Systems

Overload Power Play

OVERVIEW

One of the most common and easiest to learn “advanced” power plays is the overload. This power play creates the most amount of options and scoring opportunities compared to a box +1 or even an umbrella.

HOW TO

In an overload power play, you have two D up top, one forward on the half board (usually a center or dominant wing), one forward in the corner or low, and one forward in the mid-slot area. In this set up, your half board player is typically your quarterback of the play.

OPTIONS

F1 (Half board forward)

Pass down to corner and remain on board for return pass
Pass up to point and remain on board for return pass
Pass into slot
Pass down to corner and break to net to give & go
Drive down to corner and switch or cycle with low forward
Drive high and switch or cycle with point
Drive net

F2 (Low forward)

Pass up to F1 and remain for return pass
Chip past forward to point and remain as a low option
Pass to slot
Drive net
Pass to F1 and curl or drive net for give & go
Reverse to other side
Wrap around net
Cycle with F1
Low zone cycle (behind net) with F3

Backside read for pass to slot

Move puck to point if too much traffic

Screen, tip, rebound

Becomes half board on reverse

Reads cycle low/behind net

D1/D2

Pass to half board and remain for return pass
Pass to other D (shift if needed)
Pass to F2 and remain
Pass to F1 or F2 and drive net for give & go
Drive net
Drive toward F1 for half board cycle

Video from Jeremy Weiss about the overload.

Wedge Penalty Kill

OVERVIEW

The wedge is the most complex of PK systems. It is aggressive with the pressure and overloads the slot. If done correctly, you should always have a small triangle in front of the net with one player pressuring the puck carrier hard.

HOW TO

Essentially, you are forming two triangles in this system. For explanation purposes, we’ll assume the puck is at the right point. For this, the right forward would attack, the left forward would fall (or sag) into the high slot, and the two D cover low. The overall shape with the attacking forward is somewhere between a scalene and oblique triangle, while the inside/low triangle is more like an isosceles or right triangle depending on location of players.

As the puck moves, the closest player rotates or pushes out on the attack while the former attacking player sags back inside to help out the slot. The objective is to contain inside – picking up bodies and not allowing cut throughs – and force bad plays on the outside into turn overs.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS AND CONCERN

With this being aggressive out wide, the biggest issue becomes allowing too much time and space, and is particularly vulnerable when the puck rotates or switches sides. Players caught looping will automatically cost the team chances. Similarly, players that are selfish and/or become the “chaser ” (the only one that pressures) will tire quicker and leave the team open as they will surely fall behind the play. This penalty kill is best used with mature, self-less, patient teams, with a good command of starts & stops.

Video from Jeremy Weiss on the Wedge (or Wedge +1 as he calls it).

Diamond Penalty Kill

OVERVIEW

The diamond penalty kill is essentially the box but rotated. This is one of the more effective PKs against the umbrella because it puts players in a much more direct man to man situation up high.

HOW TO

Imagine drawing two diagonal lines from each blue to their opposite corner. Each of these is a defensive zone for a PK player and should match up (if the team is using an umbrella) with a player up top and one on each wing. In this coverage, the weak side winger is responsible for covering both their board side player and helping in the slot since we are out manned down low/inside.

If understood and played correctly, players should be able to fluidly rotate between a box and diamond as it is the same thing just rotated on a center axis. Principles of coverage are the same – don’t over commit, control and contain space, starts and stops instead of loops.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS AND CONCERN

Quick starts and stops are almost more important in the diamond than the box because of the potential for extra pressure down low. If you loop, someone will cut into the diamond and have a great scoring opportunity. Additionally, with the weak side wing helping in the slot, cross diamond passes for the one-timer in the opposite circle (Ovechkin’s sweet spot) need to be met with quickness of read and attack. If you hesitate or delay at all, we’re dead in the water.

Here’s another Jeremy Weiss video. This is focused on “defending the umbrella” but it uses a diamond-box rotation strategy.

Box Penalty Kill

OVERVIEW

The box penalty kill is the most simple, basic, and easy to understand of all penalty kills, making is the go-to for nearly every team exclusively or as part of a kill package. The concept is to contain space and force plays from the perimeter.

HOW TO

The box is simple to set up. It’s essentially the 4+1 without the +1. Alternatively, you can think of it as splitting the zone into 4 quadrants and each play has a quadrant – two high, and two low. Each player is responsible for their quadrant, area, or zone, covering players that come through or post up within.

As the puck moves, players need to keep their heads on a swivel for any players that “cut through the box” and pick them up. They also need to flex within their zones to help cover passing lanes.

