The Strong Side Breakout from Nik Passero works on retrievals, strong side breakout, zone entry, and offensive zone concepts.
Setup
- Players and pucks are set up in the center ice circle.
- 2 Forwards (a winger and center) step out with a defenseman.
- Part 1: On the whistle, the winger (F1) chips the puck into the strong side of the defensive zone.
- The defenseman sprints back and shoulder checks before retrieving the puck.
- This starts a breakout where the defenseman plays the puck to the winger, who passes it to the center (F2) who is coming low and slow.
- The center with the puck skates down the outside of the ice, then gains middle ice after the zone entry and fires a shot on net. The winger drives to the net to look for tips, deflections and rebounds.
- Part 2: Coach chips the puck to the sidewall, the forward that took the shot retrieves the puck and wraps the puck along the boards for the net front player to pick it up.
- After the net front player grabs the puck off of the boards, they pass the puck to their defenseman who joined them on the rush. The defender walks the blue line and fires a puck on net while the two forwards look to screen, tip or deflect the puck.
Coaching Points
- Defenseman: shoulder check both sides when retrieving the puck.
- Winger: get to the side boards and keep your stick on the ice to let the defender know where you want the puck. Shoulder check before the puck comes.
- Center: low and slow with your stick on the ice in the breakout to be an option for your teammates.
Variations
- Can add forechecking pressure with a coach or a player to make the drill more dynamic after the players have gone through a few successful reps.
