16Dec 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 5 Comments

Winnipeg Jets’ Penalty Kill (DISSECTED)

Coaches' Corner, Philosophy, Special Teams, Team Strategy, Team Systems
A Detailed Analysis of the Winnipeg Jets' Penalty Kill Forecheck and Defensive Zone Coverage Setups In this video we walk through a detailed analysis of the Penalty Kill Systems the Winnipeg Jets are using. Remember, systems play is very subjective - everyone has their own opinions... this is my two cents worth! Here's a quick breakdown of what to look for: FORECHECK: 1-3 Forecheck: F1 tends to commit too early, allowing the Wild defenseman to walk out from behind the net uncontested. F1's Angle: Breaks my cardinal rule for trap-style forechecks - DON'T GET BEAT BEHIND YOU! NZ Transitions: Jets rely too heavily on picking off passes in the neutral zone, and not enough on solid angling and positioning. This won't work as well against the better teams. PK DEFENSIVE…
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12Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 2 Comments

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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11Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Penalty Kill: Defending Against an Umbrella

Special Teams, Team Systems
The Umbrella is a tricky power play set-up to defend against. Here's a quick discussion on what I think works, and what doesn't work... The Umbrella is a very effective power play set-up (which is why so many higher-level teams use it!). In order to defend against the Umbrella, your team will need a more complex PK set-up than the Simple Box, or either version of the Wedge +1. Your players will also need highly developed tactical skills such as angling and taking away passing lanes. Enjoy!
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11Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Penalty Kill: Expanded Wedge +1

Special Teams, Team Systems
The Expanded Wedge +1 is strategically very similar to the "Sagging" Zone Arrow d-zone coverage The Expanded Wedge +1 is even more aggressive than the Wedge +1, and is very similar to the "Sagging" Zone Arrow defensive zone coverage set-up. You need fast players that anticipate well to use this one, but if executed properly, it can be extremely effective. Remember, if the opposing team brings a second man to the front of the net, you either have to switch to a different PK system, or concede one of the passing lanes. Enjoy!
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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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