For our purposes, we’ll use a medium to tight box with our high players using the tops of the circles as home base. This plays on the concept that it is easier to go forward than backward, so give more space outside or up top for the opponent to feel comfortable and giving more room for us to attack and adjust. The tighter box also limits the feeling of space through the box, minimizing cut through or pass through options.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS & CONCERN

Not being patient enough to let it happen is very important! Time and time again over the years of coaching I see players that are not patient screw up a perfectly good penalty kill because they have to be the one to get the puck out, or they feel like their teammate is not moving fast enough or working hard enough to make something happen. You have to work together and not over commit. If you’re selfish or think you can do it all, you’ll get beat and hang your team out to dry.

Starts and stops are critical. If you loop, you give up space. If you start and stop (toward the direction of play) you set yourself and your teammates up to gain possession or at least minimize chances.

Here’s a great explanation video from Jeremy Weiss (he’s also showing an overload PP here).

2-1-2/Detroit Cover 2 D Zone Coverage

OVERVIEW

This d-zone coverage, used by many college and professional teams like the Detroit Redwings, is a very aggressive coverage. Much like the 4+1, though, it relies heavily on rotation and passing lane angles. Unlike the 4+1, though, there is less constant presence on the points. This system succeeds when players are able to move quickly to cover space and attack to contain versus more zone pressure containment, resulting in turnovers and quick-up breakouts.

SET UP

From the outset, the set-up is very similar to the 4+1 in that you will have 2 D low, a forward in the middle-ish, and two forwards more high. As the play moves, though, the 2-1-2 may become less obvious.

When the puck goes into the corner, a D and a strong side forward will pressure (just like the 2-1-2 forecheck – 1 attack, one support). the second strong side forward covers high passing lane to the point, being somewhere near the top of the circles. This way, they can “hack down” to the slot to help out and are ready when the puck moves up the boards. The weak side forward covers slot (depth dependent on players in slot).

As the puck moves up the board, the D will release to home, the strong side wing will continue to attack, and the second higher strong side forward will support. The weak side forward will continue to help cover slot, while keeping an eye on the points to “step out” and attack a swing pass.

Plays at the point are almost identical to the 4+1, as the more dangerous players may be crowding home. When the puck goes to the point, the high strong side forward attacks to block, the second strong side forward takes a neutral zone, looking for players in the slot, while the weak side forward pushes up higher to cover the swing. In this situation, D (and goalie) must communicate with forwards when and where they need help, then forwards must communicate to make sure we don’t end up with everyone when we only need one to help.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Stops, starts, rotation, and keeping your head on a swivel are key. The attack portion hinges on being aggressive. If you go in halfway and then let them make a move, it will blow up. Go or don’t go. Because there is more movement, communication is also important to make sure everyone is in their spots. If run properly, this system should make teams feel like their points are open, force more passes that aren’t really there, and create more turn overs.

POINTS OF CONCERN

The biggest point of concern is that, when you put two on the puck, you can open more space for the opponent. It is critical, as mentioned above, that players move quickly to attack, keep their head on a swivel to find open players, and to communicate. Those three points are usually where this system breaks down.

Please watch the below video for a basic overview of where to be when. Please note, the player labels have remained the same simply for animation ease. Your first attacking forward is always F1, support forward is F2, and weakside/slot forward is F3.

4+1/5 Card D Zone Coverage

OVERVIEW

the 4+1, also known as a 5 Card D Zone Coverage (DZC) is the most basic of hockey defensive coverage concepts. While it is technically a 2-1-2 variation, it relies more on containment and rotation than attack of more aggressive 2-1-2 systems.

SET UP

The basic set up of this DZC is 2 D low, one forward in the middle (we’ll call them F1) and two forwards high (F2 & F3). Players should move in unison acting as if they are on a tether to the players next to them, especially F1. In this system they are the workhorse and it is why many teams put this on the shoulders of the center.

As the puck moves out to the corner, the primary responsibility falls on the D. The F1, will then take their “corner” spot, strong-side low in the slot. When the puck moves up to the half board, F1 is the attacker, D moves back to the slot, and F2/F3 contains high passing lanes. F2 and F3 will also be responsible for picking up any bonus players in the slot area that the D cannot cover.

When the puck moves up to the point, this is the job for F2 and F3. On wider point plays, F1 will take F2/F3’s corner, on plays closer to center, F1 will take more of a central spot, allowing them to go in any direction and help pick up the junk in front.

For plays behind the net, the D will, ideally, chase to release to the other D. F1 will pick up the vacated corner of whichever D is pressuring. F2 & F3 will look for extra bodies in front. If there are none, they will remain high to cover points and passing lanes.

