DT400 Game of Quick Transition – U15 B – Mike Johnston IIHF
Key Points:
The resting players attack right away when they get a pass and the original attackers must communicate and cover one attacker each.
Description:
1. Offensive team attacks 3 on 3. It can be 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 2-2 or 2-3 also if the coach wants to practice these situations. Up to 5-5 is possible.
2. On transition to offense the defenders pass to their teammates waiting behind the blue line.
3. Attack right away (don’t have to wait for teammates to get onside in this game.)
4. Original attackers now defend and communicate with each other on how to stop the attack.
5. After a goal the defenders is allowed to pass to the new attackers.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120416092419455
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.784424482467351/10159723340935931
DT400 Quick Transition Game - U15
https://youtu.be/ecxLc1JGBVY
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.784424482467351/10159723343230931
TomM
TomM
E1 Change on the Go with Pass Shootout - U18 F
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:
1. Players are in the box and one puck on each blue line for every player.
2. Player from each team leaves the box and tries to score.
3. If they score they race to the box and touch the boards and then the next player can leave.
4. If they don't score they pass to the next player who comes out of the box.
5. Losing team do something for every goal they lose by.
*To make it realistic the goalie should practice starting from the goal line and coming out.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120415181657595
https://youtu.be/VRtwyRqRv2I
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.784405739135892/10159723308355931
TomM
D200 Game With Various Situations - U18 F
Key Points:
Players must be alert to the changing situations from one to four opponents and communicate with each other. Only use one puck and pass to team mates on the whistle. Extra pucks can be dangerous when stepped on and hockey is played with one puck.
Description:
1. Teams line up near the dots outside of the blue line.
2. Coaches tell each team how many will go on the whistle.
3. Send from one to five, depending on how many are at the practice.
4. Shifts of 20”.
5. Keep score.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20210428155305486
https://youtu.be/ULtY1EXerHY
D200 - Game with Random Teams – Pro
https://youtu.be/27X8mNmp26I
https://www.facebook.com/tom.molloy.5836/videos/10159721198140931
TomM
E1 Elimination Shootout – Russia U20
Key Points:
Make a hard fake to cause the goalie to move and then shoot where he isn’t. Also shoot where the goalie is coming from and not where he is going. General principle is if goalie is out far deke and backs in shoot.
Description:
1. Everyone gets one shot.
2. Those who score get another shot.
3. Miss and you are out.
4. Winner is the last one left after all others have missed once.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120413083712806
https://youtu.be/4JFJ_bSuDkg
TomM
B300 - One Touch Monkey in the Middle - Finland U20
Key Points:
Give a target and use head and body fakes as well as look one way and pass the other way.
Description:
1. Choose monkey with Rock-Paper-Scissors
2. Only one touch passes are allowed.
3. Player making a bad pass goes into the middle.
4. Add a second player as a monkey for advanced groups.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120411094000243
https://youtu.be/SAHC6mQsLpw
TomM
B300 Monkey in the Middle vs 1 and 2 - Russian U20
Key Points:
Pass with good technique and give a target. Defenders keep the stick in passing lanes.
Description:
1. Choose teams with Rock-Paper-Scissors.
2. Start with one in the middle and then two when the first mistake is made.
3. Rotate on a bad pass or give-away.
4. Move with the puck and made stick and body fakes.
5. Use various kinds of passes or have rules such as one-touch only.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120410094022848
https://youtu.be/aePiP5lxwNw
TomM
A500 - Tight Turn 8's - SW
Key Points:
Tight turn with knees bent and inside leg in front. On the forehand turn do as the goalie in the video and keep the top hand at the side and elbow back. Don’t cross your hands as you cannot shoot or pass right away (new thought being taught now).
Description:
1. Carry a puck while doing these tasks and alternate turns with a partner.
2. Do two figure eights starting to the right with turns about 8 m. apart – switch.
3. Do two figure eights starting to the left – switch.
4. Repeat facing forward all of the time.
5. Repeat using a heel to heel turn (Crosby, Selanne)
6. Repeat skating backward. Also carry only on the forehand, then only backhand.
*Avoid using pylons as repeating in the same spot ruins the ice. Players can figure out how to do a number 8 as they all go to school. There are enough lines and dots on the ice to use as guidelines without the pylons (after players are 100 lbs. or 45 kg.)
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140506141803832
A500 - Tight Turn 8's – Sw
https://youtu.be/NJ8taXGNZwY
TomM
A500 - Waggle - Fake Go Outside – Build a Wall - Sw
Key Points:
The defender will always protect the middle so the attacker skate inside and when the defender adjusts inside then Waggle by accelerating outside and go wide. Once the attacker is past the defenders shoulder then build a wall and cut in.
Description:
1. Attacker leave from the red line vs. a coach or a passive defender near the top of the circle.
2. Attacker Waggle inside and when defender adjusts inside go outside, build a wall with the body and shoot.
3. The key is to force the defender to make lateral adjustments and not simply skate back in a straight line on the defensive side.
4. Circle back and rebound for the next shooter.
*If the defender turns while adjusting back outside it is possible to go to the middle.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140506141023321
A500 - Fake Inside Go Outside – Sw
https://youtu.be/Py0iNu4m6QI
TomM
A500 - Deke and Breakaway vs. Backchecker - Sw
Key Points:
Use the Waggle with head and shoulder fakes skating one way and go the other way when the defender bites. Defender skate straight at the puck carrier and then backcheck when he goes by.
Description:
1. Puck carriers in the corner and at the red line with defenders about 8 m. away.
2. Defender skate straight at the puck carrier.
3. Puck-carrier waggle with a strong fake to make the checker commit to one way.
4. Puck-carrier go hard to the net and the defender backcheck.
5. Battle for a rebound.
6. Alternate starting from the corner and then the red line.
7. Larger groups could have players in both corners and both sides at the red line.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140506140329929
A500 - Deke and Breakaway vs Backchecker – Sw
https://youtu.be/03fwZ-HBpto
TomM
A500 - Overspeed Puck Handling with a Shot - Sw
Key Points:
Players should skate and make moves at full speed. If they fall sometimes that shows they are pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone, which is great. Always follow the shot for a rebound.
Description:
1. Players are lined up along the boards with one colour on each side of the red line with a net at each blue line.
2. On whistle the players skate with the puck in the neutral zone.
3. Overspeed tempo with moves and turns at a faster pace than the players usually go.
4. Shoot on one net each on the next whistle.
5. Whistle about every 7”.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140506134839311
A500 - Overspeed Puck Handling with a Shot – Sw
https://youtu.be/fvlxezaYJfQ
TomM
A500 - Gretzky Move and Shot - Sw
Key Points:
Attacker skate fake outside to draw the defender then cut across inside. Attacker recognize that defender has given up the blue line and force him to skate laterally by moving back and across to create space.
Description:
1. Attacker leave from the red line with a coach or another player backing up to the top of the circles.
2. Attacker fake skating to the outside.
3. Attacker see the defender lean outside and then quickly skate inside and back and then laterally to the middle.
4. Gretzky would skate across the midline and pump fake once and then shoot as the goalie moved across.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140506133036801
A500 - Gretzky Move and Shot - Sw
https://youtu.be/unJpJaHGvIs
TomM
A500 - Puck Protection - Sw
Key Points:
Protect the puck by shielding it with the body and using fakes and cutbacks. Absorb checks by putting the hands up on the glass while holding the stick with two hands. Defensive player should always have the stick on the puck.
Description:
1. One offensive player and one defensive player.
2. Offensive player protect the puck along the boards for 10-15 seconds.
3. Defensive player maintain net side with the stick on the puck.
4. Switch roles.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140506133922483
A500 - Puck Protection – Sw
https://youtu.be/RVptxsczfZc
TomM
A500 - Keepaway Inside Circle - SW
Key Points:
Protect the puck by shielding it with the body. Use head and shoulder fakes and escape moves.
Description:
- Alternative A - 3 to 6 players are inside a circle with one puck each.
- On the whistle they play keepaway with their puck and try to knock the other players pucks out of the circle.
- Last player in the circle wins.
- Alternative B is to stay in the circle and steal other players pucks when you lose your puck and the player with the last puck wins.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140506131905434
A500 - Keepaway Inside Circle – Sw
https://youtu.be/pwOyFDWizBY
TomM
Observations of International Hockey
I am working with younger players this spring; so I am going to focus on the individual skills from the Swedish site to see if there are any new ideas there from our Scandanavian friends. The Swedes have great individual technique.
I took my college women's team to Stockholm and played some games about 5 years ago. Verner Persson, Kjell Larsen, Hans Lindberg were three of the coaches who George Kingston brought here to give two week coaching courses in the 80;s. They were all very good. When I was at the World Youth conference in Heidelberg, Germany two years ago the Swedes had a bus load of over 50 youth coaches in attendance. They really focused on improving the coaching for youth hockey.
Three springs ago the Swedish Women's Olympic Team came here to train. I watched a lot of their practices and since I know a few of the coaches I invited the staff to my house and we had a barbecue before they left for some exhibition games. There were two Swedish coaches on the Red Bull staff when I was working with them in Salzburg, Austria the 08-09 season.
So I have had quite a lot of exposure to the Swedish view of how to coach and how to play the game and have always been impressed by how thoroughly they prepare.
The Swedes, Finns, Czechs and other hockey countries have to be very good at developing players. Canada and the USA have over a half million players each. We can afford to waste players and have poor development programs because of the power of numbers. Erkka Westerlund, who was the head of Finnish Hockey, told me, 'we don't have that many players, so we can't cut a player at 12 because he is small, we have to develop everyone and give them good technique.
When I was in the Czech Republic two years ago Slavamir Lener, the head of their hockey, told me that when it was Czechoslovakia they had 82 000 players and now the two countries combined have only 32 000 players. I was offered a coaching position in Jihlava last season to be the assistant to the only english speaking coach of the U20 team (former NHL player) and coach mentor for the other coaches in the club. (they liked what I did at the hockey school and mentoring the U20 coach). They didn't get the grant from the city to pay the contract; so it didn't happen.
So it is very worthwhile to pay attention to what the other countries are doing to develop players. By the numbers they shouldn't be able to compete with Canada and the USA but last year the Finns won the IIHF worlds and the Swedes won the World U20.
They are having a coaching symposium in Stockholm during the IIHF World's but it looks like it is directed at Swedish coaches. It is posted on the same website as the drills.
TomM
C6 – 2 on 1 with Backchecker – 2-2 - Sw
Key Point:
Attack with speed and make the first pass early when entering the offensive zone. Defender stay in the middle and tell the back checker who to cover.
Description:
1. Attacker 1 and 2 start from the hash marks 1 on the boards and 2 in the middle.
2. Defender 1 start on the blue line and 2 on goal line to backcheck.
3. Defender 2 pass to attacker 1.
4. Attackers 1 and 2 skate vs defender 1 while defender 2 backchecks.
5. Attackers try to maintain the 2-1 and score while defenders try to create a 2-2.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140421092228235
C6 - 2-1 Rush with Backchecker – SW
https://youtu.be/D4iNH-grZM4
TomM
C3 - 2 on 1 - Walkout-Point Shot – Sw
Key Points:
Pass hard and screen the goalie. On the 2-1 the first pass should be made near the blue line to force the defender to make a decision and allow a second play. Defender stay in the middle and decide who the most dangerous attacker is. Deny a breakaway and pass across remembering it is a 2-2 with the goalie.
Description:
1. F1 give and go with D1 then walk in and shoot.
2. F2 pass to D1 at the point who drags to the slot and shoots while F1 screens the goalie.
3. F2 pass to D1 who taps puck to F1 and then F1 and F2 attack 2-1 vs. D1.
4. Next group repeat.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2014042109112259
C3 - 2 on 1 -Walkout-Point Shot – Sw
https://youtu.be/jU82_354JHA
TomM
C3 - 2 on 1 with 2 Backcheckers - 3-3 - Sw
Key Points:
Attack with speed and make the first play early. Back checkers and defenseman communicate and cover one player each on the rush and in the defensive zone.
Description:
1. Blue F1 and F2 attack vs. Red D1 from the corner.
2. Red F1 and F2 wait at the blue line and attack vs. Blue D1 with a new puck on the coaches whistle.
3. Red D1 join the attack and Blue F1 and F2 back check.
4. Play 3 on 3 with Red attacking and Blue defending.
*This drill could progress to a one puck transition game by having Red D1 pass to the red forwards who could give passive support from the high slot. It could continue with 2 new attackers and one defender supporting after each rush.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2021042717003893
C3 - 2 on 1 with 2 Backcheckers – Sw
https://youtu.be/DGzLH21gb2M
TomM
D400-C5 - 2-1 Battle in Slot - SW
Key Points:
Defender has to recognize who is the most dangerous player but never give a breakaway. Attackers must do everything quickly and constantly move.
Description:
1. Two attackers and one defender battle in the slot area (War Zone).
2. Coach pass to F1 the closest attacker.
3. Attacker pass to F2 or shoot.
4. Extra players on the side keep the puck in and pass to the highest attacker.
5. Defender keep the stick in the passing lane and head on a swivel to know where each attacker is.
6. Rotate every 30 seconds.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140421091403276
C5 - D400 - 2-1 Battle in Slot – SW
https://youtu.be/h87Kt6CK2mU
TomM
C2 - 2-1 on Rush then from Cycle- SW
Key Points:
F1 must get to the puck first vs. D1. Attackers protect the puck and go to the net. Defender must stay on the defensive side and then play a 2 on 1 situation after the cycle always recognizing the most dangerous attacker.
Description:
1. Two forwards and one defender start from behind the blue line with forwards on the inside.
2. Coach shoot the puck into the corner.
3. F1 race D1 to the puck.
4. If F1wins the battle then protect the puck and pass to F2.
5. D1 defend 2 vs. 1 until the puck is frozen or cleared.
6. If D1 wins the race then he clears the puck.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2014041711591485
C5 - 2-1 on Rush then from Cycle – SW
https://youtu.be/oLUvee4FwHE
TomM
E1 - A6 - Shootout – Russian U20
Key Points:
Goalie play it like a regular shootout and leave from the goal line to get used to coming out and then timing the skating back with the shooters speed. Shooter make the goalie move and ‘shoot where he is coming from and not where he is going.’ Remember that under the crossbar is always a good shot; as Glen Hall said, “there is no one up there.”
Description:
Shootout competition.
The pucks are in the middle and each player gets one shot vs. each goalie with the team that scores the most goals the winner. Players leave from diagonal corners.
In this video of the Russians the losing team had to walk on their knees from the blue to the red line.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120323092240208
https://youtu.be/12UOnXP37C8
TomM
C1 - 1 on 1 - SW
Key Points:
Attack with speed and make the defender collapse to the middle and try to get by when they skate outside.
Defender keep no more gap than a stick length. Defend from the net side always. Stay with attacker after the shot and tie up the stick.
Description:
A. R1 pass to B1.
B. B1 attack and try to score while R1 defends.
C. Go for the rebound after a shot.
This can be done from either one or both sides at the same time.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140417112911309
C1 - 1 on 1 Full Ice – Sw
https://youtu.be/zcSxwl93Q_M
TomM
C500 - 1-1 in Front and Support at Point and Behind - Sweden
Key Points:
The most dangerous attacker is in front of the net. Play 2-1 but really a 2-2 as the goalie takes the shooter and defender denies the pass. Seal the stick to the outside on the shot and tie up the stick and then look for the rebound after the shot.
Description:
1. Coach has the pucks and passes to either the point or behind the net.
2. Players at point and behind can only shoot or pass.
3. Defender deny pass to the player in front and rebound goals.
4. Repeat about three times.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140417111338220
C500 - 1-1 in Front and Support at Point and Behind – Sw
https://youtu.be/fPSGQBPmQxY
TomM
C6 - 1-1 in Front - Point Shot – SW
Key Points:
Defender, stay between attacker and the net and box out the attacker and seal his stick to the outside.
Attacker, screen the goalie and keep stick free to redirect puck. Fight for a rebound shot.
Description:
1. B1 pass to B2 at the point from the corner.
2. B1 go to the front of the net and R1 skate with B1 to defend.
3. B2 skate inside dot and shoot.
4. B1 battle with R1 to screen and tip and score on the rebound.
5. R1 maintain net side and seal B1 stick to the outside and battle to clear the rebound.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2014060209311735
C6 - 1-1 in Front - Point Shot – SW
https://youtu.be/H-yThfDequg
TomM
C3 - 1 on 1 From Blue Line and Corner – Sw
The Swedish Ice Hockey Association has a website with great drills and games. I am going through them and doing diagrams of the drills. Coaches can go to the link for the site to watch them. They are very well done. A lot better than I can do with my camera. The videos have more than one drill but I am sure the coaches that come here are smart enough to figure that out.[/i]
---------------------------------------------------
Key Points:
On offense protect the puck, shoot while skating and follow the shot for a rebound. On defense play from the net side with the stick on the puck. Stay with the attacker and control the stick after the shot and then look for the puck.
Description:
1. Attacker and defender leave from the blue line and the passer is on the other side of the ice above the dot.
2. Attacker skate into the slot for a pass and the defender skate backward.
3. First pass is in the slot and battle to score and defend.
4. Second pass happens when the first battle is over and the puck is shot into the far corner.
5. Attacker protect the puck vs. defender and battle to get to the net and score.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140417102942736
C3 - 1 on 1 From Blue Line and Corner – Sw
https://youtu.be/g6qrbuXBH0M
TomM
D9 - 4 Teams x 4 Nets - Youth Skills Class
Key Points:
Keep your head on a swivel so you can read where the next play is going. Skate to open ice with the puck and look to pass.
Description:
1. Use four nets. One at each end and one at diagonal blue lines.
2. Divide the players into four teams.
3. Each team defends one net and can score on the other three.
4. Allow the defending team 5 metres to take the puck out of their net when scored on.
5. Keep score.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120318093412931
https://youtu.be/mcIlTi9SNYk
TomM
B6 Swedish Puck Exchange U18 F
Key Points:
Pass while skating. This exchange overloads the nervous system and works on quick reactions. Add more passes and tasks as the players improve.
Description:
A. Player 1 from each line skate and exchange pucks two times.
B. Players continue skating, shoot and follow the shot for a rebound.
Options:
C. Screen for the next shooter.
D. Circle back and rebound for next shooter.
E. Give and go with the next shooter.
F. 1 and 2 exchange passes with diagonal 1 and 2 and all get a pass.
G. Three players leave and exchange passes.
H. After shooting defend 1-1 vs next shooter.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120315092804984
https://youtu.be/KF9mkO0TbVo
TomM
F - Spin Class on Exercise Bikes – U18 Girl’s – Player Led
Key Points:
Work the various aerobic and anaerobic energy systems and pay attention to the work/rest ratio.
There was confusion on the date of the Spin Class and no instructor was there. The players took control and instead of going home they warmed up with a few laps around the track, did core exercises with each player leading one and then Kiera, an assistant captain took the leader bike, mike and music and led a 30 minute spin session.
Description:
Players take turns sprinting on the bikes. They are in groups and play Rock – Paper – Scissors to choose which group goes next.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120314084907424
https://youtu.be/EUou3FsTHQQ
TomM
D4 - Two Pass – Swiss U20
Key Points:
My favorite game to warm-up the players at the start of practice. The quicker they make the passes after regaining the puck the more scoring chances they produce. This video shows the Swiss U20 Team playing 2 Pass as a warm-up.
Description:
1. Players must stay inside the blueline and if they puck goes out the other team gets it.
2. Before scoring the offensive team must make at least two passes.
3. When the defenders regain the puck they must make at least two passes before a shot.
4. Make rules with skills for skating, shooting, passing or good habits. So the game is a template to either use as itself or modify rules to cause the players to do skills or moves within a game situation.
* I add skill rules such as one touch passing, goals on one timers, only back hand passes, only forehand passes, goals must result from plays below the goal line, maximum two seconds with the puck, maximum one second with the puck, goals must result from plays from the point, you must make an escape move before passing, etc. Whatever you want the players to work on within a game situation can be the rule modification for 2 pass.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120313082015545
https://youtu.be/6bxJ2Sy79OI
TomM
ABC Coding System Explained
All of the drills and game practice PDF's are organized with the ABC coding system along with an explanation of the codes. I update the folder with the new material:
Juhani Wahlsten designed the coding system so it is easy to find drills and games because they are classified according to what kind of skill, where the players stand on the ice and whether it is an individual, partner, team play, game, transition game, goalie activity etc. Otherwise a coach has all kinds of drills on sheets of paper that he has to look through all of the time to find something. All of the diagrams use International Symbols which give consistency and coaches from around the world can understand the diagram whatever language they speak.
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AukXg5gWoW-9hoFt270Sfe3SgndWGA?e=8lpFpW
TomM
E1 Shootout Race – Sweden
Key Points:
Players must skate hard and battle for net side body position. Player who wins the puck must protect it and the checker fight for defensive side without taking a penalty. They should play any rebound in the slot.
Description:
1. Players start behind the blue line dots and race around markers near the red line.
2. The coach passes a puck in the centre near the blue line.
3. Two players battle to get the puck and score.
4. Continue the battle while one attacks and one defends.
5. Play any rebound directly in front of the net.
6. One group vs. the other and keep score.
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20140428093723982
https://youtu.be/UDrq4Q7WPVw
'Enjoy the Game'