Time for another section.
It looks like the site is getting about 8-9000 hits a day. I think the increased traffic is because of the links to other hockey sites.
I hope it is helping coaches to run more effective practices.
The reason I do this site is to help coaches. About 60% of the head coaches in minor hockey change each season and it is difficult to be thrown into the situation of running effective practices if you have never coached before. Being a player and being a coach are different things. Some new coaches have a lot of playing experience and some have almost no playing experience.
The purpose of this site is to help both groups and that is why the drills and games here range from beginner to pro.
I have taught physical education for 35 years at all levels from elementary to junior high, high school and 5 years at the college level. I have coached at the schools, in minor hockey, college men and women, university men, international pro teamsand women's semi-pro. My coachiing has taken me to 3 continents and lots of countries where the players at practice didn't speak english. Sometimes I have an interpreter and sometimes not.
The point is that I have always had a passion for this game and for coaching and teaching and it only seems right to share what I have learned. Dwight makes it possible by doing the computer stuff that I don't know how to do. We have never met each other. So he is putting in a lot of time at his expense to help coaches as well.
Anyway, after that; here is another section.
B600 Pass-Pass-Regroup-Shoot - RB Pro
Key Points:
Face the puck always and give a target. Pass and shoot while skating. Do everything at top speed.
Description:
A.. Blue and red 1's skate and get a pass from 2's in diagonal corners.
B. Pass to 3's at the far blue line.
C. 1's pivot facing the puck and get a return pass from 3's.
D. 1's skate in shoot-rebound
E. 3's repeat in the other direction.
Options.
- screen for the next shooter.
- give and go with the next shooter.
- play a defensive 1-1 vs the next shooter.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090823205116629
https://youtu.be/mey7KZWYjQo
T1 - B500 Individual Skills - RB Pro
Key Points:
Divide the ice into stations and practice individual technique. The coach can focus on skills for various players.
Description:
1. Coach pass to defenseman who moves and shoots at the red strpe on the boards.
2. Player agility skate with turns and pivots then get a pass.
3. Saucer pass with a partner.
4. Play rebound with the goalie.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090823205113460
https://youtu.be/6lNupopgk8Q
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.816516599258139/10159840791300931
Double Chip Drill
A good drill to encourage indirect passing through the neutral zone.
I'm hoping it will help encourage players to pass to space instead of directly to sticks.
DaveM
C3 - Shoot - Breakout - Regroup - 2 on 1 - Pro
Key Points:
Good drill with only one goalie and few players. It could go both ways with more players. Face the puck, give a target, follow shot for rebounds.
Description:
1. F1 skate in and shoot.
2. D1 drive back of the net and pass to F1 or F2.
3.F1 and F2 regroup with the D2 at the other end.
4. F1 and F2 attack 2 on 1 vs. the original D1.
5. D1 rotate to the regroup line and D2 to the breakout pass line.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110309071019400
https://youtu.be/NdOQzgveCVE
C1 - Regroup-Stretch Pass - RB U17-20
Key Points:
Insist on good habits. Face the puck, give a target, time the stretch for when you are sure the D can turn up ice.
Description:
1. F pass to D on each side of the ice.
2. D skate back with the puck and tight turn up ice.
3. F time support and stretch when D has full control and toe caps up the ice.
4. D pass to F.
5. F rebound for the next shooter.
*Alternative: After passing D play a defensive 1-1 vs the forward on the other side.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090901074922525
https://youtu.be/JgmlfkK-60g
Swedish Drill Manual
Attached is a Swedish manual with 56 instructional drills contained in it.
Coaches, Kevin Sullivan sent this to me.
Here is the Table of Content:
Explanation of the signs Page 2
Goal scoring 3
Skating technique 8
Defenseman's play 16
Checking 26
Passing and receiving 32
Defensive play 41
Goalie's play 47
Offensive play 54
____________________________________________________
Explanation of the signs (Page 2)
= Skating direction without the puck
= Backward skating
= Skating with the puck
= Direction change
= Passing arrows
= Sign for stopping
= Shooting on goal arrow
= Pylon
= Stick/ obstacle
= Player/ Offensive player
= Player/ Defending player
= Attacking forward 1
= Player 1
= Defenseman 1
= Goalie
= Coach
______________________________________________________
If you want to try to translate a page go to: www.google.com
Language Tools (click on)
Put the saved page in the middle box
Swedish to English/ etc. below the box (Click on translate)
and you should get a rough translation of the page.
______________________________________________________
Good luck!
Kevin
B202 Puck Handling and Shooting- RB Pro
Key Points:
Make hard fakes both ways, fake shots, tight turns. Have quick feet. Cross the blue line and either shoot or pass and shoot. Add variations after shooting.
Description:
1. Players line up behind the blueline; coach in the middle.
2. On the whistle leave from diagonal lines and make hard fakes around the coach.
3. Variations:
A- Shoot and rebound.
B-Rebound for the next shooter.
C-Shoot then give and go with next shooter.
D-Defend 1-1 vs. the next shooter.
E-Get in position for a one timer shot.
*Add other variations such as a shot pass.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2009082320511162
B202 - Puck Handling and Shooting - RB Pro
https://youtu.be/OYSPWZaW4RM
B6 - One Touch x 3 Shoot-Rebound-Screen - RB Pro
Key Points:
Make one touch passes, face the puck all of the time. Hit the net and follow the shot for a rebound. Change directions every few times.
Description:
1. Leave from the blueline and one touch.
2. Low player return a one touch pass.
3. Exchange puck 3 or 4 times.
4. Player on other side repeat after the second pass.
5. Add variations like a tight turn.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090820232945431
B6 - One Touch x 3 Shoot-Rebound-Screen - RB Pro
https://youtu.be/JqLOzj6MFsE
B6 - 1-0, 2-0 Shooting - RB Pro
Key Points:
Shoot while skating and follow the shot for a rebound. Carry the puck in the triple thread position at the side of the body. Anticipate where the rebound will be and shoot quickly either on the ice or top shelf.
Description:
1. Leave from alternate corners and begin with skating across the ice then at the net.
2. Skate inside, get a puck and shoot from the outside lane.
3. Inside to outside 2-0. Shoot low at the far post so the goalie must make a pad save. The supporting attacker one time the rebound.
* Extra tasks: circle back and rebound for the next shooter.
- Challenge the nest shooter 1-1, 1-2, 2-2.
- Add escape moves, tight turns, passes.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090820232942304
https://youtu.be/C59gBkh0MUU
B4 Rexi Pass and Replace
Key Points:
Face the puck at all times. Use pivots and turns. Give a target and call for the pass.
Description:
A. 1 pass to 2 and follow the pass.
B. 2 pivot in a circle and leave the puck for 1.
C. 1 pass to 2 in the neutral zone and 2 attack the far end and shoot.
D. 3 pass to 1 and follow the pass.
E. Repeat.
Options:
Shoot and screen, shoot and give and go with the next shooter, shoot and rebound for the next shooter. Shoot and defend 1-1 vs. the next shooter.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090813080846936
https://youtu.be/L0f9iRkZLEY
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.689577291952071/10159341279320931/
B6 - Cross Pass-Cross Drop-Shoot - RB Pro
Key Points:
Pass hard, drop the puck behind leaving it still. Keep skating all of the time. Maximum of one pass in the offensive zone.
Description:
1. A skate and pass across to B.
2. Both skate around faceoff dot.
3. B drop the puck to A who crosses behind.
4. Both skate around the Dots.
5. -Alternate Sides.
Option One:
- A Shoot and both rebound.
Option Two:
A pass across to B who opens up and takes a one time. Both rebound.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090813080848469
https://youtu.be/J6xl8NE5SZI
A300 - Puck Handling Nervous System Overload - Pro
Key Points:
Keep the balls and pucks within a stick length and move them around the body. Stress rolling the wrists big moves.
Description:
1. Combine using up to 3 balls or 3 pucks.
2. Use balls of different weight and bounce i.e. tennis, racquet, hockey balls.
3. Example. Start with 3 kinds of balls and after each time around replace the balls with pucks so you have 3 pucks, Each lap take away one puck and then add speed when a single puck is left.
