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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29Mar 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 4 Comments
3 Man Weave

3 Man Weave

Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Offensive Zone, Passing & Timing, Team Skill Drills
The 3 Man Weave is a Simple, but Highly Effective Hockey Passing Drill! Use the 3 Man Weave to teach and reinforce key concepts like timing, support, and offensive zone triangulation. As skill progresses, increase the demand on the players. I like to insist that all my lines are able to get in three stick-to-stick passes before the far blue line, then a controlled attack on net. Here's the diagram: 3 Man Weave 1. On whistle, center passes to one of the two wingers, who is cutting through the middle for a pass. 2. After making the pass, the passer loops in behind the receiver, providing back-side support, then explodes up ice to become the front side option for the 3rd player. 3. Receiver picks up the pass, then head…
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30Oct 2010 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments
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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03Dec 2009 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments
Attack Triangle Sequence

Attack Triangle Sequence

Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Offensive Zone, Passing & Timing, Team Skill Drills
This Simple Attack Triangle Sequence Introduces many important Offensive Concepts to Young Hockey Players. Many youngsters have a tendency to skate the puck straight at the opposing defenseman, when attacking the offensive zone. I believe that our young athletes can be taught to use structured attack systems from a very early age. The Attack Triangle Sequence is one of my favorite drills to begin teaching these concepts. Here's the diagram and explanation:     Attack Triangle Sequence Phase 1: 1. player (F1) leaves without puck, cuts across neutral zone 2. receives pass in stride 3. drives wide and shoots 4. after making the pass, first player in other line does the same thing Phase 2: 1. first player (F1) does same thing as in phase 1. 2. second player in…
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21Apr 2009 by Jeremy Weiss 6 Comments
Hockey Breakout Drill

Hockey Breakout Drill

Breakouts, Defensive Zone, Hockey Drills, Team Skill Drills, Team Systems Drills
This is an Excellent Hockey Breakout Drill to Teach the Patterns of Game Situations Many hockey situations occur in patterns. This simple hockey breakout drill breaks down these patterns into their simplest form, then puts them back together in sequence to mimic a game situation. Here's the diagram and explanation: Hockey Breakout Progression: PHASE 1: 1.Set up forwards on the blue line, with defensemen on the close hash mark. Defenseman who is going steps out to the dot 2.On whistle, first forward in line passes to the defenseman, then skates down around the bottom of the circle and opens up for a breakout pass 3.Defenseman skates behind the net, then passes to the forward on the boards, who skates down for a shot Note: Teach forwards to pivot and keep…
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