Neutral Zone Trap Clarified

Neutral Zone Trap Clarified

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Neutral Zone Trap Clarified Seems like I'm doing a lot of Q&A work these days! There have been quite a few questions on the Neutral Zone Trap I diagrammed up a few years ago. So I decided to make a quick clarification video to resolve some of these questions. Before we jump straight in, let me just state again that there are many ways of structuring systems. Sometimes these differences are adjustments to what the other team is doing, sometimes they're just the coach's personal preference. Either way, use this info if it makes sense for your situation. If not, don't use it! Here are a few key points to remember: Neutral Zone Trap 1. The trap is a CONCEPT: make it look like the board-side breakout is open, then…
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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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Forecheck: 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck

Forecheck: 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Use the 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck to trap your opponent in his zone The 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck is a great forecheck to add to your hockey systems repertoire. When executed correctly, it is effective at all levels of play, from youth all the way up through Junior and College level hockey. The key to making this forechecking system work is to have everybody know, understand, and execute their roles properly. When this happens, the 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck works similarly to a neutral zone trap - except that it happens in the offensive zone! CLICK HERE to check out our "FAQ" on the 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck (expanded discussion). Enjoy!
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