4. When you get down to one puck shots at each end can be done.
5. Use the lines and dots as places to do various moves.
A200 Variable Goal Training - Skating and Puckhandling - U18 F
https://youtu.be/jkM2HgWjB8o
Pro Player
https://youtu.be/8TLGdZ3BMKM
I have redone the transition game posting and connected more to the video section. This is an extremely important change in coaching that very few coaches are aware of. Instead of a traffic cop blowing the whistle the games run themselves and allow you be a teacher and talk with the players during the game.
-----------------------------
DT Transition Games to Teach the Game
Transition Games use only one puck and the players must switch between the 3 game situations of: 0-Loose Puck, 1-Offense and 2-Defense.
They must also constantly transition through the 4 Game Playing Roles of:
1-Player with the puck,
2-Players supporting the puck carrier,
3-Player checking the puck carrier,
4-Players covering attackers away form the puck.
Transition games enable the coach to create these realistic situations by adjusting the number of players and modifying the rules.
Players move in and out of the play on their own and this enables the coach to teach instead of focus on the flow of the activity.
Transition games are the natural progression between game situation drills and the actual game.
F - A202 - Skating for Quickness and Agility - RB Pro
Key Points:
Hockey requires quick feet and agility to change directions. Keep the knees bent and use the outside edges.
Description:
1. Skate hard from blue to red line-Stop-hard back over blue line.
2. Skate hard to red line-turn inside-tight turn and back to blue.
Alternate directions.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090805115343158
https://youtu.be/YEIVwjOl-cE
B6 1-0, 2-0 Pass and Shoot - Wash - Pro
Key Points:
Start with 1-0 and move to 2-0. Pass hard, give a target, shoot while skating and follow the shot for a rebound.
Description:
1. From each end one skate and pass across to two.
2. Two pass back to one who shoots and rebounds at the other end.
3. Repeat on the other side with three passing to four.
4. Progress to 2 on 0 starting with a cross pass at each end.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110322094048306
https://youtu.be/bE9lJrQNfQ8
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.792835714959561/10159754163165931
C3 - Goalie Setup-Breakout-Regroup - 2 on 1 – Pro
Key Points:
Goalie stop and set up the puck then come back the same way. Forwards give a target and move through the neutral zone quickly.
Description:
1. Coach or player in line rim puck behind net.
2. Goalie stop and set up puck for D1.
3. D1 make a breakout pass to a F1 or F2.
4. F's regroup with D2 in defensive zone.
5. F1 and F2 attack 2 on 1 vs D1.
6. Repeat at other end with a rim and D2 breaking out F3 and F4.
*Alternatives: From 1 to 3 F's and 2 D can do this drill. Another regroup could be added.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110323070114796
C3 - Goalie Setup-Breakout-Regroup-2 on 1 – Pro
https://youtu.be/UPqDVtr0V1o
B500-2 on 0-Cycle-Cut Back-Pass-Shoot - RB Pro
Key Points:
F1 skate hard and throw the puck back into a quiet space when the defender commits to him. F2 do one or two cutbacks, protecting the puck to create a passing lane. Follow pass by going to the net.
Description:
A.
-Coach dumps puck into corner.
-F1 skate and get puck.
-F1 pass back to F2 and go high.
B.
-F2 get puck and do cutbacks.
-F2 pass to F1 who shoots.
-F2 follow the pass and go to net for rebound or pass.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110324100910693
https://youtu.be/Am5XtyUZ38k
D1 One Pass in Each Zone - U18 F
Key Points:
Close support, skate to open ice with the puck, give a target.
Description:
1. Play full ice either in shifts or all on the ice at once.
2. There must be at least one pass made in each zone. If not the other team gets the puck.
3. Controlled scrimmage so everyone stop on the whistle for coach input.
4. With shifts in a D100 game pass back to the goalie on the whistle.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2011032414361323
https://youtu.be/EhbNMhICMSs
D1-D100 Two Second Game - College M-W
Key Points:
This is one of the best activities a coach can use to promote close puck support and on ice vision. Players need to learn to play the game seamlessly which means to look around before they get the puck, automatically skate to open ice when they get the puck, supporting players must anticipate the next play, always face the puck and give a target and get open for a pass. Players also need to practice passing while skating and turning away from pressure.
Supporting players must give close support plus depth and width. Puck carrier must skate hard to open ice and use escape moves, drive skating and cut backs to create passing lanes.
*This game can be played full, cross, half ice or it can be a rule in keepaway games with 2 or more players.
Great game for on ice awareness, passing skills and offensive support and defensive coverage.
Description:
1. Play full ice with either all the players on the ice at once or in shifts.
2. Players can be in possession of the puck for a maximum of 2 seconds.
3. Stress that when you get the puck the order of priorities should be:
A-Make a play.
B-Regroup.
C-Gain a zone.
3. When over 2 seconds the other team gets the puck (coach monitor).
College W
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110324143851598
D100 Two Second Game – College M
https://youtu.be/PVy5NjFsV9w
Transition Games
I just went through the forum posting with Transition Games and have listed them here. They all have diagrams and most have video demonstrations with various North American or Europen kid’s, pro’s or women teams that I have coached. There are a few that I filmed other coaches doing.
Coaches have developed thousands of drills that stress going through the neutral zone and attacking or coming out of the corner etc. but the game is won and lost in the WAR ZONE (slot) in front of the net. Fighting for rebounds, tying up sticks, boxing out, starting the breakout under pressure, the key areas of a game, are hardly practiced because the players must get out of the way for the next rush in the drill.
Transition games are not used by many coaches but are a natural progression from game situation drills such as a 2-1 or a 3-2. The difference is that in transtiton games the coach creates the same situation but only one puck is used and the play must be finished. In standard drills as a 2 on 1 the forwards attack a D, get a shot and maybe a rebound and go back to the line up. The D simply plays the rush and returns to the line up. Games are not like this. In a real game the forwards will fight for the loose pucks with the D who must regain the puck and make a breakout. Transition games simulate REAL game situations because both the forwards and defenders must finish the play before returning to the line up.
TRANSITION GAMES TO TEACH THE FOUR GAME PLAYING ROLES
When the players have learned the basic game situation skills by doing one way drills that work on offensive or defensive responsibility there is no transition. The next stage is to practice using the skills in more realistic situations that demand both good technique game understanding and transition.
In transition games the players work on all of the various game situations from the basic 1 on 1 skills to 5 on 6. Quickly moving from offense to defense and from defense to offense is emphasized with the theme that; “you must always attack so that you are able todefend and defend so that you can attack.”
Transition games allow the coach to create any numerical situation that happens in a hockey game and the players practice these situations under game pressure in the same zone as it would occur in a game.
Any of the game formations can be used for transition games. The cross ice, half ice and one zone games use the same rules as the full ice transition games.
HOW TO ORGANIZE A TRANSITION GAME
To organize a transition game the coach must decide what individual or team skill to work on and then devise the game. Take your time and go slowly starting first step by step and let the players do everything in slow motion so that the game is understood. It is best to begin with a 1 on 1 situation and build from there.
When the players are comfortable with the flow of the game the coach can add modified rules to practice individual or team skills. The transition game itself is like a template for teaching all the various situations in the game.
After the coach has decided what needs to be worked on and where on the ice it should be done, then who gets support during the play, determines the type of transition game to use.
In transition games you go from offense to defense and from defense to offense. The coach can create the situation by having the passive players give support to either the defense, the offense or both the offense and the defense. New players come into the play from the line ups and they must assume the appropriate game playing role of either offensive or defensive situations. As the play continues their role changes from defensive to offensive or offensive to defensive responsibilities and all playing situations: offense, defense and loose puck will be encountered.
Options for transition games.
1.Transition games where players wait in the neutral zone for a breakout pass and the play goes towards the other end. This isolates situations in the neutral zone and at each end (game situation role one, two, three and four.)
