The Gambler

By: Nik Passero

The Gambler from Nik Passero is a fun, dynamic drill that forces the forwards and defenseman to be aware of the surrounding players and make decisions. The second forwards in the drill read the play and can decide to jump into either side of the drill, which can create 1v1, 2v1, and 3v1 situations.

Setup

• Pucks in all 4 corners.
• Forwards in opposite corners and at the red line.
• Defenders at the blue line across from the forwards.
• On the whistle, both sides of the ice start. The F1 forwards pass the puck to the defender at the point, who walks the blue line and fires a shot on net.
• The forward that passed the puck times the shot at the point and aims to get a moving screen / tip / deflection.
• They continue to the corner to pick up a puck, skate up the boards and pass to the F2 forward at the red line, who gives it back to them.
• At that point, F2 can decide to jump into either site of the ice. This can create 1v1, 2v1, or 3v1 situations depending on where the two F2's jump into.
• The defender that shot the puck, gaps up to the center ice line to take on the 1v1, 2v1, or 3v1.

Coaching Points

• The F2 forwards should be scanning the ice to help them decide what side of the ice they would like to jump into.
• If you are a forward that is on a 2v1 or 3v1, move the puck quickly to create large amounts of space between the forwards and defender.
• Defenders need to scan the ice after they shoot the puck to be aware if they will be defending a 1v1, 2v1, or 3v1. Keep your stick on the ice to block passing lanes and angle.