The Neutral Zone Puck Races with Support drill from Darryl Belfry is a competitive drill that allows players to work on puck races, escapes, support and transitions in the neutral zone.
Setup
- Lineup two groups on the blueline.
- The drill starts when a coach chips a puck into the neutral zone.
- The first two players in both of the lines (players 1 & 2) jump into the neutral zone and race towards the puck.
- Whichever of the player 1's get the puck, it will activate their teammate (Player 2) to be a support player and also activate another player in their line (Player 3) to jump to the weak side of the play. The team that does not win the puck is now defending. Their 3rd player will remain in the line.
- To score a point a team must:
- Win the race, escape the forceheck, hit their support player with a 10 foot pass, and then pass to the 3rd player on the weak side, who enters the zone.
- Progression 2:
- The winning puck race team has the option to first hit their support player with a pass, or go directly to the 3rd player on the weak side, who enters the zone.
Coaching Points
- Players racing for the puck should use their body to help win the race.
- Players that win the puck should work on tight turns and deception to create space to be able to make a pass.
- Support players should communicate loudly where they are.
Variations
- Can have players to use their support player (Progression 1) or allow them to have the option to pass directly to the 3rd player (Progression 2).
- Can change up where the weak side 3rd player is and where they must skate the puck into the zone.
