Breakouts: Transition from DZC to Breakout

Defensive Zone, Team Systems
Transition from Box +1 to Breakout Transition from Sagging Zone, and Sagging Zone Arrow, to Breakout Well-designed systems should lead from one objective to the next. For example, your defensive zone coverage set-up should put you in proper position to gain the puck back and initiate a breakout. Your breakout should set you up to enter the neutral zone with proper support, and in a strong offensive attack position. The three DZC systems discussed in this post are very effective because they transition well into breakouts after you get the puck back. CLICK HERE to watch our video on "Initiating a Hockey Breakout" Enjoy!
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Timed Delay Drill

Timed Delay Drill

Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Offensive Zone, Passing & Timing, Team Skill Drills
Use the Timed Delay Drill to introduce basic passing and timing concepts, as well as offensive attack and delay tactics Passing and timing are extremely important concepts for hockey players to understand. This is a drill you can use to introduce these ideas at a young age. As is the case with many drills, you can progress this through from simple to more complex versions as your players progress. The first part of this drill develops basic passing and timing skills, the second part can be progressed to work on attacking the offensive zone in "waves," meaning if the first attack option is shut down, a player can "delay" by misdirecting, then wait for his trailer man to come in late. Here's the diagram: Timed Delay Drill: 1. First player…
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The Star Drill

The Star Drill

Goalie, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills
The star drill is a great drill to teach young goalies the art of moving around the crease! If done correctly, this drill will generate create good habits moving around the crease, and the goalies will become more "Crease Aware" (knowing where they are in their crease). Here's the diagram, as well as a variation to take the concept to the next level: The Star Drill Goalie starts at the post, then skates the following sequence (see our post on the 11 Visual Targets for Hockey Goalies) 1. Position 11 2. Position 6 3. Position 9 4. Position 1 5. Position 6 6. Position 3 7. Back to Position 11 8. Repeat the opposite way Variation Goalie performs start drill, reacting to the passes of the three forwards 1. Forward…
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FAQ on 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck

FAQ on 1-2-2 “Foosball” Forecheck

Offensive Zone, Team Systems
Make sure you check out the original 1-2-2 "Foosball" Hockey Systems Forecheck post before you watch this. Since I posted the original 1-2-2 "Foosball" Forecheck video back in October, I've had a lot of feedback. Many of you have had a lot of success using this forechecking system... this is great! I am always interested in hearing about your experiences with the drills, systems, and other material I post here. Over the past few months, there have been a few recurring questions and comments about this particular forecheck. Rather than answering the same questions over and over, I decided to post a video that addresses the three main questions people have asked: What happens if the defenseman reverses the puck (or beats F1 in some other way)? How to you…
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