SKILLS
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
