1-2-3 Breakout

The 1-2-3 break out is the most basic of breakout concepts in hockey. The puck begins low in the zone, typically with a D, but can be in possession of a wing or center. For purposes of concept, we’ll assume a D.

The strong side wing (side with the puck or side that the puck is moving to) needs to get low in the zone near the hash marks with their butt to the boards. Butt to the boards allows the wing flexibility to play and safe positioning.

The center will swing low – sometimes called a wheel or curl – to become an option. The D will pass to the wing (1) who passes to the curling center (2). Pass should be short, crisp, and tape to tape with a 35-55 degree passing angle.

The weak side wing will swing mid zone and head up ice aiming for an area between the two face off dots. The center will hit this wing with the pass (3).

Through the neutral zone, players have options for which lanes to fill. Traditionally, the player 3 will fill what was the strong side lane, center (2) fills center or far lane, and wing (1) fills whatever lane is left over.

The purpose of this break out is quick ups that split the D then drive either center or wide into the zone while maintaining good lane positioning. If you can master this basic breakout concept, you can master others.