Since this positioning relies on reading plays and rotation, it’s important to note that the closest forward may be the best option, as long someone covers their spot and supports the play. For instance, if the puck moves from the point (3, 4, 5, 6) the high forward may be the best to attack down to the side board depending on pace and angle of play.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Players MUST work together and in unison. If players get selfish or antsy, trying to do too much themselves, players will end up out of position or we will end up with too many players leaving us vulnerable. As we need to create time and space for ourselves, we also need to limit the other team’s time and space.

POINTS OF CONCERN

While this is a simple, basic DZC, for advanced teams it can be problematic as more traffic goes through the slot. This system can also lack aggressiveness. It can be a great system for biding time, minimizing passing lanes, and blocking shots from the point, but can break down more easily down low.

2-1-2 Forecheck

At it’s core, a 2-1-2 forecheck is 2 pressure the puck, one stays high zone, and your two D hang out at the blue line. It is one of the most common forechecks in the game of hockey, but there are different ways of interpreting and executing it.

For us, we will use a low zone, high pressure forecheck, meaning our forwards (or nearest players) will relentlessly attack when the puck is low in the zone and on the half wall. As the puck moves up and out of the zone, we will float to more of a 1-2-2 zone cover. This low zone pressure optimizes turnover chances closer to the net while the zone cover provides backside and over top balance for engaged defense.

To get a grasp on this concept, lets look at a few common scenarios…

The puck goes into the corner and their D retrieves it. Our first player (typically a forward, so we’ll call them F1) attacks hard and tries to funnel them toward the inside. In the Pittsburgh region it is common to funnel them away from the net for some reason. Why? I’m not sure, because the whole objective of defense to to get them away from your net, so you’re helping them, not hurting. Anyway, we’ll try to force them towards their own net as much as possible. F2 (again, usually a forward, but could be a D) will pressure but maintain enough gap to adjust to loose pucks or scrums as needed. This should be no more than 1 stick length away until possession is gained. F3 covers the high slot region setting up the shooting triangle. They are also your backside cover if a D pinches or gets beat. THIS is why all players need to be able to play all positions!

As the puck moves to the other corner, F1 will typically chase, F3 shifts to the F2 job, and F2 goes to the slot. F2 can also be the chaser and F1 can go to the slot if those are the closer available players. Usually, F1 and F2 aren’t both chasing because it makes more sense to just release and shift whenever possible. At the top, the points will also shift, with the now weakside D typically playing off the line a bit in case of a quick transition through the rotation.

When the puck moves up the half wall, we will start to transition to more of a zone cover or a 1-2-2 while still attacking as much as possible. If warranted, the strongside D will pinch down while F3 applies second pressure. F1 will shift to a low zone and be ready to move either back into the corner or up ice as needed. F2 is the zone cover safety valve providing either strongside support if the puck chips up quickly, or backside support to a D taking their gap. Again, this is why all players need to know all positions.

The name of the game in this strategy is to make them screw up and give us the puck! Hard work creates turnovers which creates opportunities.

But coach, what happens when we get control?

Go to open space or the net. Set up a triangle. Take advantage of opportunities. Simple as that.

Communication

Communication is nearly as important as any other skill on the ice. In this day and age, everyone is using a composite stick and they all sound the same, but each person has their own unique voice. While VERY important for goalies, the below communication tips are useful for all players to know, understand, and be able to use so we can work together more effectively.

1 on, 2 on, 3 on…

This is used to identify how much pressure a player has and is most often used when going after a loose puck. It is often used in a doubled up manner (“one on, one on”) to convey urgency and make sure it is heard.

On, on, on…

This is used for tight or continuous pressure, particularly after a turn over or when a player is trying to skate the puck out of the zone. The rapid call indicates immediate urgency and that a player is right on them and they need to either eat the puck and call for help, or make a play sooner than later.

2 split, 3 split

This is most commonly used after a puck has been dumped into the zone and 2 players (or 3) have split on the fore check to each side of the net. Depending on the angle of pressure, you may have a great lane to break out with a curling center over forcing to the D, but you need to be heads up. Again, the cadence indicates the urgency of the play, with a single call being the most common.

Time, easy

Time is used when a player has a reasonable amount of time to settle in and make a decision on the best play. Easy – typically associated with number of players – is used when their is light pressure.

Behind or Round

This indicates that the puck is either going behind the net or is going to rim around the boards. Often a goalie will use this call first to help wingers get shifted when the puck switches sides, and second to help indicate that they may be switching from post to post as the puck moves. This is usually a single call.

Help, one help, help slot, help back side, etc.

This is used to indicate that a player needs help covering a player or digging out of a jam up.

