22Sep 2012 by Jeremy Weiss 1 Comment

2-1-2 Spread: In Action

Coaches' Corner, Offensive Zone, Philosophy, Team Systems
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…
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26Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 2 Comments
Perpetual Forecheck

Perpetual Forecheck

Breakouts, D-Zone Coverage, Defensive Zone, Forecheck, Hockey Drills, Offensive Zone, Team Skill Drills, Team Systems Drills
Awesome Hockey Forechecking Drill that Works on Multiple Game Situations I've been using this Hockey Forechecking Drill in my practices, and it has worked really well for my team. The thing I really like about it, is that it allows you to work on a lot of different stuff at once. Obviously, the main focus is forechecking, but you're also working on D-Zone Coverage, and Breakouts as well. Here's how the drill works: 5 forecheckers start at center ice 5 defenders at each end Coach dumps puck in, defenders attempt to break out, or play d-zone coverage, depending on how quickly the forecheckers get in Forecheckers execute whichever forechecking system the coach designates Play continues until defending team breaks out, or until the forecheckers score If defending team breaks out,…
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05Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

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…
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