06Sep 2011 by Jeremy Weiss No Comments

Neutral Zone: “Post-Up” Regroup

Neutral Zone, Team Systems
The "Post-Up" Regroup is a great set-up for youngsters, or less-experienced players. It can also be a supplemental "add-on" to your existing regroup set-ups. The "Post-Up" Regroup is a versatile set-up that can be used in many ways. I've used this basic set-up as a "starter regroup" for my young teams, and I've also used it as a second set-up option (along with the Swing Regroup) for more advanced teams. In either case, is is effective when performed well, and provides good support through the neutral zone. 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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26Aug 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 6 Comments

Philosophy: When to Start Teaching Hockey Systems?

Coaches' Corner, Philosophy, Team Systems
How early can youngsters be taught to play "systems hockey"? Many people have varying opinions on the correct answer to this question... and, as is often the case with philosophical hockey questions, there is more than one correct answer. The answer depends on the physical skills of your players, the mental maturity of your players, and the manner in which the systems are taught and implemented. In this video, I discuss my own personal opinions on the matter, and why I believe what I believe. When I was 8 years old, my dad had this idea of taking the top-caliber kids from around the city, and keeping essentially the same kids together for 5 years. The end goal of his vision was to win an Ontario Championship at the "AAA"…
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24Feb 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 1 Comment
Window Drill

Window Drill

Half Ice Drills, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Misc. Drills, Shooting, Skating & Agility
The Window Drill is one of my staples for working on hockey crossovers with youngsters I love the Window Drill for a few reasons: It's easy to set up, easy to execute, you can run it half ice, and it's extremely effective for working on hockey crossovers! As you run this drill with your team, make sure you emphasize that the players MUST keep their feet moving throughout the entire "window." Also, teach them to use puck protection tactics as they execute their crossovers. Window Drill 1. On whistle, first player from each line explodes full speed to the blue line 2. At the blue line, players enters into the "window" zone - and maintains crossovers through the entire window 3. After exiting window, player shoots with head up and…
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12Feb 2011 by Jeremy Weiss 3 Comments
Musical Pucks

Musical Pucks

Fun, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Misc. Drills, Skating & Agility, Small Area Games, Team Skill Drills
Musical Pucks is a great game to help youngsters work on crossovers Working on crossovers can be hard and frustrating for many young hockey players. I've found that turning skill development drills into shooting drills or games can make them a lot more fun and motivating to work on. Musical Pucks is a small area game that demonstrates this tactic well. Here's the diagram and explanation: Musical Pucks 1. Put one less puck in the middle than you have players on circle 2. Players cross over until whistle 3. On whistle, each player tries to get a puck - whoever doesn't get one is out 4. Make sure to run it both directions so players practice crossing over both ways. Enjoy!! USE THIS DRILL IN YOUR OWN PRACTICE PLAN:
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