Forecheck: Neutral Zone Trap

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Beat teams that are better than you with the Neutral Zone Trap! The Neutral Zone Trap is a super effective forechecking set-up. In fact, it is almost too good. The reason I say that is because it allows players to "get by" on very little raw skill and ability. Because of this characteristic, I don't recommend teaching it to younger age groups. So, if you coach an older team, add this to your team's tool belt! When I first moved to the states, the team I ended up on was horrible. We spent the first half of the season in last place, and double-diget losses were common place against the top teams in the league. However, half-way through the season we learned the trap. All of a sudden we began…
Read More

Forecheck: 2-1-2 Spread/Stack

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Two simple variations of a 2-1-2 forecheck The 2-1-2 forecheck is generally one of the first set-ups young players learn. It is simple to understand, and can be taught at very young age groups. In this video we outline two possible variations of the 2-1-2 that you can choose from based on the other team's strengths and weaknesses. The 2-1-2 Stack puts extreme pressure on the puck-carrying defenseman, and makes it virtually impossible to break out up the strong side of the ice. The Spread is used to combat the D to D pass behind the net. In either set-up, our F3 and our two Defensemen need to anticipate and get to the proper position quickly! Enjoy!
Read More
Give and Go Corner Drill

Give and Go Corner Drill

Half Ice Drills, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Misc. Drills, Passing & Timing, Shooting, Stickhandling
The Give and Go Corner Drill is EXTREMELY effective for the really young age groups! This is an awesome drill for the really young players. It works on a number of key skill elements such as giving and receiving passes, skating to a receiving zone, power turns with the puck, and shots. Here's the diagram: Give and Go Corner Drill 1. Quick give and go with explosive start out of the corner 2. Skate around the cone and take a shot with your feet moving Note: Teach your players to call for the pass back. It's never too early to teach communication! Enjoy! USE THIS DRILL IN YOUR OWN PRACTICE PLAN:
Read More
Perpetual Power Turn and Passing Drill

Perpetual Power Turn and Passing Drill

Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Passing & Timing, Skating & Agility
This power turn and passing drill is a great one for younger to intermediate age groups. Use this drill to work on power turns, passing, and certain timing and support concepts with your youngsters. When done well, it's a quick-paced drill that works on some of the key fundamentals that are important in the game of hockey. Perpetual Power Turn and Passing 1. Run both sides at the same time 2. Drill starts with a “ghost man” (Gh) in each corner. After the first rotation the Gh isn’t needed anymore 3. Players follow the sequence executing power turns and passes as shown 4. After the last turn, the outside man drives wide and shoots 5. Inside man starts the drill going the opposite direction as the wide man Enjoy!! CLICK…
Read More
9 Half-Ice Hockey Drills Every Coach Should Know About

9 Half-Ice Hockey Drills Every Coach Should Know About

Checking & Angling, Half Ice Drills, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Misc. Drills, Passing & Timing, Shooting, Small Area Games, Team Skill Drills
Half Ice Hockey Drills to Add to Your Drill Library With the cost of ice time going up, many teams are sharing practice sessions, especially at the younger age groups. The need for half ice hockey drills continues to grow, and has been a highly requested topic from our readers. So, instead of just doing a video or two, I put together 9 of my favorite half ice hockey drills spanning across all levels of play... beginner to advanced. I've also included a printable PDF version as well as the Importable DrillDraw files, if you want to bring all this stuff to the rink with you. You'll find the links at the bottom of this page. Here we go!! 1. Quad Passing: 1. Players 1 and 2 execute five passes…
Read More