Offense then Backcheck to DZC

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The Offense then Backcheck to DZC by Daniel Paille allows teams to practice 5 on 5 scenarios and habits while backchecking into their defensive zone. 

Setup

  • On the whistle, start a 5 v 5 in zone game. In the diagram, the blue forwards and defenders play offense against the yellow F1's and D1's.
  • Continue playing until coach feels enough time has passed, or a goal, or the puck is out of offensive zone.
  • On the second whistle, the blue forwards and defenders that were on offense, backcheck into their defensive zone, where 5 offensive players are waiting. 
  • Coach can start the puck in the corner, or can chip it in anywhere to play 5 v 5.
  • The yellow F2 forwards and D2 defenders are on offense and play 5 v 5 until there is another whistle, in which, now they skate down to the other defensive zone where 5 new offensive players are waiting.
  • The drill is continuous.

Coaching Points

  • Defensive teams should practice good backchecking habits. Skating in straight lines down towards their positions.
    • First player back should be on the puck.
    • Second player back should get to the front of the net.
    • The third player back should support their teammate in the corner battle.
    • The fourth player back should come back to protect the middle slot / royal road area.
    • The last player will fill into the strong side wing area.
  • Offensive team should work to support each other and consider the 3 Offensive Zone Concepts that Daniel Paille discussed during his presentation at the 2024 Brock University High Performance Hockey Conference:

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