2. Transition games where the attacking team gets support from teammates joining the play (game situation role two.)
3. Transition games where the defending team gets support from back checkers (game situation role four.)
4. Transition games where both the offensive and defensive teams have supporting players join the play.
E1 Two Shot Shootout - Czech Youth
Key Points:
Players should come in and make a hard move and shoot. The general rule on a breakaway is if the goalie is out far deke and if he backs in shoot.
Description:
1. Teams lines up across from each other and the pucks are in the middle circle.
2. One player from each team leaves and shoot at opposite ends.
3. The same players turn back and get another puck from the middle and shoot at the other end.
4. Continue until all the players have shot and keep score.
You can also decide the winner by saying the most goals in a certain time or the first team to 10 or another total wins.
- Players that score no goals do 2 laps, those who score one goal skate one lap and those who score on both shots zero laps.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110324144209198
E1 Two Shot Shootout - Czech Camp
https://youtu.be/VEJr4NJOH18
Defenseman Technique from Sweden
This is a pdf they did in Sweden about how to develop defensemen. There are many drills and the videos compliment them.
The Swedes are very good in their development with proper technique.
Playing without the puck from Sweden
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20080720174247387
Checking from the defensive side from Sweden.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20080720161047124
Breakout options from Sweden
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20080722140657916
Scoring from Sweden
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/video.php?n=20080723002524440
C1 - Breakout-Attack-Breakout 1-0 or 2-0 - U22 F
Key Points:
Time the support to be available when passer gets control of the puck. Give a target, call for the pass, skate to the big ice inside the dots when you get the puck.
Description:
A. At both ends player 1 shoot, rebound and pick up a puck from the corner.
B. Player 2 be available for a breakout pass from the middle or the boards. It could be two players one in the middle and one on the boards.
C. Player 1 pass to player 2.
D. Player 2 go down and shoot on the net and rebound.
E. After shooting player 2 get a new puck from the corner and make a breakout pass on the other side of the ice for either a 1-0 or 2-0 rush.
*Option: Player 2 could regroup with 1 before attacking.
- #1 could play a defensive 1-1 vs the player attacking on the other side.
- after shooting circle back and time for the rebound of the next shooter or screen.
- give and go with the next shooter.
-join the attack and get a trailer pass and shoot from the point. etc.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080720203338539
https://youtu.be/hpiadRy76LE
C3 Breakout to 2 F's and attack 3-1- RB Pro
Key Points:
One D must join the rush to the 60% scoring area inside the top of the circle. Get shots and fight for rebounds.
Description:
1. Blue F1, F2, D1 attack 3-1 vs red D2.
2. On whistle Red D2 get a new puck and pass to red F3 or F4 and join the attack vs blue D3.
3. Continue the rotation with the defending D making a breakout to forwards giving passive support from the high slot area.
4. Add a forward to make it 4 on 1 or a D to make it a 4 on 2 attack.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090728110104331
https://youtu.be/afJYS9fuKCA
----------------------------------------------
Making a Situation Drill into a Transition Game
The natural progression after the coach has controlled this team play drill with a whistle is to modify it a little to create a transition game. Now the coach has turned the decision making over to the players AND the critical WAR ZONE play of fighting for rebounds and making the breakout pass under pressure with good support happens.
How?
1. Only one puck and NO Whistles (unless everyone is messing up) the coach talks to players in the line up instead.
2. Options
A-new players coming in-F3, F4, D3 give passive support from the top of the circle and D2 pass to them.
B-combine active and passive support. F3-F4 backcheck and support D2 low and D3 is passive until the breakout pass is made, then defends 1-3 vs F3-F4-D2.
C-active support with everyone. F3 and F4 backcheck and make a low 3 on 3, D3 be part of the attack supporting from the point and ready to defend the 3-1 the other way by F3, F4 and D2. This would make a 4-3 in the zone and a PP situation. If the D doesn't join the attack then an even situation would have been created. i.e. 2-1 in the nzone and 3-3 at each end.
C3 - Breakout 5-2, Regroup, Attack 3-2 – RB Pro
Key Points:
Players wait along the boards in the neutral zone in C3 Formation. Forecheckers go to one D each and react to D to D pass or double team. Goalie must help D by talking.
Description:
A.
- Coach dumps the puck in.
- 2 D and 3 F breakout vs 2 forecheckers.
B.
- F's turn back at the red line.
- F's attack 3-2 vs original D.
- FC's return to lineup.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090728110106210
C3 Breakout Regroup Attack 3-2 - RB Pro
https://youtu.be/Kgh_Gjv3ZBc
T2-C3- 5 on 2 Breakout vs a Trap x 3 - RB Pro
Key Points:
This is total hockey. The 2 players back, usually D fill 2 lanes and one F comes back to fill the other. The farthest F stretches to the far blue line and the other forward supports from the neutral zone. Constant switching of lanes and depths.
Description:
1. Start 5 vs 2.
2. On whistle repeat 5 on 2.
3. Again repeat 5-2 on the whistle.
4. Attack 5 on 2 on the third rush.
5. Repeat other way with new players.
* Fill the low 3 lanes 2 D and 1 F.
* One F stretch to far blue line.
* One F stretch thru nzone.
* On attack always 4 in the scoring zone.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090730123904459
T2-C3- 5 on 2 Breakout vs a Trap x 3 - RB Pro
https://youtu.be/JW2uDLVPgag
T2-4 - D400 Team Play Scrimmage - Detroit
Key Points:
On offense try to create 2 on 1's and constantly go to the net and change the point of attack. On defense play from the defensive side with the stick on the puck, communicate and everyone cover one attacker. Alternate ends.
Description:
1. Coach either shoots in a puck or offense starts with a puck on the whistle.
2. Offense gets about 20" to score.
3. If defeders get the puck out the coach puts a new puck in.
4. Switch roles and lines on the whistle.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090730123919178
https://youtu.be/mWS66o55Kkc
This is a video on roles 1 and 3 - checking and escape moves from Finland.
-----------------------------------------
B500 - Angling and Escapes - Finland
Key Points:
Angle approaching at the back shoulder with "Body on Body and Stick on the Puck".
Defensive angling pin and teammate pick up the puck, and on offensive angling seal the player off and take the puck.
Learn to approach at the back shoulder-not the puck. On offense cut back when the player angles at the puck.
Description:
1. Angle at back shoulder, press into boards with the inside leg between the legs.
2. Angle at back shoulder, press into boards with the inside leg in front.
3.Offensive check by bumping the defender who is angle checking and then accelerate
4. Pass to self off the boards or back of net.
5. Pass back to inside skate edge and back between the legs.
*Drive to the net and use a "heel to heel slide like Crosby, Selanne and Koivu."
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080719114133299
T1 - One Timer x 2 – Pro
Key Points:
Square up for the shot and have the stick back as the pass is being made. Follow through with the whole body to the net and the lead knee pointing to the target.
Description:
1. One leave the line and get a pass from 2 on the off wing and shoot.
2. Two leave after passing and get a pass from three.
3. Continue this rotation and progressively increase the speed of the passes.
T1 - One Timer x 2 – Pro
https://youtu.be/hEsbXGHPncg
https://www.facebook.com/tom.molloy.5836/videos/10159840811630931
T2 - B6 D to D Hinge and Switch - Pro W
Key Points:
Pass back to the coach after each one of these sequences. Coach should pass to one player and after the sequence get a return pass then pass to the other player. This is a controlled breakout after a regroup or any situation with only one forechecker.
Description:
1. Coach in the neutral zone pass to a player coming from the corners.
A. Player skates to mid ice and passes to partner who hinges wide and up ice.
B. Player skates to wide lane and pass to partner who supports in mid ice behind.
C. Player skate to middle, pass wide, get return pass in middle.
D. Player skate to middle, partner skate behind for a pass and switch sides. From there any of the other options.
*Pass back to the coach after each of these exercises and then add players who regroup with D.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110407093426412
https://youtu.be/ISrR_VShA-M
T2 - Take the Ice Behind to Create 2-1's -Sweden-Soviets-Pro
When Ice Hockey originated in North America in the late 1800's forward passes were not allowed. The game was played with 6 skaters and a goalie. Later the Rover position was eliminated and teams played with 5 skaters. We developed playing lane hockey with the D staying back, the wings in their lanes and only the centre going side to side. The game now is developing towards "Total Hockey" where players have a Home Position at the Face off and after that it is 1-2-3-4-5 according to the system you are playing, the zone you are in and the closeness to the puck. So we have to teach all players all the offensive and defensive skills in practice.
