C2 - 1-1, 2-2 Loose Puck Battles - Wally Kozak - U18 F

Key Points:

Battle for loose pucks. Fire in a new puck as soon as the battle is over. Start with one end and then go both ends at once. Keep score. Stop the battles and ask what can be done better and give input to improve performance. Check closely and pressure the puck carriers hips. Can be played 1-1 to 5-5 with even or odd numbered teams depending on how many players are practicing.

Description:

1. Players line up on the red line.
2. Red one side and black the other side.
3. Battle for pucks with good angles, body position, protect the puck.
4. Coach shoot a puck in and a player from each colour race for the puck.
5. Start with 1-1.
6. Player that wins the battle must breakout over the blue line then turn back to attack.
7. Battle happens at both ends.
8. When the rush ends players return to the lineup and a new puck is shot in at either end.
9. Play 2 on 2.
10. 2-2 has all 4 game playing roles. 1-puck carrier, 2-offesive support, 3-closest checker, 4-defend away from the puck.
11. Start at one end to demonstrate and then go both ends at once.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=20171219120514856

https://youtu.be/qWhxxzyujc8

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.742907376619062/10159565740660931

T2 Take the Ice Behind to Create 2-1's

One of my friends who played against Gretzky a lot said it was especially difficult because him and Kurri would work together. Kurri would have the puck on the outside and skate inside just before the blue line. Gretzky would pick up the puck and reach over the blue line with it creating a situation where the first one over the blue line did not have the puck, this made the read different for the defender. The left winger would go hard to the net and Kurri would be a second wave opening up for a one timer. Gretzky faced the play in the triple threat position and had the options on the forehand to:

1. Go to the net.
2. Pass to the left winger.
3. Pass to Kurri for a one timer.
4. Pass to Coffey coming in from the point.
5. Pass to the strong side D.

It worked pretty good for all of them.

T2 Take the Ice Behind to Create 2-1's – Pro

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.

This video example is from Swedish and Czech pro games where they constantly change the flow of the play and create 2-1's. If the defenders are in good position in front of you then a direct attack is not effective but you have to cause them to make decisions on 'switch or not' change the speed of the attack to create gaps and switch lanes to make it more difficult to 'read the play.'

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20110408092101945

https://youtu.be/Ct13iVusijI

Video examples of taking the ‘Big Ice’ by skating between the dots and the player in the middle goes outside and ‘Takes the Ice Behind.’

Examples from Pro team practices.

T2 - B6 - 2-0 Skate to Big Ice-X and Drop-Shoot - Pro

https://youtu.be/LmOF-ekbXtE

T2 - B6 - 2-0-Gain Zone-X and Drop - Pro

https://youtu.be/MWMyf0UkaIA

T2-B600 Isolate Wide D on 2-2 - Pro

https://youtu.be/9-q0d7PnUmA

C3 2 on 2 with Regroup – RB Pro

https://youtu.be/__sFdAi9pek

C3-C6 Point Shot 2-2 – Pro

https://youtu.be/9kinyEp-Xuo

C600 2-0 to 2-2 - Pro

https://youtu.be/8hmgYOegSsY

T1 - Scoring Stations - U18 F- U17 B

Key Points:

Shoot while skating. Hit the net. Use deception to get the shot through.

Description:

1. Defense skate and get a puck on the boards, skate inside the dot and shoot x 3. Do this on both sides.
2. D1 skate out and pass to D2 at point, then go out to block the shot. D2 make deceptive moves to get the shot on net and miss the blocker.
3. F1 leave from behind the red line at a coach or other player. Skate to the inside and wait for defender to collapse to protect the middle. Skate outside, build a wall with the leg and body and puck on outside. Cut in and shoot.
4. Scissors. F1 skate up the boards with a puck. D1 read F1 is above the hash and shouldn’t pass to the point and skate down the wall. F1 leave room for D1 to skate down the boards and pass to D1. D1 go to the net and F1 cycle high for a pass.

U17 Boy's
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.741284223448044/10159559180465931

https://youtu.be/TZGWV2DWpDU

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.741284223448044/10159559180465931

T2 - Breakout Sequence - Wally Kozak - U18 F

Key Points:

Defense make a deception escape move to beat the forechecker and face up ice. Skate hard and pass while skating.

Description:
1. Begin with a stop and start skating progression where you face the puck with no cross-over but load on the back inside edge and push forwards with the stick as a target.
2. Goalies make a breakout pass to each side. All the skaters go deep in the corner and pivot for a pass from each corner.
3. First player carry the puck and make a fake inside turn outside, skate hard and make a pass to the second player skating up to boards. Pass to the goalie, open pivot and get a return pass. Progress to forward pass to the goalie who passes to the defense.
4. Three leave, one defense, two wing, three centre. Centre support low and slow from behind and below the wing. Goalies move to the red line and exchange passes. Add pass back to D who passes to the other forward.
5. Four leave and the fourth player is a forechecker. Checker cover either the wing or centre and defense read the passing option or pressure the puck carrier.
6. Attack 3-1 backchecker and score at the other end.
7. Pass to Goalie. Goalie Set up Puck. Breakout 3-0. Attack 3-0. Defense start at the blue line and forward shoot the puck on net. Goalie set it up and breakout and attack 3-0. Defense skate backward, pivot forward, shoulder check. Defense make an escape move to beat the checker, skate hard up ice and pass to a forward. 3-0 attack with speed. D join the attack.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=20171208171205521

https://youtu.be/995uo789DdY

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.741230893453377/10159558887535931

