How to Execute a Proper 2-1-2 Spread Forecheck In our last post, we talked about beating a 2-1-2 with a D to D pass. In the footage, we saw the NJ Devils using an aggressive 2-1-2 "Stack" against the Rangers. In this post, we'll show you the LA Kings using another variation of the 2-1-2, the 2-1-2 "Spread." 2-1-2 Stack vs Spread There are two types of 2-1-2 set-ups; the "stack," where the first two players enter the zone on the same side of the ice, the first player hits and pins, the second player takes the puck; and the "spread," where the first player attacks the puck carrier, and the second player eliminates the D to D pass (this is what the Kings are using in this clip). See…
The 3 Man Weave is a Simple, but Highly Effective Hockey Passing Drill! Use the 3 Man Weave to teach and reinforce key concepts like timing, support, and offensive zone triangulation. As skill progresses, increase the demand on the players. I like to insist that all my lines are able to get in three stick-to-stick passes before the far blue line, then a controlled attack on net. Here's the diagram: 3 Man Weave 1. On whistle, center passes to one of the two wingers, who is cutting through the middle for a pass. 2. After making the pass, the passer loops in behind the receiver, providing back-side support, then explodes up ice to become the front side option for the 3rd player. 3. Receiver picks up the pass, then head…
This Simple Attack Triangle Sequence Introduces many important Offensive Concepts to Young Hockey Players. Many youngsters have a tendency to skate the puck straight at the opposing defenseman, when attacking the offensive zone. I believe that our young athletes can be taught to use structured attack systems from a very early age. The Attack Triangle Sequence is one of my favorite drills to begin teaching these concepts. Here's the diagram and explanation: Attack Triangle Sequence Phase 1: 1. player (F1) leaves without puck, cuts across neutral zone 2. receives pass in stride 3. drives wide and shoots 4. after making the pass, first player in other line does the same thing Phase 2: 1. first player (F1) does same thing as in phase 1. 2. second player in…
Just a quick report on today's sessions... Interesting day today at the Level 5 Clinic here in Minnesota. We heard from a bunch of pretty good hockey guys including Todd Richards (head coach of the Wild), Mike Sullivan (assistant coach of the Lightning), Mark Johnson (member of 1980 "Miracle" team and Head Coach of Wisconsin's women's team), Bryan Trottier (NHL Hall of Famer), and a panel of players from the 1980 American Miracle team. One of the things I found interesting was Mike Sullivan's take on defensive hockey (playing when the other team has the puck). He likes a very aggressive style when his team doesn't have the puck, and showed us a few examples of his 1-2-2 forecheck that looked almost identical to our 1-2-2 Fooseball Forecheck. So -…
