The D activation Drill from Michael Peca is designed to teach defensemen how to jump into the rush, while the forwards create 2-on-1 opportunities through the neutral zone. This drill focuses on scanning, communication, and making the right read when attacking the offensive zone.
Setup:
- Coach Placement: Positioned in the middle of the ice, so they can influence rush direction.
- Starting Puck Movement:
- F1 skates past the blue line and passes down to the defenseman.
- The defenseman goes D-to-D with their partner.
- As the puck moves, F2 moves into a weak-side position in the neutral zone.
- The weak-side defenseman prepares to activate into the play.
Execution:
- Transitioning to Offense:
- The defenseman passes to F1 as they regroup below the blue line.
- The weak-side defenseman jumps up into the rush, ensuring they become part of the offensive attack.
- F1 receives the puck while scanning for the coach’s movement.
- Reading the Coach’s Position:
- The coach chooses a side to defend, forcing F1 to make a neutral zone decision.
- The forward must attack the side where the coach is positioned, looking for a 2-on-1 opportunity.
- Executing the Rush:
- Kickout Pass:
- The puck carrier makes a kickout pass past the red line to the wide lane.
- The rush is structured as a dot drive, not a middle-lane drive.
- Dot Drive Movement:
- The puck carrier drives toward the dot to force the defense to react.
- If the defender shifts over, it creates an opening for a weak-side pass.
- Kickout Pass:
- When the Rush is Complete:
- Can start the drill from the other side of the zone so that the defenseman that was in the first rep will now be the weak side defenseman joining the rush.
Key Teaching Points:
- Scanning the Neutral Zone: Players must read the defense and adjust their approach based on positioning.
- Defensive Activation: Weak-side defensemen must be involved in the rush, supporting the attack.
- Executing a Dot Drive: Driving toward the dots creates space for weak-side scoring chances.
- Making the Right Read: Players must decide whether to cut across, kick out, or slip the puck behind the defense.
Variations:
- The neutral zone coach can be a player.
- Increase the defensive pressure by adding a second neutral zone defender.
- Modify the zone entry techniques.
