Fight for the Middle

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Overview

The Fight for the Middle drill from Jason Lammers combines pace, conditioning, and rush attack concepts. The drill emphasizes fighting for middle ice (so you have more passing & skating options than if you were against the boards).

Setup

  • Players: Divide into two groups, on each side of the rink as shown in the diagram.
  • Starting Position: Two players (O’s) start with a puck from one side.

Execution

  1. Puck Exchange: The first two players pass the puck back and forth as they skate up the ice. By the time they reach the far-side neutral zone face off dot, they pass the puck to the player in line on the other side of the ice (the third player).
  2. Fight for the Middle: The third player (newly engaged) must work to get off the wall and fight for the middle lane. Their goal is to drive hard and fast to the center ice dot.
  3. Kick-Out Pass: Once the third player reaches the center dot, they make a kick-out pass to one of the original two players.
  4. 3-on-0 Rush: The group transitions into a 3-on-0 rush against the goalie. Players drive the dots, with the puck carrier deciding to shoot, make a slip pass, or create another offensive play.
  5. Reset: Once the play ends, the next two players on the opposite side begin their puck exchange. The drill repeats continuously, alternating sides with quick transitions to maintain a high pace.

Coaching Points

  • Offense:
    • Work hard to fight for the middle of the ice.
    • Use the dot drive to create spacing and offensive options during the rush.
    • If you do not have the puck, work to stay open with your stick on the ice.
  • Team Play:
    • Communicate effectively to ensure smooth puck transitions.
    • Maintain high intensity and fast pace throughout the drill.
  • Puck Movement:
    • Focus on crisp, accurate passes during the breakout and rush.
    • Encourage creative offensive decisions on the zone entry (e.g., deceptive shooting, slip passes, curls, etc).

Variations

  • Defense Addition: Introduce a backchecking defender to simulate game-like pressure. Or a coach / player acting as a defender that applies pressure on the forward trying to achieve middle ice.

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