Weiss Tech Hockey Drills and Skills

29Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

D-Zone Coverage: “Sagging” Zone Arrow

"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!!

29Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 5 Comments

D-Zone Coverage: “Sagging” Zone

Defensive Zone, Team Systems

The "Sagging" Zone is a more aggressive defensive zone coverage set-up that will cause more turnovers than the less aggressive Box +1 In this video, we walk through the "Sagging" Zone set-up. I really like the risk level of this particular set-up. It is quite aggressive, but by dropping your weak-side winger down into the low slot, you can still maintain great coverage in front of the net. As players get more comfortable with this system, teach the weak-side winger to anticipate and pick off D to D passes, and cross-ice passes out of the corner. Good, quick wingers will see a lot of breakaways and 2 on 1's by reading these passes well. As is the case with the Box +1, "Sagging" Zone Coverage converts very well into a…

29Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 10 Comments

D-Zone Coverage: Box +1

Defensive Zone, Team Systems

Box +1 is an excellent introductory defensive zone coverage set-up I have used the Box +1 as an introductory defensive zone coverage set-up for a number of teams ranging from talented youngsters to beginner adults. The Box +1 is a great way to introduce structured defensive zone positioning, without a lot of risk. It is a passive system, which means it's very forgiving if a player makes a mistake (since you always have 4 players in front of the net!). The Box +1 also lends itself to progress into more complex coverages such as "Sagging" Zone Coverage, and the "Sagging" Zone Arrow. Furthermore, the transition from d-zone coverage to breakout is simple and straight-forward with this style of coverage. Enjoy!

26Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 7 Comments

Timing and Support Tactics

Coaches' Corner, Neutral Zone, Philosophy, Team Systems, Useful Products

Timing and Support: Two concepts that can greatly enhance a player's ability to read and react! Timing and Support are extremely important concepts for a hockey player to understand. Having a sound understanding of these key concepts will allow him to adjust to different coaching styles and systems, no matter what the positional set-up may be. In this video, I show an example of timing, support, and multiple receiving zones, using a simple "swing" regroup. ENJOY!

26Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 6 Comments

Philosophy: When to Start Teaching Hockey Systems?

Coaches' Corner, Philosophy, Team Systems

How early can youngsters be taught to play "systems hockey"? Many people have varying opinions on the correct answer to this question... and, as is often the case with philosophical hockey questions, there is more than one correct answer. The answer depends on the physical skills of your players, the mental maturity of your players, and the manner in which the systems are taught and implemented. In this video, I discuss my own personal opinions on the matter, and why I believe what I believe. When I was 8 years old, my dad had this idea of taking the top-caliber kids from around the city, and keeping essentially the same kids together for 5 years. The end goal of his vision was to win an Ontario Championship at the "AAA"…

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