Passing

Rush Shot – D Activation

SKILLS

PASSING

SHOOTING

HOCKEY SENSE

PURPOSE

The two variations of this drill work on similar concepts of rushing the point to either block or force them to make a decision.

HOW TO

Line of players in corner and at point.
1 passes to point at 2.
1 rushes the point attempting to intercept the board pass.
2 passes back down to the next player in line (3) and drives to the net
3 passes to the driving D for a shot.

FOCUS

Good, smart, passing. The passes to the point need to be on target and player at the point needs to be ready to receive and move the pass once it gets to them.
Attack! Player from the corner needs to not hesitate and needs to get to the point without fear.

VARIATIONS

You can let your D decide if they want to drag and shoot or if they want to pass back down the wall and activate to the slot depending on their pressure. This helps to build hockey sense for both forwards (understanding how they pressure matters) and defense (being able to read pressure).

Gilmour Pass-Pull-Shoot

SKILLS

SHOOTING

PASSING

PUCK PROTECTION

PURPOSE

Working on getting open for a shot, handling a pass in motion, and
changing shooting angle.

HOW TO

Two lines of players – one on each side of the net. A border patrol or cones as a barrier set up in the slot and one player behind
the barrier.
On go, player up top (3) starts to one side and just past the barrier, they will receive a pass. They will then open toward the
barrier, drag across (behind) the barrier and shoot just past the other side. They are NOT driving to the net – drag and shoot.
Once they shoot, they will open up, get a pass from the other side, drag across again and shoot from the first side they started
on.
Repeat for 4 total shots, then rotate.

FOCUS

Receiving passes in a shooting and/or puck protection position
Escape transitions and edge control
Quick shooting from an adjusted shooting angle

VARIATIONS

Add a defender – shooter should use escape moves and shielding and avoid “running away” from defense, ie creating too much space and separation. This should be a close, quick drill.

4 Spot Passing

SKILLS

PASSING

SKATING

PURPOSE

This drill works on quick, accurate passing in a tight space and escapability with puck possession.

HOW TO – NO SHOT

2 lines of players and 4 cones, 1 puck
Player 1 starts to skate forward and passes through the box to player 2
Player 1 transitions around one cone (left, for demonstration purposes) and receives the puck back.
The transition back to the inside and pass to 2 again then repeat the transition to the right.
After the second cone they will pivot to face the line they came from and pass to the next player in line 1.
They will skate through the cones and transition around the now right cone and receive a pass back.
Then transition around the left cone, pivot and turn to face line 2.
They will pass to line 2 who starts the drill from their side.
Once a player completes their 9 pass sequence, the get to the back of the line opposite of where they started.

HOW TO – WITH SHOT

2 lines of players and 4 cones, pucks with line 1
Player 1 starts to skate forward and passes through the box to player 2
Player 1 transitions around one cone (right, for demonstration purposes) and receives the puck back.
The transition back to the inside and pass to 2 again then repeat the transition to the left.
After the second cone they will pivot to face the line they came from and pass to the next player in line 1.
They will skate through the cones and transition around the now left cone and receive a pass back.
Then transition around the right cone, pivot and turn to face line 2.
Player 1 will pass to player 2 one more time, skate through the box toward the net and receive a pass back from player 2 for a quick shot.
Once player 1 finishes the 10 pass sequence and shot, they get to the back of line 2.

FOCUS

Passing – giving and receiving to a good target with good technique
Technical skating to put yourself in a position to possess the puck

VARIATIONS

Add a light defense pressure at the middle of the box to force quicker transitions and puck protection
Add a second set of lines going the opposite direction on the box then the last pass goes to the line to the right (or left) of the line you started from instead of across.
On shooting version, turn it into a 2v0.

Central Regroup – Full Ice

SKILLS

SKATING

PASSING

REGROUPING

HOCKEY SENSE

PURPOSE

Works on concepts of regrouping and zone entry in motion.

HOW TO

4 lines of forwards – one in each corner, two with pucks- 4 D at center ice (can use only two D if numbers are low)
1 takes a couple of steps forward and slightly in then passes to 2 breaking on a stretch pass.
1 & 2 skate down the ice, 2 with the puck.
2 passes to 3. 1 & 2 loop low while 3 swing the puck to 4 who outlets back up to player 2 on the loop.
1 & 2 head back up ice. 2 passes to the D in the neutral zone.
1 & 2 regroup while the D swings to the other D. D with the puck chooses the best outlet pass.
1 & 2 go into the zone 2v2 against the other D.
Drill repeats the other direction.

FOCUS

Transition with speed: Work on getting the puck tape to tape and up ice quickly to transition from defense to offense
Setting up for optimal passing angles without losing speed

VARIATIONS

Add a second regroup. So instead of going 2v2 against the D pair that is opposite of where they started, they will go against the pair that is closest to where they started.
Add in a third forward
Add in a post up instead of a flow regroup (best with 3 forwards)
Have D follow play and coach plays a puck up to the following D after the initial shot/play has completed by the forwards.

