Weiss Tech Hockey Drills and Skills

08Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 2 Comments

Power Play: Umbrella

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!

08Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Power Play: Overload

Special Teams, Team Systems

The Overload can be a great power play set-up to start with... Because of its simplicity, the Overload is a really good power play set-up for youngsters. However, it also offers enough options that it can be very effective at older, more advanced levels of play as well. I believe the Overload is a fundamental set-up that every player should know. Having a solid understanding of its principles will allow players to be effective in more complex power play set-ups like the "Hybrid" Power Play we discuss here. Enjoy!

06Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Neutral Zone: Backchecking

Neutral Zone, Team Systems

Some simple Backchecking tips to improve effectiveness Believe it or not, there is actually some technique to backchecking in hockey. Most players just put their head down and get back into the defensive zone as quickly as possible... this is a good start, but players need to do more if they want to REALLY stop the scoring threat. Here are a few key points from the video: 1. Backcheck with a purpose: Keep your head on a swivel while backchecking, and pick up any loose opponents along the way. Make sure you stick with them ALL THE WAY back into the zone (many players release their man at the blueline for some reason). 2. Revert to "5-Card" Formation: I explain this in the video, but use the "5-Card" set-up as…

06Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 6 Comments

Neutral Zone: Swing Regroup

Neutral Zone, Team Systems

Use the Swing Regroup to create multiple passing options and to provide solid support through the neutral zone The Swing Regroup is a more advanced set-up for players who understand timing and support tactics, and can present themselves as passing options in multiple receiving zones. If your team is ready to learn this style of regroup, it can be extremely effective, and will set you up to enter the offensive zone with great positioning! If your team is younger, or less experienced, set them up on the "Post-Up" Regroup first, then work toward adding this one later on. Enjoy!

06Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Neutral Zone: “Post-Up” Regroup

Neutral Zone, Team Systems

The "Post-Up" Regroup is a great set-up for youngsters, or less-experienced players. It can also be a supplemental "add-on" to your existing regroup set-ups. The "Post-Up" Regroup is a versatile set-up that can be used in many ways. I've used this basic set-up as a "starter regroup" for my young teams, and I've also used it as a second set-up option (along with the Swing Regroup) for more advanced teams. In either case, is is effective when performed well, and provides good support through the neutral zone. Enjoy!

MAKE YOUR PRACTICES MORE EFFECTIVE THAN EVER BEFORE... EVEN IF YOU RUN HALF-ICE!