Objective
To improve defensemen's ability to skate forward while making quick transition passes, as well as forwards' ability to change shooting angles and simulate game-like scoring scenarios.
Setup
- Both ends of the ice are utilized simultaneously.
- Defensemen: Positioned in the middle of the ice.
- Forwards: Positioned at the hash marks.
- Coaches: Positioned near the blue lines with pucks.
- Place an obstacle (e.g., a tire) on each side of the ice to simulate a defenseman.
Execution
- Coaches spot a puck in the neutral zone.
- Defensemen skate forward to retrieve the puck, simulating a game-like angling situation.
- Forwards backcheck through the middle, then break to the outside upon seeing the defenseman pick up the puck.
- Defensemen transition the puck to the breaking forward, who drives toward the obstacle and changes the angle of their shot before following the rebound to the net.
- Defensemen follow the play into the center circle, continuing forward.
- Coaches spot a second puck for the defensemen to pick up and transition to the next forward.
- Forwards continue the sequence, executing the same shot-angle adjustment and rebound play.
- After completing the shot, the forward retrieves a puck in the corner (from a forward) for a low-to-high play.
- The Defensemen who made the pass enters the zone to receive the puck running the blue line for a point shot.
- Forwards screen the goaltender and converge on the net for deflection/rebound opportunities.
Coaching Points
Defensemen:
- Stay forward-facing throughout to simulate real game angling and neutral zone surfing.
- Deliver crisp, accurate transition passes to forwards.
- Maintain forward momentum when retrieving pucks.
Forwards:
- Time movements based on the defenseman's actions.
- Change shot angles deliberately to simulate shooting around a defender's stick.
- Screen the goalie effectively and capitalize on rebounds.
Team Concepts:
- Reinforce your team's offensive zone strategy (e.g., forward climbing, net-front presence, and point shots with screens).
- Focus on speed, direct play, and quick decision-making in transitions.
