11Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 3 Comments

Penalty Kill: Wedge +1

Special Teams, Team Systems
The Wedge +1 is strategically very similar to the "Sagging" Zone d-zone coverage The Wedge +1 is a more advanced, more aggressive penalty kill, that operates similar to our "Sagging" Zone defensive zone coverage set-up. This set-up allows the closest "corner" of the box to challenge the puck carrier, while the other three players remain in front of the net. Make sure your players understand when to "force" the puck carrier, and when to "contain" the puck carrier. Reading this incorrectly will cause problems for you! Also, remind your weak-side forward and defenseman to keep their heads on a swivel, and not to let anyone creep in behind them on the backdoor. Enjoy!
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11Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 1 Comment

Penalty Kill: Simple Box

Special Teams, Team Systems
The Simple Box is strategically very similar to the Box +1 d-zone coverage Our penalty kill set-ups closely mirror the characteristics of each of our defensive zone coverage systems. In this case, our Simple Box is very similar to the Box +1. It is great for covering the front of your net, but it is not very aggressive. So don't expect to get the puck back very quickly. This can be a great "starter pk" for youngsters or inexperienced players. However, you should quickly work toward implementing one of the more advanced penalty kill set-ups such as the Wedge +1 or Expanded Wedge +1. Enjoy!
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08Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 14 Comments

Power Play: Breakout

Special Teams, Team Systems
Here's one of my favorite power play breakouts... There are quite a few different power play breakouts. Rather than try to cover them all, I thought I'd just post my favorite. I like this one because it is very versatile, and can beat most penalty kill forechecks if the players read and react effectively. This is another instance where I like to have designated responsibilities so that we always have the proper-handed-shot in the correct position. Lastly, I forgot to mention in the video, but SOMETIMES there is an opening straight up the middle to the "breakaway man." If the far forward notices this, he can cut across the blue line early and sync up with the quarterback behind the net. The QB can step out to the RIGHT side…
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08Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Power Play: “Hybrid” Overload/Umbrella

Special Teams, Team Systems
My favorite power play set-up... The "Hybrid" The "Hybrid" is a very complex power play set-up that has very specific skill requirements for each position. This is a phenomenal set-up IF you have the right personel for the job. If not, it will fall apart badly! Make sure your players understand the "key indicator" that signals the "shift" (see video for details). Doing this will ensure that the timing works out correctly. Also, I like to designate a specific side of the ice to run it from every time to eliminate positional confusion, and to make sure we have the proper shooting hand in the proper spot. Enjoy!
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08Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 2 Comments

Power Play: Umbrella

Special Teams, Team Systems
The Umbrella is a solid power play set-up that can be very difficult to defend against if run well The Umbrella is a very common power play set-up at higher levels of play. The reason for this is that it is extremely effective when run well. Remember to structure your set-up using players that fit each position's "job description," including what way they shoot. The Umbrella works very well when two cross-ice passes occur before the shot (see video for examples). This helps to hang the goalie out to dry, and can really mess up the opposition's penalty kill. Enjoy!
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