04Apr 2013 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments
How to Beat a 1-2-2 Forecheck

How to Beat a 1-2-2 Forecheck

Defensive Zone, Team Systems
How to Beat a 1-2-2 Forecheck I've had a few questions come in recently on the 1-2-2 Forecheck. Specifically, coaches are looking for ways to beat it. The 1-2-2 is a great forecheck, but, as is the case with any system, it's beatable. Your objective is to control the puck, drawing players out of position, then beating them with a pass. Here are the key points: How to Beat the 1-2-2 Forecheck 1. Defenseman carries the puck to open ice 2. Defenseman walks the puck until someone comes to get him (if nobody comes, he walks all the way down the ice!) 3. As soon as F2 or F3 leaves their coverage to attack the Defenseman, he or she moves the puck to that side of the ice, hitting the…
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12Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 2 Comments

Penalty Kill: Forecheck

Special Teams, Team Systems
Two variations of the "T" Penalty Kill Forecheck I've always been a fan of the "T" PK Forecheck. If done correctly, it is very effective at stopping the other team's breakout, and causes a lot of turnovers in the neutral zone. Over the years, I've developed a slightly "beefed up" version of the "T" Forecheck, that is more aggressive, and just as safe (if not, safer!). In this video, I show you both versions. As you'll see in the video, the second version can actually cause a lot of offensive-zone turnovers and odd-man rushes... ON YOUR PK!! Enjoy!
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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…
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14Dec 2010 by Jeremy Weiss 2 Comments
On the Dot 3 on 2

On the Dot 3 on 2

1 on 1's, 2 on 2's, 2 on 1's, 3 on 2's, Half Ice Drills, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Misc. Drills, Shooting, Skating & Agility, Small Area Games, Team Skill Drills
Here's another great Small Area Game Drill to work 3 on 2's and quick transitions This can be a fantastic drill, depending on the skill level of your players. At best it's a quick-paced, high-intensity, odd-man-rush drill. At worst it can be quite slow, with too much standing around... So, as I've often said, USE YOUR "INFINITE WISDOM" AS COACH to determine whether this drill will be a good fit for your team :) On the Dot 3 on 2 2 on 2 plus 1. Players on dots can pass or shoot, but can't leave the dots. Make it 3 on 3 plus 1 after a while UPDATE: I suggest letting the "dot men" move anywhere within their half, so it becomes a true 3 on 2 in each zone…
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24May 2010 by Jeremy Weiss 4 Comments
3 on 0, 3 on 1, 3 on 2 Drill

3 on 0, 3 on 1, 3 on 2 Drill

1 on 1's, 2 on 2's, 2 on 1's, 3 on 2's, Hockey Drills, Team Skill Drills
Full-Ice Odd-Man-Rush Drill What's up guys!! I got an interesting email the other day from Mika from Australia. Because of the size of his local rink, and the limited number of players there, they play 3 on 3 (which sounds like a blast to me!). Anyways, he asked if I had any drills that focused on 3-man set-ups and game situations... this drill immediately came to mind! It's a great drill for imitating odd-man rush scenarios, and is also GREAT conditioning for the forwards. Here's the explanation and diagram: 3 on 0, 3 on 1, 3 on 2 1. Forwards in one bench, Defensemen in the other 2. On whistle, 3 Forwards swing low and receive a breakout pass from the Coach, then attack 3 on 0 3. After a…
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