05Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Forecheck: Neutral Zone Trap

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Beat teams that are better than you with the Neutral Zone Trap! The Neutral Zone Trap is a super effective forechecking set-up. In fact, it is almost too good. The reason I say that is because it allows players to "get by" on very little raw skill and ability. Because of this characteristic, I don't recommend teaching it to younger age groups. So, if you coach an older team, add this to your team's tool belt! When I first moved to the states, the team I ended up on was horrible. We spent the first half of the season in last place, and double-diget losses were common place against the top teams in the league. However, half-way through the season we learned the trap. All of a sudden we began…
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05Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Forecheck: 2-3 Press

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Start the game with a BANG using the 2-3 Press! The 2-3 Press is a really fun forecheck if you have the right group of players for it. If you have a fast, hard-hitting team, you can use this forecheck to strike fear into the hearts of the other team, and make it so they're constantly looking over their shoulder for the rest of the game! I like to use this forecheck for brief "spurts" during a game because it is very high-tempo, and uses a lot of energy. So give it a try for each line's first shift in the game, or maybe the first shift of each period. This will help get your team off to a fast start, and should give you some momentum in the process.…
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05Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 12 Comments
Forecheck: 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck

Forecheck: 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Use the 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck to trap your opponent in his zone The 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck is a great forecheck to add to your hockey systems repertoire. When executed correctly, it is effective at all levels of play, from youth all the way up through Junior and College level hockey. The key to making this forechecking system work is to have everybody know, understand, and execute their roles properly. When this happens, the 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck works similarly to a neutral zone trap - except that it happens in the offensive zone! CLICK HERE to check out our "FAQ" on the 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck (expanded discussion). Enjoy!
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05Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

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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01Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 3 Comments

Offensive Attack: Formations

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Let players be creative within a structured offensive framework I've mentioned a number of times that I like to give players set positions and responsibilities in the defensive zone. This helps keep players accountable when breakdowns occur (it's easier to pinpoint the problem and say "why wasn't the "sagman" in the low slot?" for example). However, as the play progresses into the offensive zone, I like to encourage players to be creative within a structured framework. I like to attack using the "Attack Triangle," which is based on solid front-side and back-side support. There are many different attack options that can be executed within this framework. So... teach your players to attack using the triangle, and make sure they understand proper support tactics, then let them do their thing!! CLICK…
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