Reply To: Clearing the defensive zone

Don't allow your D to rim the puck. Emphasize and insist on tape to tape pass; otherwise, look to go D to D / skate it out. A friend of mine (Gary) coached a community bantam 2 team (mainly first-year kids, so 13 years old) a few years ago and reinforced this rule to great success! It drastically eliminated turnovers.

Gary said to watch the higher levels… a rimmed puck, especially a wide rim, was almost 100% equating to a turnover… so why do it? Work on the skating, puck control and passing skills; along with supportive decision-making.

Other points… The strong side winger should make sure they come down low to support. Also have the centre curl low so the D has two options on his side… his D partner also needs to be an option (drop off the front of the net) while the far winger can stretch behind the D and come across to the puck side.

"The game is the best teacher"… not contrived, patterned drills with no pressure! Playing without pressure is de-training them! "Play is the foundation for developing talent." Play lots of scrimmages where your D and F's have to break out under pressure. Award points for successful breakouts.

Tom has provided lots of realistic games on this site – check his Daily Drills Section. Better yet, buy his Book 2!

Good luck and please report back!