SKILLS
PURPOSE
Retrieving pucks and moving quickly and efficiently into breakouts while using the net as protection.
FOCUS
- Retrieving pucks from a space with time and efficiency.
- Identifying options quickly
- Moving the puck tape to tape.
- Gap control both on a 1v1 and on the retrieve.
HOW TO
- D starts at bottom of the circle and three lines of forwards at the top of the zone. Coach with pucks outside the zone as well.
- D skates forward to “gap up”. As they transition, coach dumps a puck into the zone.
- D transitions and gathers the puck. Forward from the center line will forecheck.
- D needs to carry the puck behind the net, identify best breakout option and make the play with pressure.
- As the D retrieves, both outside forwards will drive low, reding pressure and the D’s decision.
- The D makes the breakout pass to a forward. The other forward reads the play and becomes the inside drive.
- Wing side forward passes to center drive forward and both exit zone on a regroup. Forechecking forward exits the zone and gets out of the way.
- Breakout forwards now go in 2v1 against the D.