Central Regroup – Half Ice

SKILLS

SKATING

PASSING

REGROUPING

HOCKEY SENSE

PURPOSE

This half ice version works the same concepts of regrouping and zone entry as the full ice version, while creating a more high-pressure environment by shrinking the space available.

HOW TO

There will be two lines of players – one on each board at blue lines (A), two players low – one in each corner (B), two players high like your neutral zone D (C).
On the whistle, a player from line A will carry the puck a few strides then pass down to the player across from them (B). The other A player will skate down their board at the same time.
Player B who receives the pass will swing the puck behind the net to the other B player, while players A swing and cross in front of the net.
The second player B will pass to one of the swinging players A.
Once players A head out of the zone, players B will step into the zone and prepare to take the rush.
Players A will carry out of the zone and pass to players C, then swing and cross on the re-group.
Players C will pass “D to D” then pass in to one of the players A.
Players A will then go into the zone and play 2v2 against players B.
Players A go to corners, players B go to points, players C get in line at A spots.

FOCUS

Passing and receiving passes in motion are key to this drill. You have to be able to locate your target and deliver a lead pass in a timely and accurate manner.
Timing! Timing! Timing! Players need to be able to adjust their speed and/or path so that they are timing passes so they are a good option for the passer and they are carrying through the drill with speed and motion. We do not want to see players stop at the blue line or anywhere else.
Being an option. Players should try to open up whenever possible and not get caught in straight lines or “skating away” from the play.

NOTES

This is not a hard drill but does require patience and attention to detail. Players need to be ready to move and get back into position in a quick manner.

Quick Regroup

SKILLS

HOCKEY SENSE

BREAKOUT/REGROUP

PASSING

PUCK POSSESSION

HOCKEY SENSE

PURPOSE

Working from a breakout transition, this regrouping drill focuses on quickly moving the puck low in the neutral zone and back into an OZ attack with speed.

By starting low in the OZ and having the D attack then retreat on the breakout better mimics the effects of a zone transition compared to a typical neutral zone breakout/regroup drill situation.

HOW TO

Forwards in the slot (F1 and F2), two D in the neutral zone (D1 and D2), and one D in front of the net (D3). Pucks behind the net.
D3 will go behind the net and pick up a puck and start the breakout. For example purposes, they will breakout to F1.
At the same time they begin to go behind the net, F1 and F2 curl out to break out positions head up ice preparing for the breakout. D1 and D2 attack the zone, transition and retreat to the neutral zone.
F1 will receive the breakout pass, take a few strides then pass to D1. F2 will just continue up ice and out of the zone.
F1 and F2 will re-group low in the neutral zone. D1 will swing to D2 who will hit F1 or F2 in stride heading into the OZ ON SIDE!
F1 and F2 will then play 2v1 against D3.

FOCUS

Quick passing with heads up play. Condensing the zone develops quick up passes and more speed entering the zone with better hockey sense
Crisp, tape to tape passes are key
Develop timing and hockey sense with variations

VARIATIONS

Change the pattern or engagement of F2 by either swinging across for a chip breakout, or hitting them with a stretch pass before going to the D.
Add a second D down low or have forwards more engaged with the D to start the breakout
Add pressure on either side
Add a third forward

Rush Shot – Shot Block

SKILLS

PASSING

SHOOTING

HOCKEY SENSE

PURPOSE

The two variations of this drill work on similar concepts of rushing the point to either block or force them to make a decision.

HOW TO

Line of players in the corner and player at the point. To isolate skills, you can separate into D and F.
Player from corner (1) passes to the point (player 2), ideally bumping it off the boards to build that passing skill.
Player 2 will receive the pass, drag across the blue, and shoot.
Player 1, after passing, will immediately attack to the point, rushing their shot and trying to block.
Player 1 goes to line 2, line 2 goes to line 1.

FOCUS

Good, smart, passing. The passes to the point need to be on target and player at the point needs to be ready to receive and move the pass once it gets to them.
Attack! Player from the corner needs to not hesitate and needs to get to the point without fear.

Circle Regroup – Expanded

SKILLS

PASSING

SKATING

SYSTEMS/HOCKEY SENSE

SHOOTING

PURPOSE

This drill expands in two ways on the original, small-area Circle Regroup drill. It helps to emphasize puck possession, wall support, and creating passing lanes through motion and deception. Ideal for overload power play situations, it is also useful for regular zone control, defensive coverage concepts (full strength and kill) and can be modified for an umbrella as well by rotating to manage the blue line.