Screen

Used by goalies to let players know they cannot see or track the puck properly to make a save. Rarely if ever will a goalie on one of my teams be blamed for allowing a goal on a screen shot, particularly if they yelled screen.

This can be confused with the next call. Up is typically used to indicate the puck is in the air.

Up & out

This is used to indicate that the puck needs to move “up and out” of the zone either by passing or by putting it “up” off the glass. This can be for any time the team is stuck in the mid zone and we need out NOW or if there is an opportunity to for a fast break type of play.

Body, feet, under, etc.

These are used when the puck is stuck in someone’s body after a block, or if a player loses the puck in their feet to help them (or others) locate it. Calls like “under” can be useful for helping goalies locate a puck in a scramble. Please note that if you add left or right it needs to be relative to the goalie/skater you’re talking to not you – if you’re facing them, your right is not their right. 🙂

Turn

Used when the player loses the puck and it is behind or near them but they don’t see it. You can try to use directionals (right, left, behind) but in the quick pace of the game it is not always understood. Please note that if you add left or right it needs to be relative to the goalie/skater you’re talking to not you – if you’re facing them, your right is not their right. 🙂

Turn Up, Turn & go

This is used when needing to carry the puck up ice in a hurry, and is most commonly used during power play situations or dump ins on line changes where you can gain possession quickly and move up ice quickly.

Even, slapping of goalie stick

This indicates a penalty is up and/or a player is leaving the penalty box.

Kill, Kill, Kill

While this sounds bad, it’s it the easiest thing to yell when you’re team is transitioning from a 4v4 situation to a penalty kill.

Empty net

Obviously this is to indicate the opponent has pulled their goalie.

Tie it up/Use the clock

Tie it up means to get the puck to the boards and control time and space while shielding the puck from the opponent. Use the clock is a similar reference meaning to not force plays, tie up the puck, and have a smart possession. In both cases, this is used in the waning minute of play, usually when you’re ahead or tied and don’t need/want to take the chance on creating an opportunity for the opponent.

Goalie icing indicator

When the ref signals for an icing, the goalie should raise their catch glove hand. Remain in position and ready for a bad bounce or for an opponent to beat your teammate to a puck, but also indicate that icing is a possibility. If it’s close, you can leave your arm down and see how things play out.

Goalie left/right pressure indicators

Goalies can use their arms (pointing left or right) to help indicate where there is openings either for the breaking out D or for others to get to an open space. A goalie can also put both hands in front in sort of a “settle down” motion to indicate that a player has a little time to settle down and make a choice of plays. This requires a significant understanding of how your teammates play and reading your opponent, but when you get it, it can really help generate flow and quick-ups.

Breakout Passing Options

For nearly every breakout, any person possessing the puck should have at least 3 options, with most having 4 options.

DEFENSE

When a D is possessing the puck in the corner, they should have the option to:

reverse the puck around the net either to the other D or rimmed to the far winger
hit the strong side winger
hit the center breaking
carry the puck to pressure

CENTER

The center’s role is usually as the middle man in most breakouts. Typically they will receive a pass either from the strong side winger or the D directly. Once they have possession they have the option to:

pass to the far side winger cutting across the blue line and move the puck out of the zone
pass back to the strong side winger for a short give & go for a strong side breakout
escape and move the puck back to the strong side D
carry the puck out of the zone, using the boards to chip out if necessary

STRONG SIDE WINGER

This is the winger that is currently possessing the puck. For this purpose, the winger will be positioned on the half board. Once the winger has possession, they have the option to:

move the puck to the curling center and then fill an inside or far lane
move the puck back to the d
rim the puck around to the weak side
go for the stretch pass to the weak side breaking wing, although this is often a dangerous play if not timed properly
carry the puck out of the zone, using the boards to chip out if necessary

Strong Side D Breakout

The strong side D breakout is a more advanced breakout and is most effective in power play or low pressure situations. It begins much like the D to D breakout, but instead of the weak D starting in front of the net and reading the play to step out, the D automatically drops to the corner area near the goal line. The puck is moved from D to D behind the net. The now strong side wing will push up ice and begin to angle toward the far lane. The center will swing low and curl up ice to receive the pass from the corner D. The far side wing will angle up ice to the center lane.

The intention is for the center to hit what was the weak side wing and then move it up to the breaking winger that was the strong side wing. The center can also lane drive if they have the option.

Why this breakout works is because it moves the puck up ice quickly and allows for less players in the zone. Problems occur if there is too much pressure and not enough players in the zone, so communication and timing are critical so that not everyone is vacating too soon resulting in no passing options and greater chance of turnover.