In other parts of the world the game came later. Bandy is played in Russia and Scandanavia on a frozen soccer field and has a big influence in those areas. German, Czech Republic, Austria have a huge soccer football history and in soccer and bandy they build the attack with lots of give and goes and regroups.
In North America the CONVENTIONAL WISDOM is that you go in straight lines and move the puck up as quickly as possible to trap the other team. This works vs an aggressive PRESSURE forecheck and can create outnumber situations. If you are playing against a CONTAIN forecheck where the send either one or zero players in then you will not beat them to the net with straight ahead speed but have to use CHANGE OF SPEED, CHANGE OF LANES, and create situations where the defenders must make DECISIONS such as whether to switch on a cross or stay with their man.
The attackers must continually go to the "Big Ice" between the dots where more attack options are possible. Create 2 on 1's continuously and regroup to force the defenders to keep a tight gap or to hit a late attacker who is skating fast vs the defenders holding the blue line.
I have put some video from Swedish and the Czech pro teams to demonstrate these offensive options.
Key Points:
When the defenders are using a contain forecheck and are ahead of the puck you cannot beat them skating in straight lines. You must continually isolate the wide player and create 2 on 1 situations. Support by taking the ice behind the puck carrier.
Description:
1. Practice with a 2 on 2 situation and isolate a defender by crossing.
a. Cross drop and #1 screen weak side D.
b. Cross, drop 1 to net, 2 wide.
c. Cross and fake drop. 1 through middle 2 go to the net.
Create 3 on 3 situations in drills and games.
d. #’s 2 and 3 go hard to the net.
e. #1 go to the middle and shoot or pass.
* Other options are another cross behind or pass back to the 4th and 5th supporting attackers.
Important is to change the speed and angle of the attack and force defensive decisions like switch or stay man to man.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110408092101945
https://youtu.be/EFPcwsTBTW0
T2 - Soviets - Take Ice Behind Support – Soviets
https://youtu.be/4vF9JXoOvp8
T2 - B6 - 2-0-Gain Zone-X and Drop - Pro
https://youtu.be/MWMyf0UkaIA
T2 - B6 - 2-0 Skate to Big Ice-X and Drop-Shoot - Pro
https://youtu.be/LmOF-ekbXtE
C600 Isolate Wide D on 2-2 - Pro
https://youtu.be/xp4zhu-zNvo
A200 - Chaos Puck Handling - Youth
Key Points:
Make moves, protect the puck, go hard on the whistle. Designate moves, add pucks, play keepaway, use ball, multiple pucks, etc.
Description:
1. Carry a puck and protect it while skating in random directions. Stay in the zone.
2. Go hard for about 5" on the whistle and slow down on the next whistle.
3. Coach designate the move to be practiced, i.e, tight turn when you approach someone.
4. Exchange pucks-pass with eye contact.
5. Spread pucks around which also must be avoided.
6.Keepaway-coach take a puck away every 10".
Two video demonstrations:
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080722090625893
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080722090624390
https://youtu.be/82IGJrKNBXM
D2 Cross Ice Games
Key Points:
Use regular or small nets, tire, pylons or the lines on the boards for goals. Play with regular or modified rules.
Description:
1. Teams of from 1-1 to 5-5 play a game cross ice.
2. After a goal allow the other team to get to centre.
3. Jokers can be added who can or must be passed to.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090802104424493
B6 - 3-0 Weave-Regroup at Far End - U17-Pro
Key Points:
Principles: Pass while skating and then follow the pass and take the ice behind the puck carrier.. Fill the 3 lanes. Skate to the “big ice” between the dots when you get the puck. Pass to the outside lane, skate to the inside lane.
Description:
A. 1 pass to 2 and follow the pass.
B. 2 skate to the big ice, pass to 3, follow the pass taking the ice behind.
C. 3 pass back to one, follow the pass.
D. 1 regroup with 4 and 1-2-3 fill each lane.
E. 4 pass to 1 or 3 on the strong side.
F. 1-2-3 weave the same way and attack with a triangle and shoot at the oringinal end.
G. 4-5-6 follow and repeat the other way.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=20130125095322120
B6 3-0 Weave-Regroup at Far End – U17
https://youtu.be/ItwsFCb-bkg
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.794123934830739/10159758893775931
NHL Players
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20141025100818703
B6 3-0 Weave - Regroup - Attack - Pro
https://youtu.be/tjcdjroz3L4
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.794123934830739/10159758893265931
B6 Pass and Replace x 3 - Youth
Key Points:
Pass while skating then turn and face the player who is passing to you. Shoot before the hash marks and follow the shot for a rebound.
Description:
A. 1 pass to 2 and follow the pass and turn and face 5 for a pass.
B. 2 pass to 3 and follow the pass.
C. 3 pass to 4 and follow the pass.
D. 4 skate in and shoot-rebound- go to the corner.
# Do 2 or 3 minutes from each side. Alternate task by requiring backhand or saucer passes or a move before passing , etc.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110413082013321
https://youtu.be/CrrVLv9uch4
T3-Body Contact Clinic - Edge Skills
Jeff Hill teaches body checking principles.
Key Points:
Start with a good athletic position of knee bent, back straight, seat low with the head on top of the shoulders and not hanging over the ice. Follow this instruction with 1 on 1 drills and transition games.
The practice was run by Jeff Hill with a group of 12-13 year olds.
Description:
A. Partners bump
1. Hook wrists and bump standing then skating. Come back using other shoulder.
2. Skate apart one stride then back and bump
B. Player in the middle bump everyone around circle with each shoulder.
C. Angling both offensive with leg in front and defensive with leg behind. Get hands up on the glass to protect yourself.
D. Practice skating into the corner and making a fake then carry the puck out.
E. 1 on 1 into the corner and try to score.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080720174243862
https://www.facebook.com/tom.molloy.5836/videos/10159325153115931
T3 - Body Contact Clinic - Edge Skills
https://youtu.be/75e3KL47oXU
B500 Individual Practice
Key Points:
Players work on skills of their choice and the coaches role is to give help when needed and to keep things safe. Players seldom get the chance to work on things they want or to make decisions about their development. The coach moves around to help them and see they are on task.
Description:
I do this the frist ten minutes of each practice with my school skills group. They know they must be on time and be on task.
Players choose to shoot, pass, skate, play keepaway or games, they could even arrange a full ice game.
It is an individual contract where the Players decide and the coach supplies the equipment and supervision.
The coach can also suggest things for them to work on and show how to do it.
C500 Cut Backs and Escape Moves - Youth
Key Points:
Protect the puck with the body on offense. Cut back turning toward the boards. Defender stay lined up with the back of the inside shoulder and stick on the puck.
Description:
1. Leave on the whistle and practice cut backs, tight turns. Go to the net on the second whistle while the next players leave.
2. Two players leave and the second player stays on the D side with the stick on the puck and gives passive resistance.
3. This is a battle and the defender tries to get the puck. On the second whistle whoever has the puck go to the net.
*Without goalies both sides can go at once and with a goalie alternate sides. Players switch sides after doing both offense and defense.
http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2011041612155482
https://youtu.be/x0e9-Vn8W80
T2-4 - D100 - Roles 2 and 4 Specialty Team Scrimmage
It is very difficulty to practice specialty team or even strength situations with one team. Most youth teams have less than 4 lines and 4 sets of D and this makes high tempo scrimmage too difficult. Even if you do have 20 skaters the W/R ratio is too short.
When I was and asst. coach at the U of Calgary with Willie Desjardins he would arrange specialty team scrimmages with the Canadian National Team which was based in Calgary at that time. We would take turns with 5 minute pplays and work on our specialty teams.
The last few seasons I have arranged scrimmages with college teams or minor midget AAA teams to play my WWHL team and we have worked on our systems for both even and uneven situations. We did this at least 6 times last season and it is a great way to focus on systems for the pk, pp, forecheck, dzone etc.
Key Points:
Divide the team into two groups and each gets a 5 min. power play with a ref. Great to play other teams in a specialty team game. Play all odd number situations 5 on 4, 5 on 3, 4 on 3. It is also a good method to practice even strength 3-3, 4-4 and 5-5.
Description:
1. Arrange a scrimmage with another team.
2. Take turns with all numerical situations that happen in a game.
3. Suggested rotation with a 3 minute time out before each segment for coach to go thru the team play situation at the bench.
a. Ten minute warm up.
b. 3 minute time out 5 on 4 for 5 minutes each.
b. 5 on 3 each team and then 3' time out.
c. 4 on 4 each team and then a 3' time out.
d. 5 on 5 each team and then a 3' time out.
e. Coaches agree on a situation they want to focus on.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080723183918140
A2 - Gaston Schaeffer Skating Instruction - Youth
Key Points:
Be in a strong athletic position with the knees bent, seat down, shoulders no farther forward than the knees and the head up. The skating stride starts with a fall and about 3 forward pushes and then it is a sideways motion. When skating backwards stride sideways and don’t turn the heel to the inside. Replace the Mohawk turn with the much more efficient Transition Turn.
Description:
Gaston Schaeffer leads a group of 12-14 year old girls and boys. They cover:
1. Forward long stride.
2. Forward medium stride.
3. Quick start.
4. Basic backward stride and starting.
5. Transition turn from front to back that is much more efficient than the Mohawk Turn.
A2 – Skating Warm up for Agility and Balance – Jasper Camp
https://youtu.be/7DKq8pfeFSA
A - Skating Instruction and Practice - U18 F
https://youtu.be/FgrqUfDa9_U
A2 Forward Stride Mechanics Taught by Dr. Gaston Schaeffer
https://youtu.be/m0QNMLTyess
A5 - Crossover Basics - 5 Circles - Jasper – Gaston
https://youtu.be/MjFqt2euYyk
A2 - Choctaw and Tight Turns – Dr. Gaston Schaeffer
https://youtu.be/shujBk3w0d0
A2 Backward Cross-over Principles 3 - U18 F
https://youtu.be/U67WKtRt6lU
A2- Forward and Backward Stride and Choctaw Turn - Gaston
Key Points:
Practice turning from front to back and don’t lose any speed. This turn is smooth with a minimum of crossovers. (Chocktow Turn)
Description:
Gaston Schaeffer teaches an efficient transition turn from forward to backward. The benefit of this pivot is that the player keeps the skating momentum.
If skating to the right the weight is on the right leg and the left skate goes behind at an angle to the turn, the player transfers the weight to the left leg and does a crossover.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110421072659315
A2 - Edges and Balance Warm up - Gaston - Jasper
Key Points:
Be in a good athletic positon with the knees bent, back upright and lead with the chest and head up. Use all of the edges.
Description:
Gaston leads a skating warm up.
Exercises use the inside and outside edges, proper body position both forward and backward as well as a one skate exercise that requires a good balance position and use of all of the edges.
https://youtu.be/a7C9o5CmFSA
A2 Forward Stride Mechanics Taught by Dr. Gaston Schaeffer
I have been focusing on skating technique. Most coaches, me included have many skating drills. I have posted the Minnesota drills and many from Finland and Sweden and they are great. The only problem is that if we do these with improper mechanics we only teach the kid's to get "really good at bad techniuque." So it is imperative that we have proper mechanics.
I have put videos of Gaston talking about and teaching skating and I know it helps me and hope it helps other coaches.
------------------------------------------------------
A2 Forward Stride Mechanics Taught by Dr. Gaston Schaeffer
Key Points:
Be in a balanced position with a good knee bend. Use as much blade as possible. To start fall forward and push back the first few strides and then skate with a sideways push. The arms move opposite the legs in a back and forth motion never causing the upper body to over rotate. Lead with the head up and chest forward.
Description:
I have put together various videos of Dr. Gaston Schaeffer teaching skating. Gaston has a Doctorate in Body Mechanics and taught at University in Switzerland where he was the Swiss figure skating Champion and followed that being feature skater for Ice Capades and Holiday on Ice where he toured the world. He met his wife while touring and they had a girl and a boy. Gaston was the Olympic figure skating coach for Switzerland as well as in charge of fitness for their speed skating team. He worked with Juhani Wahlsten in Davos when Juuso was coaching there.
Gaston Junior demonstrates the forward stride. He is one of the most powerful skaters I have seen. He suffered a major injury at 18 and stopped playing but his technique is perfect.
The video goes in this order.
1. Gaston talking about the mechanics of the forward stride while I film him on my deck.
2. Gaston and his son doing an on ice demonstration with Gaston describing the important points of the stride.
3. Gaston leads a group through a forward skating and balance warm up.
4. Gaston teaching that group the mechanics of the forward stride starting with the long stride first, then the start and the medium length stride.
5. Gaston leading a U17 skills group. Dany Heatley came and skated with them that day. He had just won the NHL Roookie of the Year. He came as a favour to me to say hi and skate about 15 minutes but because we did transition games all practice he stayed and played and did the skating as well (he has a black sweatsuit and hat on).
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110425003603435
https://youtu.be/m0QNMLTyess
A1 Introduction to Balance on Ice and the Sideway Motion of Skating - Gaston Schaeffer
Key Points:
We walk and run with a front to back movement of our legs. Skating is a foreign movement because it is side to side. Gaston uses balls and pucks to introduce beginners to the side to side weight transfer. Dr. Gaston Schaeffer introduces this unnatural movement along with proper skating posture with a sequence of exercises using balls, pucks, hurdles, etc.
https://youtu.be/iXllqf9VTgY
Description:
• Walk across the ice.
• While standing on the same spot, try and bend the body in all possible positions.
• Walk to a puck, bend over, pick up the puck, return to starting point and repeat.
• While standing try to stand on 1 foot, then the other.
• Walk and then glide on 2 feet.
• Take a puck in your hand and throw it ahead of you; go to it; pick it up and repeat the exercise
until you have crossed the width of the rink.
• Walk on the ice.
• The coach spreads pucks all around on the other side of the ice. Walk to where the pucks are, by
stepping over the sticks laid on the ice. See how many pucks you can collect.
• Put hurdles on the ice (24-28"/60-70 cm in height) get the skaters to pass under hurdles to
go and collect the pucks (this forces them to bend the knees).
• Combine the going over the sticks and under the hurdles, to provide a new challenge.
• Introduce the tennis ball. Start by having skaters pass the ball from hand to hand while walking across the width of the arena.
• Try to do the same thing while skating backwards for a short period of time (to prevent boredom and
frustration).
• Develop the glide by trying to pass the ball from hand to hand as you stride.
• Introduce the bouncing of the ball while walking or gliding across the ice.
• Skate across the ice skating under and over hurdles of different height ranging from 4-28"/10-70
cm.
• Skate backwards by passing the ball from hand to hand.
• Skate backwards by trying to move a puck between your feet.
• Skate forward by passing a puck between your feet.
• Skate forward passing the puck between your feet and the ball from hand to hand. • Skate while passing the puck from 1 foot to the other.
• Skate while bouncing the ball from hand to hand at the same time as you move from 1 foot to the
other.
• Skate, passing the ball from hand to hand as you skate from 1 foot to the other.
• Skate, passing the puck between the feet and the ball from hand to hand while skating forward.
• Same exercise as above but backwards.
• Put up some hurdles – try to jump over (4"/10 cm) some and slide under others (16"/40 cm).
• To increase the level of difficulty, add low hurdles, asking the skaters to first step over them while bouncing the ball on the ice.
• Spread pucks around the ice – the players move around the ice and pick up the pucks by bending their
knees and keeping a straight back. They then put the pucks into the puck bag. This activity works on the
proper skating posture and balance.
• Skate forward and hop over a low hurdle then, as quickly as possible, turn around and catch the
ball thrown by a teammate or coaching assistant.
• Same as above but upon landing turn around in the opposite direction.
• Skate forward and hop over the hurdle, then fall in a roll – get up, turn around and catch the ball.
• Same exercise but the other direction (turning around the other way).
• Jump over a hurdle, crouch under the next hurdle then do a slalom around 5 pylons on 1 foot, then jump over the last hurdle and catch the ball as you jump.
• Repeat the same exercise but doing the slalom on the opposite foot.
• Skate forward and stop – as you stop, you will catch the ball thrown to you at the same time as the command.
• Skate backwards – at the command turn around as your the partner throws the ball for you to catch.
• Same exercise but turn around the other way.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110426080619788
https://youtu.be/iXllqf9VTgY
A2 - Defensive Back Skating- RB Pro
Key Points:
All the players including the goalies do this. Zig zag back keeping good posture and practice reaching with a poke check with the knees bent and the back straight.
Description:
1. Players start in 3 lines at one end of the ice.
2. Skate backward 3 or 5 strides in a zig-zag pattern from one side to the other.
3. Keep the elbow back to hide the reach of the stick and then extend the stick at the finish of each repetition.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090805115341660
https://youtu.be/KrkgO0wSvnw
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.835502727359526/179272380898552
B500 - 1-1 Puck Battles - Pro
Key Points:
Offensive player protect the puck with the body and skates, use cutbacks, fakes, change of pace. Go into the boards at an angle, Hands up on the glass when hit from behind. Defender stick on stick, body on body and maintain defensive side always.
Description:
1. Partners take turns moving up and down the boards protecting the puck for 10".
2. One player protect the puck and the other mirror from the defensive side keeping the stick on the puck.
3. Battle each other along the boards.
4. Goalies work on technique at one end.
https://youtu.be/t45uu-fpHOo
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.835518844024581/541847933524355
Puck Protection and Battling Along the Boards Sequence
This is the sequence I use when coaching puck protection skills and the the offensive and defensive battles along the boards.
We work on escape moves, cut backs, going into the boards at an angle and protecting yourself along the boards before we do this.
Then:
1. Puck protection shielding the puck offensively and stick on the puck on defense. Partner work all over the ice.
2. a. Partners along the boards. a. cut backs, change of pace, pass to self for ten seconds then alternate.
b. Protect the puck while the defender passively works on keeping the stick on the puck and on the ice.
c. Ten second battles alternating who starts with the puck.
3. Move to one end and use both corners or if there is a goalie only one corner. Use the same sequence as in 2 but add go to the net on the whistle. ie. vs. passive resistance and then battle.
4. Play a d400 low game from the top of the circles in of 1 on 1 on 1. All against each other. Lots of battling and puck protection skills needed.
5. Another D400 game from the top of the circles. We had 8 at one end and 10 at the other. 2 on 2 and when you get the puck you pass to the waiting players who attack vs the original attackers. Sequence like in the Perry Pearn of attack-defend-pass-rest. New attackers go on offense as soon as the get the puck.
6. D100 game with one minute shifts and pass to goalie on the whistle. All goals must come from playes originating below the goal line. This rule causes board battles to happen and the skills just practiced are needed.
I am attaching a pdf of the sequence.
We did a warm up and a shootout after.
A300 - Stickhandle Proprioceptive Overload - Pro
Key Points:
Use multiple pucks and balls to overload the nervous system and control them all around the body. With one puck over extend to increase your reach. Separate the movement of the upper and lower body, loosen the shoulders and use head and shoulder fakes. Practice moving the puck from the stick to the skates and back, as well as controlling the puck from in front and behind.
The exercises can be done off ice as well. Of course the speed has to be increased and it all has to be put into game situations vs. opponents.
Description:
1. Handle two or three, four pucks at once never letting them get more than a stick length away.
2. Reach with one hand as far back and forward as possible.
3. Slalom to the right and reach with the puck to the left and visa-versa in order to separate the movement of the upper and lower body.
4 .Repeat the same thing but this time skate and power away from the puck.
5. Move the puck from the stick to the inside and outside skate edges and back.
6. Bring the puck thru the skates on the forehand and backhand.
7. Hands close together and legs wide apart and use head and shoulder fakes.
8. Toe drag and move to the forehand and the backhand.
9. Fake a slapshot and accelerate to the forehand and backhand.
10. Handle two or three, four different kinds of balls around the body. i.e. tennis, racquet, hockey, Keep the balls within a stick length and under control.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140616121941979
https://youtu.be/UzDm9MxGuBc
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.839334323643033/382477733221668
E1 - 3 Shot Change on the Go Shootout
Key Points:
Players should work on selling the fake, change of pace and making the goalie move first. The goalie must time his retreat into the net to keep good angles on shots and cover the goal line on dekes.
Description:
Players are in the box and one puck on each blue line for every player.
Player from each team leaves the box and tries to score. If they score they race to the box and touch the boards and then the next player can leave.
Max 3 shots and then they must change of the go with another player.
First team to score with all the pucks wins. It works better to put the pucks on the blue line than in the middle as in the diagram.
To make it realistic the goalie should practice starting from the goal line and coming out.
B6 Pass and Shoot While Skating - U18 F-U17-U20
Key Points:
Most players have to coast before passing or shooting. In this exercise the players must keep their feet moving. It is important to keep the stick square to the puck and the hands away from the body.
Description:
1. Leave 2-0 from each corner and allow the players in front 2 or 3 passes before starting.
2. Pass while skating they can be one touch or two touch then pass.
3. Shoot before reaching the hash marks and rebound.
4. Switch sides with the inside player going to the outside when you go the other way.
5. Switch corners after a few minutes so the goalies get shots from the other side.
B6 Jursi Skate and Pass - U18 F
https://youtu.be/gsWhWvXq2bc
B6 - Jursi 2-0 Skate and Pass x 2 - No Shot - U17
https://youtu.be/P_gx6-rJeOA
B6 Jursi 2-0 with Regroup - U20
https://youtu.be/maYtXZL22Bg
DT4 Game with Three Jokers 1-1 to 3-3
Key Points:
Move quickly from defense to offense by passing to a joker and then open for a pass.
Coaches can be Jokers and give the players tips on getting open or other game play concepts.
Description:
1. Jokers in each corner and at the blue line.
2. Play a game where you must pass to a joker before you can score.
3. Jokers pass back to the team that passed to them.
E1 Shootout 2-0 Both Must Score
Key Points:
Goalie vs Goalie and Team vs Team. Attack with speed and shoot to score. Goalie focus on the shooter then play the pass or rebound. Keep the puck alive after it is frozen.
Description:
1. Two players leave from each team.
2. Only one pass is allowed in the offensive zone.
3. Both players must score.
4. After the first goal get a new puck.
5. Stay in the zone until you score. Goalie shoot frozen pucks to the side.
Rule: Score on first shot then no laps. Score on second shot one lap. If it takes three or more shots to score two laps. Losing goalie one lap.
E1 - 2 on 0 Shootout Race - Mike Johnston
https://youtu.be/nFXeVFqUJDM
This is a good flow drill I picked up from Rick Alexander who I coached a Polish U16 team with today.
-------------------------------------
B6 One Touch Passes and Shoot
Key Points:
Make good passes. Give a target and skate into the pass. Keep skating while passing and shooting.
Description:
A. 1 skate and pass to 2.
B. 2 skate to the inside and pass to 1.
C. 1 pass across ice to 4.
D. 4 pass to 3.
E. 3 pass to 1
F. 1 attack the net and shoot to score and rebound.
Rotation: 1 replace 2 who replaces 3 who replace 4.
Options. screen after shooting or curl back to rebound for the next shooter. Another option is to one touch pass with the next shooter so he can do a one timer.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110603080156202
https://youtu.be/TtCD6uKzTGI
We only had one goalie at the Polish U16 practice so I modified this one goalie transition game. It was a little confusing for them at the start because no one speaks english and they don't play transition games. Once the coach caught onto to the flow it worked really well.
----------------------------------------------------------------
DT400 - Game of Support-Regroup-Attack-Defend-Breakout - U15
Key Points:
This is a one puck transiton game. Regroup with support on the strong side boards and in the middle. If the puck goes across ice flow with the play.
Description:
A. Red 1 or 2 get a pass from the blue 3 or 4.
B. Red 1 and 2 attack 2-2 vs blue 1 and 2.
C. Blue 3 and 4 follow the attack to the top of the circles and give passive support (if the puck is carried higher than they are active)
D. The defending 1 or 2 pass to 3 or 4 on transition or after a goal.
E. Blue 3 and 4 regroup with Red 3 and 4 and turn and attack vs the original offensive players Red 3 and 4.
D. Continue this flow.
Options:
Add another regroup or D to D plays like hinge or switch.
https://youtu.be/qJK6oBKv4Ug
C600 Flow Alexander 2 on 1
Key Points:
On a 2-1 attack with speed and think first of scoring, If possible make the first pass near the blue line to allow a second play when reading the defender.
Defender stay in the middle and read the most dangerous player. It is really a 2-2 with the goalie.
Description:
1. F1 Leave and pass across to D1 and follow the pass breaking up the boards.
2. D1 skate to big ice between dots and pass to F1.
3. F1 pass to F2 who attacks 2-1 with F1 vs D1who plays a tight gap back.
4. When the original attack turns up ice start in the other direction with F3 passing to D2 who defends the other goal.
Options:
You could do this flow up to a 3-2.
This is a good game to use for controlled scrimmage. The defending player must pass to the coach at the point to transition to offense. The coach can stop the play and have the players freeze on the spot so he can point out offensive or defensive positioning or coverage. In a 2 on 2 situation you have all 4 game playing roles. On offense 1-player with the puck 2 - player supporting the puck. On defense you have 3 - player checking the puck carrier 4 - player covering players away from the puck. Because you start each shift with a dump in you also have the 3rd game situation of a loose puck situation.
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DT400 – 2 on 2 Coaches are Jokers at the Point
-Controlled Scrimmage Situation
-Coaches are the jokers at the points in a controlled scrimmage situation. One coach is the joker for each team.
-Everyone freeze on the whistle and coaches point out being in the proper game playing role.
1-player with the puck
2-player supporting the puck
3-player checking the puck carrier
4-player covering players away from puck
-When the puck is at the point the players are all in role 2 and role 4.
-Offensive players must get open or screen and tip.
-Defensive players must cover one player each on the defensive side, stick in the lane, box out in front.
-Keep score
DT400 - Quick Transition 2-2 - Coach Joker – Prospects
https://youtu.be/p6cHAkTJuhA
D1 Two Second Game - One Goalie - Youth
Key Points:
Face the puck, skate to open ice with the puck, get open for a pass, give a target.
Description:
Puck support is the theme of this game. One net is placed flat on the ice with the top facing one end and along the goal line.
-- To score you can only hit the top mesh with no metal noise.
- Scoring team gets the puck and go the other way after a goal.
- Team that is scored on must touch the red line before turning and checking the attackers.
- Players can handle the puck a maximum of 2" and must pass or shoot. Longer and the other team gets the puck.
- After scoring a player cannot score again until everyone on his team has scored.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110612133904232
https://youtu.be/5ShfK6IhSlU
This belongs here more than with the other thread. It is the most effective way to kill two short vs a PP with two pointment. It is a reversed triangle with the low D going side to side on the strong side and the two high men up and back on the weak side and up and to the middle on the strong side. It is a simple rotation. Of course if the PP moves to a diamond then you have to rotate the triangle and a low defender on the strong side has to honour the shooter on that side and net coverage goes to the weak side low man.
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T4-PK - 3-5 vs a Spread PP - Pro
Key Points:
The key is to eliminate one timer shots from the point, from the player in the middle and the back door play.
Description:
1. When the puck is passed down the D in front moves to that side.
2. Weak side high player drop low to take away back door one timer.
3. Strong side high player drop down and front the middle attacker.
4. Strong side high player get in shooting lane when puck is at the point.
5. Weak side high player cover middle and take away cross ice pass with stick.
6. Low player elininate tip ins in front but don't get tied up.
7. D to D pass everyone shift.
https://youtu.be/19ktWUhCegA
Planning Practices
I make diagrams and then copy and paste them on the TC Whiteboard practice plan template. The diagrams are on the left and the description on the right. I have put about 400 diagams on my skydrive. The link opens a slide presentation but they are easier to use if the 'View on Skydrive' option at the top is chosen. Almost all of these diagrams with descriptions have been posted on this site and at least half have the diagram, description and vido demonstration. To get the positings use the search function with the title. A few hundred also have video demonstrations.
http://cid-bd6fa116988317e9.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=play&resid=BD6FA116988317E9!1165&type=5&authkey=2tn93cM7a5o$&Bsrc=EMSHHM&Bpub=SN.Notifications
I will attach the Word Template. I save it as a Word file and then make a PDF file out of it. Any picture file will go there so if coaches have their own diagrams they also work.
95% of my diagrams are coded in the ABC format. This is like a library coding to make it easier to find things. Sometime you have to click on the diagram and read the code above as I sometimes forgot to put the code on the diagram itself.
A - Skating and individual skill
B - Partner skills
C - Game situation drills
D - Games full and SAG
DT - Transition games
E - Shootouts and contests
T - Teaching drills and games where the coach is controlling the situation and giving instruction on individual skills or team play.
The forum won't allow me to attach a docx file but the template is in the file section at. http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/filemgmt/index.php?id=35
An example of how the pdf looks is posted below.
I work with some pro players on sharpening their skills. This is a routine I use to overload the nervous system. It is a real challenge as every ball and puck is different in weight, bounce and size.
A3 Nervous System Overload for Puck Handling
Day One and Two
The sequence on the first two days that we didn't video was.
- one puck with big moves all around the body, in the feet, fake shots, moves, pivots.
- two pucks at once all around the body.
- two pucks then replace a puck with a ball when two balls.
- two balls, one puck on ball, two pucks around obstacles moving in all directions.
- move inside the circle around pucks, obstacles, escape moves, front and back toe drags around each dot on the rink, front and back toe drags inside and out of the 4 small nets.
- In order to practice handling the puck all around the body this is a great exercise. It also loosens the shoulders.
Do a large number 8 in each zone on each side of the ice. Start to the right on one side and to the left on the other. Do a different exercise in each zone. 1-forward moving the hands and feet. 2-backward moving the hands and feet. 3-face one end transition skating forward to back. (if there is a goalie shoot and change sides) 4-forward with the puck only on the forehand side of the blade. 5. forward with the puck only on the backhand side of the blade. 6. every third stride rotate first to the inside then face the outside all around the 8.
An example of the moves with one puck is on this video with IIHF Hall of Fame Russian coach Vladimir Jursinov leading a group of u20 and u17 players in Europe.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/filemgmt/index.php?id=6
Day Three
Overload the nervous system and challenge the player with 3 objects of varying weights and sizes.
Racquet ball, tennis ball and hockey ball are used here. Replace the heaviest object with a puck, then the next heaviest then handle 3 pucks for a lap, then 2 pucks, then go through the Russian Big Moves Warm up with one puck.
Make big moves and handle the puck all around the body.
Move around the 4 small nets inside the middle circle and focus on keeping the puck on the forehand in the triple threat position.
Overload the nervous system and challenge the player with 3 objects of varying weights and sizes.
Racquet ball, tennis ball and hockey ball are used here. Replace the heaviest object with a puck, then the next heaviest then handle 3 pucks for a lap, then 2 pucks, then go through the Russian Big Moves Warm up with one puck. Make big moves and handle the puck all around the body.
Move around the 4 small nets inside the middle circle and focus on keeping the puck on the forehand in the triple threat position.
Dary 3
Overload the nervous system and challenge the player with 3 objects of varying weights and sizes.
Racquet ball, tennis ball and hockey ball are used here. Replace the heaviest object with a puck, then the next heaviest then handle 3 pucks for a lap, then 2 pucks, then go through the Russian Big Moves Warm up with one puck. Make big moves and handle the puck all around the body.
Move around the 4 small nets inside the middle circle and focus on keeping the puck on the forehand in the triple threat position.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2011062308381933
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Day 4
Today we progressed to 4 objects and did them from heaviest to lightest, which is much harder.
Start with 4 pucks then replace the pucks one at a time with a.
1-Hockey ball + 3 pucks
2-Plastic puck, hockey ball + 2 pucks
3-Plastic puck, hockey ball, tennis ball + 1 puck
4-Plastic puck, hockey ball, tennis ball, racquet ball
Progress to handling 2 pucks in a small obstacle course.
Carry one puck on the forehand side in the triple threat position but always face the middle
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/album.php?aid=17&page=1
This was the fifth day that we went on the ice.
On Day 5 I stayed with 4 pucks and 4 other objects but changed things so there was a huge difference in the size, feel, bounce and weight. The heavy puck is at least 3 times the weight of a regular puck and the shinny puck with the middle removed is about a third as heavy. The racquet ball is very light and bouncy and the field hockey ball has zero bounce and is hard and heavy.
Handle 4 different kinds of balls and pucks, and then multiple pucks around 4 nets. Handle a puck around a circuit of 4 nets always facing the middlle in the triple threat positon. Loosen the shoulders with the puck on the forehand in the triple threat position and then continue the zig zags with the puck always on the backhand. Finish with a fake backhand pass and across the body.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/album.php?aid=17&page=1
I am reposting this because it is a good example of how to practice big moves in large groups and one puck each.
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A200 - Skating and Puck Handling - Yashin and Finnish HS
1. A200 formation and Yashin leads the big moves warm demonstrating the skill and the kid's follow.
2. A2 skating drills for balance and edge control.
3. A200 Russian Big Moves exercises. Pro player demonstrate the big moves and the players follow.
This practice was done at Juhani's hockey school in Mikkeli, Finland. It is beautiful lake country where he has his summer place. The focus is on Big Moves with Good Hard Fakes when puck handling. Many pro's including Yashin helped with his camps. Juhani is in the IIHF Hockey Hall of Fame and is a legend in Finland.
Another IIHF hall of famer Vladimir Yursinov is the one who developed this big moves warm up. He is a Russian hockey legend as a player and coach. Between them they have developed about 70 NHL players.
In my coaching experience these puck handling exercises are the most effective way for players to develop good hands. They can be done off ice as well. Big moves and handling the puck all around the body with big fakes and protecting the puck with the body are the essentials to being a good offensive player.
The video starts with Yashin demonstrating the moves down the ice and players following, then there is a few minutes of skating exercises for balance and it moves to the Russian Big Moves Puck Handling Sequence where the coaches demonstrate and the players do the same thing. This is a GREAT VIDEO for everyone to imporve puck handling.
When I talked with Iginla last week I mentioned to him that last season I saw him doing things I have never seen him do before like the back toe drag and putting it through his legs. He said that he has changed what he does at the start of each practice. Instead of just mindlessly skating and shooting the puck around now he gets a puck and practices all kinds of moves.
If players would do these big move exercises on their own for the first 5 minutes of each practice as a warm up the puck handling skills really improve.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?s=20080722140651119
https://youtu.be/ODq1cq-Z8_I
This is a tournament on the same theme as the last three postings. The focus is on puck handling by using a different type of ball or puck with each game. There are some passing rules but the main idea is to play a different game every 5 minutes and change the proprioceptive challenge to the nervous system. The player has to adapt to the variations in the pucks and balls.They play 9 games in total and get a lot of puck possession.
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D5 Tournament Using Various Pucks and Ball 1-1 to 3-3
Key Points:
The different weights, size, hardness and bounce of the pucks and balls overload the nervous system to adapt stickhandling technique.
This tournament lasted 45 minutes with 9 x 5 minute games. Fun, skill and lots of skating, touches and exercise. Research has shown that cross ice games have 600% more puck touches than a full ice game.
Description:
1. Play two cross ice and one game with one goalie.
2. Games last 5 minutes then the same teams play in a different area.
3. After all have played in each area rotate who they play against.
4. Use different pucks and balls for the first two rounds and then play 1-1 where the defender regroups with the goalie before attacking or the point in the one net game.
5. Keep track of wins.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130506082228769
https://youtu.be/N3AR3nS-qsU
Safety on the Ice
A short note on keeping your work space safe. I just saw one of the best players in the world go crashing into the boards after stepping on a puck that was left in the working area. No injury but easily could have been serious.
He actually was injured and had a bad shoulder the first few months of that season and a very slow start.
Coaches love having zillions of pucks all over the place in drills and even in games where they constantly shoot new pucks in for the next group. It is dangerous because when you step on a puck you are totally out of control.
So anticipate where the activity will be and move the pucks to a safe place.
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While I am on the subject I ask WHY PYLONS????
There are lines and dots all over the ice and on the boards that players can use as markings to turn etc. When every player goes around a pylon it tends to BREAK THE ICE and this worsens with each player who gets a turn. The ice gets rough and it is hard for the next players to do the skill. If the pylons aren't moved to new ice often it ruins the ice for the next group.
So if you need to use pylons and other apparatus then move them often.
Cutting up the ice is simply bad coaching manners.
Maybe with under 10 the ice isn't damaged badly because they are light but after that it worsens as the players get heavier and faster.
E300 3 on 2 Contest
Key Points:
Forwards compete with the defense and goalie. Points are awarded for shots and goals as well as defensive plays. Coach times 20" for the attack. Play ends if the puck is frozen, a goal scored or the defenders clear the zone. Record the score.
Description:
Forward Points:
1 point for each shot. up to 2 pts.
3 points for a goal.
Defenders Points:
3 points for stopping the rush before blue line
2 points for carrying the puck out of the zone
1 point for 0 shots within 20"
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110707074113682
Efficient Use of the Ice
An important part of coaching using the ABC method is to use the ice efficiently. We try to use the Physical Education principle of AIM.
A - 80% activity.
I - 10% instruction.
M - 10% maintenance; things such as moving pucks, switching starting points, water breaks, etc.
The more intense the activity the longer the rest period between reps. Recovery is part of the activity when the proper w/r ratios are used.
Hockey practices are almost the opposite in activity. Studies in Canada and Finland consistently show the average drill based practice has an individual player moving from 7-12 minutes in a 60 minute practice. This isn't enough activity to improve skills or fitness.
Some coaches get upset when I say this, so I challenge you to pick out one player and time him/her when they are active within a practice plan. Better yet take a video.
So coaches must learn how to move seamlessly from one activity to another without needing to go to the board all of the time. Create routines and sequences from the same starting place. Usually start with many pucks and reduce them down to one puck games or transition games.
Your players and your won/lost record will love you for it.
This is a skating warm-up that Gaston uses at the start of each skating session. The players use all of the edges and need to be in a solid balance position to accomplish everything. It is our Jasper camp and the players range from 7-14 years old.
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A2 Skating Warm-up for Edges and Balance
Key Points:
Good players can move in all directions efficiently because they and use all edges and have great balance on the ice. Routines for skating, puck handling, shooting and passing are efficient ways for a coach to quickly review the foundation skills and allow the players to get a lot of reps and improve at their own rate.
Description:
A2 Formation - Players start at one end and skate to the other end.
- inside edges - out and in using a snowplow.
- inside edges - sculling one leg at a time on the inside edges.
- outside and inside edges - slalom with the skates together and a good knee bend.
- balance and edges - one length of the ice on each leg.
Repeat the same sequence but skate Backward.
A2 – Skating Warm up for Agility and Balance – Jasper Camp
https://youtu.be/7DKq8pfeFSA
The same warm up with 12-14 year olds.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110423080435937
Hockey Coaching ABCs - Forum
https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?showtopic=1569