One Man Regroup

This ice hockey drill focuses on a defense player's gap control. Their footwork and puck control in this drill are good ways to improve players habits in the neutral zone.  The defense needs to focus on always keeping their feet moving. Forwards need to work on timing.  Forwards will typically get too far ahead in this drill.  The key is to time the curl so that they provide a flat pass for the defense.  When players get too far ahead the pass becomes a dangerous verticle pass.  Once the defense has given the pass to the forward, their job is to get up ice and create a good gap in the offensive zone.  If they create a good gap early, the one on one situation is much easier.  Their goal is to make the play at or before the blue line.