Reply To: Pee Wee Breakouts

Hi there –

My competetive Peewee team had been struggling with the same issue (amongst others!).

Each player having solid, speedy basic skills and an understanding of their options (4 roles described here) helps a lot – chalk talk goes a little ways but actually stopping practice breakouts, slowing things down and repeating (deep practice) helps – we saw dividends after about 3 weeks so stay the course!

Other 'quicker fixes':
– teaching D (or low F) to hit the glass for clearing the puck (not an elegant breakout but a good option when out-gunned)
– D zone face-off alignment and responsibility plan to maintain / re-obtain posession before set-up
– physical play – our wingers were gunshy and hesitant to take a hit from the pinching D to make the 1/2 boards pass to supporting F's
– goalie 'quarterbacking' verbally to D re: forecheck formation and D wheel option

Sprinkle in some small-area games to emphasize short sharp passes and support as well as transition drills.

Love this site, learning so much…

💡