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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Offensive Attack: Cycling in Hockey

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Use cycling to draw opposing players out of position and create scoring chances Cycling could be called the "pinnacle" of executing support tactics. The concept completely revolves around a team's ability to properly provide both front-side and back-side support. This is an advanced concept because the type of support each player is providing is constantly changing. Although it is a complex concept, cycling can be taught at relatively young ages, if Timing and Support tactics have been explained and properly developed. Here's a great cycling drill that will help you along the way! CLICK HERE to check out our "Perpetual Cycle" drill. Enjoy!
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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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NHL Play Dissections

Coaches' Corner, Defensive Zone, Neutral Zone, Offensive Zone, Philosophy, Special Teams, Team Strategy, Team Systems
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE3A7B0E18F091206 Check the Embedded PLAYLIST Above, for Updated NHL Play Dissections This post is a little different than usual. I've recently put together a number of videos dissecting various NHL plays and situations. I've been posting these videos on my YouTube Channel, but I thought my blog readers might find them useful too. So... the video above is actually a PLAYLIST, which will update itself whenever I post a new play dissection to YouTube. When you hover your mouse over the video, you'll see the other play dissections I've already posted. Many of these dissections will refer back to concepts we've discussed in the Coaches' Training Course, so take a browse through the course if you haven't yet. I'm going to be posting more play dissections as we progress through…
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