lot of turnovers in the neutral zone. Over the years, I've developed a slightly "beefed up" version of the "T" Forecheck, that is more aggressive, and just as safe (if not, safer!). In this video, I show you both versions. As you'll see in the video, the second version can actually cause a lot of offensive-zone turnovers and odd-man rushes... ON YOUR PK!! Enjoy!
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Forecheck: 2-1-2 Spread/Stack

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Two simple variations of a 2-1-2 forecheck The 2-1-2 forecheck is generally one of the first set-ups young players learn. It is simple to understand, and can be taught at very young age groups. In this video we outline two possible variations of the 2-1-2 that you can choose from based on the other team's strengths and weaknesses. The 2-1-2 Stack puts extreme pressure on the puck-carrying defenseman, and makes it virtually impossible to break out up the strong side of the ice. The Spread is used to combat the D to D pass behind the net. In either set-up, our F3 and our two Defensemen need to anticipate and get to the proper position quickly! Enjoy!
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3 Shooter, Rebound and Recovery

3 Shooter, Rebound and Recovery

Goalie, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills
The 3 Shooter, Rebound and Recovery Drill is a great way for players to work on their shots, while goalies work on their movement! This is a great, simple, goalie drill. It allows your shooters to work on their shots while the goalie works on his/her movement around the crease, angles and rebound recovery. Here's the diagram and explanation: 3 Shooter, Rebound and Recovery Drill: 1. Goalie in the net, three shooters set up as shown 2. Shooter 1 shoots low glove side. Goalie tries to kick rebound into the corner, then FOLLOWS his rebound and squares up to Shooter 2 3. Shooter 2 shoots anywhere. Goalie makes the save and stays square to the rebound, wherever it goes. 4. Goalie Squares back up to Shooter 1, and this time…
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