HOW TO – 1v0

Puck starts in corner with player at point area.
First player skates with the puck toward the D and passes to the point.
They transition open and receive the puck back.
they skate towards the original line, pass, transition open. and receive back.
They repeat to the point again, but instead of receiving it back they drive to the net around the top of the circle area.
The point passes down to the player in the corner (wall bank pass preferred to optimize control/possession concepts).
Player from corner passes to the player in the slot. The shooter goes to the point, the point person gets in line. *Can have only D play at the point if you want to be specific about this work.

HOW TO – 3v1 or 3v2

Skating/shooting concept is the same as above.
For this variation, we add in defenders who have to pressure the puck carrier. If one D, they pressure the full wall then release with the shooter. If 3v2, defenders play top and bottom quarters.
Wall player needs to make a minimum of 3 passes (preferably like original drill) but can make more if necessary to create a lane to the net. The pass inside can come directly from the low player if that’s where the last pass was or go high > low > inside.
Players are allowed to then play out the 3v1/2 on their half of the ice.

FOCUS

Good, on-target passing while creating time & space. Once defenders are added, you’ll see more panic and breakdown in the passing and more wanting to stick handle out of a situation than to move their body to get a good passing lane and give it to someone else.
Keep feet moving! There will be a tendency to not move much up and down the wall. The more the players can keep their feet moving, the better they will be at creating opportunities down the road.
Evaluate options. Players, especially once D are involved, need to be able to see when a lane opens up, where, and how to best exploit it.
Creativity. When D are involved, get creative on your passes. From a D perspective, work on creatively funneling players to a less dangerous space to contain till possession.

VARIATIONS

Add a second regroup. So instead of going 2v2 against the D pair that is opposite of where they started, they will go against the pair that is closest to where they started.
Add in a third forward
Add in a post up instead of a flow regroup (best with 3 forwards)
Have D follow play and coach plays a puck up to the following D after the initial shot/play has completed by the forwards.

Pelican Net Drive

SKILLS

REGROUPING

HOCKEY SENSE

PASSING

PURPOSE

The Pelican Net Drive fundamentally works on basic regrouping and zone entry while adding a side helping of passing and skating.

HOW TO

A line of players with pucks at the BOTTOM HASH MARKS (2) and a single player around the top of the circle (1).
Players 1 & 2 pass back and fourth while skating to the neutral zone (one forward, one backward).
A final pass from 2 to 1 should be made around even with the face off dot.
Player 2 will open up and receive a regrouping pass from 1. The two players will then go in 2v0.
The shooting player (typically 2) should aim for the far pad of the goalie to try to create a rebound for the other player.
Once the shot (and one rebound if available) are taken, player 1 goes into the #2 line and Player 2 immediately becomes player 1 creating a continuous flow drill.

FOCUS

Timing. Players while skating forward/backwards need to adjust their speed and gap to try to maintain about 5-7 feet apart. A faster player may need to slow down to adjust to their partner.
Passing tape to tape. This should be a quick, almost one-touch pass. There is no defense and no reason to miss this pass.
Being onside! Since the top part of this is regrouping and zone entry, reinforce that players need to be onside when they enter the zone.

VARIATIONS

Change to 1v1 with the D in a back-check position
Add another forward and another D
Add a second shot from a coach in the corner

Circle Regroup

SKILLS

SKATING - STARTS, STOPS, TRANSITIONS

PASSING IN MOTION

PUCK CONTROL/POSSESSION

HOCKEY SENSE

PURPOSE

While this drill is called a regroup, it doesn’t actually have much to do with true regrouping. This technical skating and passing drill is not only good for hard skills (passing, skating) but also to work on escapes, puck control in motion to find an outlet and setting up wall support concepts often used in PP situations.

HOW TO – NO SHOT

Set up two lines at the top and bottom of a circle. One player with a puck.
The player with the puck will take 1-2 strides toward the player across from them get in motion and pass to that player.
They will then hip out to the edge of the circle and receive the puck back.
They will take a few strides toward their original line and pass to the next player in line.
Again they will hip out and receive the puck back.
Skating toward the other line, they will pass to that player who will then start the drill over from their line. First player will get in the back of this line.

HOW TO – NO SHOT

Set up one line at the bottom of a circle and one player at the top (the video does this opposite but the drill functions the same). The bottom line of players has pucks.
The player with the puck will take 1-2 strides toward the player across from them get in motion and pass to that player.
They will then hip out to the edge of the circle and receive the puck back.
they will take a few strides toward their original line and pass to the next player in line.
Again they will hip out and receive the puck back.
Skating toward the other line, they will pass to that player and skate around to the slot.
At the same time as the player is proceeding to the slot, the top player will pass down to the original line, who then feeds the slot for a shot.
The player who shot takes the spot of the player at the top. Player at the top gets in line at the bottom.

FOCUS

Passing in motion and clean passes! Players with weaker skating may want to not move from the had marks, but that defeats the technical purpose.

VARIATIONS

While not a technical variation, this can be run with two goalies at the same time on half ice. Just place the nets a little closer to each circle.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES