01Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

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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31Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 2 Comments

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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31Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

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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31Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 2 Comments

Breakouts: Transition from DZC to Breakout

Defensive Zone, Team Systems
Transition from Box +1 to Breakout Transition from Sagging Zone, and Sagging Zone Arrow, to Breakout Well-designed systems should lead from one objective to the next. For example, your defensive zone coverage set-up should put you in proper position to gain the puck back and initiate a breakout. Your breakout should set you up to enter the neutral zone with proper support, and in a strong offensive attack position. The three DZC systems discussed in this post are very effective because they transition well into breakouts after you get the puck back. CLICK HERE to watch our video on "Initiating a Hockey Breakout" Enjoy!
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29Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

D-Zone Coverage: “Sagging” Zone Arrow

Defensive Zone, Team Systems
"Sagging" Zone Arrow is a slightly more aggressive version of the "Sagging" Zone Use the "Sagging" Zone Arrow to put even more pressure on the opposing team. The set up is very similar to the regular "Sagging" Zone, except that the players on the "arrows" (where the likely passing lanes are) slide out to cut down the puck carrier's passing options. This set-up will cause more turnovers, but leaves the front of the net more vulnerable. So the players in front must be even more aware of players sneaking in the backdoor. Enjoy!!
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