05Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

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!
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31Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Breakouts: Color-coded Breakout System

Defensive Zone, Team Systems
Color-coded Breakout System and Options As we discussed in our video on Hockey Systems for Youngsters, structured systems CAN be taught to young hockey players, and a color-coded breakout system is one way of doing this. Young hockey players are often more advanced physically than mentally. Because of this, players at higher levels of play can typically execute the basic patterns of a breakout (i.e. skate the puck behind the net and pass to a winger on the boards) long before they can read which option to select in a given situation. Color-coding a breakout system allows the "read" portion of "read and react" to be passed along to the coach, who can call the plays from the bench using the color code. Well-trained players will hear the call, and…
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31Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 4 Comments

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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06Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments
Passing: Extreme Passing Kit

Passing: Extreme Passing Kit

Coaches' Corner, Hockey Drills, Hockey Equipment, Individual Skill Drills, Off-ice Training, Passing & Timing, Skills, Stickhandling, Useful Products
The Extreme Passing Kit is a Great Way to Incorporate Passing into your Off-Ice Workouts Passing is a skill that most players don't think about working on away from the rink. The main reason they don't think to work on passing is pretty obvious: because you need a partner to pass to, and to receive passes from... Unless, of course, you have the Extreme Passing Kit. Overview: The Extreme Passing Kit is a really cool skill pad & passing rebounder combo, that will let you work on multiple skills such as regular passes, touch passes, and one-time shots. The Extreme Passing Kit comes in two different models, the One-Timer Model (which you see in this video), and the Bungee Cord Model. The only difference between the two is that the…
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28Jul 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Stickhandling: Attack Triangle

Coaches' Corner, Hockey Drills, Hockey Equipment, Individual Skill Drills, Individual Skills, Off-ice Training, Puckhandling, Skills, Stickhandling, Useful Products
Use the Attack Triangle to Mimic a Defenseman in a 1 on 1 Stance A number of years ago, one of my coaching buddies told me he had just bought 10 Attack Triangles to use for his team. I took a look, but didn't totally see the value. I thought it looked a little gimmicky, and it seemed like it would be a hassle to bring that many on the ice each practice. It wasn't until a couple of months ago that I actually got the chance to use the Attack Triangle, and when I did, I liked it a lot! The Theory The Attack Triangle is designed to mimic a defenseman in a 1 on 1 stance. You've got the stick and two skates, and they're positioned exactly where…
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