Systems

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.

Continuous 2-1 Forecheck

SKILLS

PASSING

PUCK POSSESSION

FORECHECKING

HOCKEY SENSE

PURPOSE

This continuous drill focuses on the concept of 2-1-2 forechecking with one hard attack, one hard support, and one high. The flow of the drill makes it feel more game like, advancing the hockey sense skills to create sound pressure to possession.

HOW TO

Set up 4 lines in the offensive zone with coach in the middle.
Two D and 3 F will go into the zone with a puck dump – 2 F attack (A-S) one F high, one D attack, one slot.
Forwards will try to gain possession and attempt to get a shot on net, D will try to work the puck out of the zone, but not just fire it blindly.
Once a shot is taken, or when Coach decides, a puck is dumped into the other side and the drill continues with 3F and 2D from the other lines.

FOCUS

Attack-Support-High. Players that do not utilize these three effectively will struggle to consistently get possession and transition into offensive drive.
Recognize when to attack, when to support, and when we already have possession to become an option.

VARIATIONS

Instead of 4 lines, only have two lines of forwards, and the D from the first group also plays the second group. Then switch D after second group.
Instead of 4 lines, only 2. First group plays second puck in opposite corner.

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

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

Carolina Attack Drill

SKILLS

FORECHECK

D ZONE COVERAGE

HOCKEY SENSE

PURPOSE

This is a forechecking and quick transition drill forcing players to get a little dirty in the corners to battle for the the puck and opportunities

HOW TO

Set up 4 lines – two off each circle. Diagram shows the inside lines as D, but this can just be 4 lines as it is a 1v1, 1v1, then 2v2.
Coach dumps puck into one corner and players go in 1v1 and try to get to the net as quick as possible.
On the whistle (which should be right after a shot) the puck is put into the other corner for a 1v1 out of the other side. The first two hang out in the slot and are ready for the transition.
On the next whistle, coach puts in a third puck and it becomes a 2v2 with the inside line players on a team and the outside line players on a team.

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.

FOCUS

Forechecking and containment.
Small area play. Players will want to try to skate all over and stretch this into a big ordeal not realizing that the small area is to their benefit for the quick transition.

3v1 Forecheck

SKILLS

FORECHECK

HOCKEY SENSE

D ZONE COVERAGE

PASSINg

SHOOTING

PURPOSE

Although labeled as a 3v1 drill, this drill fundamentally works on a 2-1-2 forecheck working to a shooting triangle. The focus is highly on the forwards being able to contain the D and gain possession quickly to convert a scoring chance.

HOW TO

Working down low from a face off circle and in, set up 1 D and a line of 3 forwards.
Coach puts puck into the corner. The D retrieves and the first two forwards attack – F1 hard to puck, F2 contains no more than a stick’s length away, looking to get the puck out of the scrum.
F3 heads to the slot area and keeps feet moving to be ready and an option.
Once the puck comes out of the scrum, F2 (hopefully) goes behind the net, F1 goes to the front with F3, D releases and tries to get back for the quick 3v1.

FOCUS

Contain, contain, contain! 1 is not enough, 3 is too many. If you can contain the play down low we have a better chance at getting possession or at least is not coming back at us.

VARIATIONS

Have the D start low in the corner with the puck and forwards attack on the whistle.
Have D and F1 start low in the corner and F2 has to join the attack
Add a second defender in the slot to transition to a 3v2
Play as continuous with putting a second puck in play to the other corner after the initial shot (hybrid of Carolina Attack)

USAH/HPEL Angling Drill

PURPOSE

Work on angling, body contact, and keeping players to the front and/or outside in a tight area, controlled manner.

SKILLS

Transitional skating
Mirroring
Angling

HOW TO – 1v1

One player at blue line and one player at top of the circle.
At the same time, player 1 will skate forward with a puck toward the top of the circle and player 2 will skate backward without a puck.
About halfway, player 1 will pass to player 2 (if necessary you can ad cones as markers for where to pass).
Player 2 will receive pass and transition back to forwards at the bottom of the circle. Player 1 will transition to backwards to the top of the circle. Player 2 will pass back to player 1, about half way again.
Player 1 will continue to skate backwards to the blue while player 2 will continue to skate forwards to the top of the circle. Player 1 will transition to forwards and drive down the boards, player 2 will step out and play D for the 1v1 trying to tie up the player on the boards and get possession. Player 1 will try to drive wide and then go to the net.
Player 1 then goes to player #2 spot. Player 2 gets in line at #1 spot.

HOW TO – 2v1

This is essentially the same as the 1v1 version except player 2 starts with the puck and passes to the D (3). Player 1 will receive the puck back from the D.
Player 1 will drive board side on the top transition while player 2 will curl inside. The D should still force the contact at the boards while player 2 should put themselves in a position to be an option.
Play 2v2 to either a shot or clear.

FOCUS

Keeping players wide and making contact as soon as possible. Players, especially those with body contact hesitance, will allow the puck carrier to continue to the corner or net.
This is a defensive drill, not a scoring drill. The whole point here is actually to NOT let shots and opportunities happen. The more bored a goalie is, the better, so to speak.

3 Breakout Drill

PURPOSE

This drill works on building the foundation of breakouts and regroups and aids in developing the related hockey sense.

SKILLS

Passing
Hockey sense

HOW TO

Coach at center ice, 3 forwards at center ice and one D just inside the blue line.
Coach dumps puck into the zone. The D retreats then gathers the puck. F1 gets to the boards, gets open, and takes breakout pass from D.
F1 skates out of the zone and passes to the coach. D follows play, transitions at the blue and retreats when the coach put the puck back in the zone.
F1 and now F2 release and get open for a breakout from the D. F1 & F2 breakout, making at least 1 pass between them, then pass to the coach. D follows play, transitions at the blue and retreats when the coach put the puck back in the zone.
F1, F2, & F3 go into the zone for the 3rd breakout. Making at least 2 passes between them before exiting the zone. All three carry through re-group and go in 3v1.

FOCUS

Getting open for multiple breakout scenarios and being ready for the pass.
There is no pressure, so they should be able to cleanly handle any puck to them.
PASS exiting the zone. 1F breakout – Pass from D to F. 2F breakout – 1 pass from D, 1 pass to other forward. 3F breakout – 1 pass from D, 1 pass from F1 to F2 and one pass from F2 to F3.

VARIATION

Add 2 D
Have 3rd breakout go full ice
Add pressure to breakouts