A200 - Ovechkin Moves to Score - RB U17-20

I watched highlights of Ovechkin scoring two goals the other night and the moves he used are right out of this sequence he learned from his former coach in Russia. The first goal he faked a shot then pushed the puck outside the defenders shin pads on his forehand, shot and scored. Next goal he did the same but added pull across and slide backwards - shoot - Score.
Vladimir Jursinov has developed over 65 players who moved on to the NHL. He coached Moscow Dynamo during the Soviet era and was assistant to Tikonov when they dominated the Olympics and World Championships. In 98 the first time NHLer’s played in the Olympics the Russian players who were in the NHL insisted he be the head coach for the Olympic team or they wouldn’t play. He has coached other Olympics since.

This is a 1-1 sequence that gives options to score.

I was lucky enough to coach with Jursi in Austria and took video so I would remember what he did.

https://youtu.be/ddVL3WB5dTk

D100 - Two Touch Batchko - U18 F - Wally Kozak

Key Points:

Game where the players are not allowed to handle the puck. Player must skate to open ice with the puck and teammates have to get open for a pass and give close support. Players must have loose shoulders to control the puck on either the backhand or forehand side of the stick. Players must protect the puck with their body. The game is the greatest coach.

Description:

1. Play full ice with teams of 3-3 up to half the team on each side.
2. Players can only touch the puck twice.
3. First touch is when they take a pass.
4. Second pass is when they make a pass or take a shot.
5. Coach blow the whistle if there is more touches and the other team gets the puck.
6. Play a game and keep score.
7. After a goal the scoring team must tag up at the red line before they can forecheck.

* This is a game played all the time in Czech Republic and all over Europe.

* This is a core game to practice puck support and puck protection.

* Batchko is great for any level from kid’s to pro and can also be a SAG.

* Enjoy the Game.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=2017120212154990

https://youtu.be/2n3B8rN4oA8

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.740033056906494/10159553823785931

ABC's of International Hockey Manuals - 2017



C – Game Situation Drills Manual - 2017

A – Skating and Individual Skills Manual - 2017


This manual has drills for practicing skating, shooting and puck handling.

B2 - Shot-Pass-Shot x 3 x 2 x 2 – Pro

Key Points:

Pass and shoot while skating. Make firm one touch wrist passes. Hit the net.

Description:

1. Players line up at the red line with pucks facing each end.
2. P1 in middle leave and shoot.
3. P1 turn and exchange passes with P2 on the right who shoots.
4. P2 turn inside and exchange passes with P3 on the left who shoots.
5. P3 skate into the middle lane and exchange passes with P4 in the middle who shoots.
6. After passing the player replace the player they passed to.
7. Continue this rotation.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=20171119101355948

https://youtu.be/slO0FFCNd3g

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.739377426972057/10159550903540931

T2-4 - D400 3-2 – Wally Kozak - U18 F

Key Points:

Forwards have to get on the puck hard. Two in deep. F1 make contact, F2 double team D1 or pressure D2 on a D to D. F3 mirror from about the hash marks. Rotate who is F1-F2-F3 according to who is closest to the puck. Make eye contact before passing and avoid ‘hope passes’ that result in turnovers.

Description:

1. Play the low 3-2.
2. Two D go back for the puck vs. three forwards.
3. Forwards try to score and defense to break out.
4. Coach dump the puck in.
5. Coach shoot in a new puck if original puck is out of play.
6. Go about 30”.

I sent the Team Play video to one of my friends who is coaching in the NHL and this is his comment.

… ‘that was good. Basically how most teams F/C now. F1 and F2 mark the D and F3 surfs east/west in surf zone (around hash marks) and gets to strong side wall or to bump to middle.
Off a share - which a lot of teams do now and wide rim is D pinch down. F2 quicker than old days and D up and pinch quicker. Basically it is 5 man forecheck now, and 5 man neutral zone aggressive once the Opposition gets there and 5 quick back and tight(swarm) in defensive zone coverage.’

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=2017111409263440

https://youtu.be/YzmysU4REu4

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.738766077033192/10159548390740931

A - Skating and Playing With Speed - Wally Kozak - U18 F

Key Points:

Wally is a former Canada National Men’s Team player and later assistant coach to Dave King. He was the head scout and assistant coach for Canada's Olympic Women’s Team.

Wally did this sequence with my U18 Female team with the focus on playing with speed. Wally comes to my early afternoon practice on Thursday and I always give him time to try out some of his thoughts on teaching the game. He is 'The Professor' of hockey.

Play at top speed both going forward and backward Skating in straight lines, turning and with quick cross-overs. Everyone takes turns going forward and backward. Look over your shoulder to the inside when skating backwards.

Description:

1. Players line up at one end of the ice and skate down the middle to the far blue line and back down the side.
2. Work in pairs. Forward skater can cross-over up to three times and backward skater must mirror.
3. Puck carrier try to get behind the backward skater either striding or crossing over.
4. Skate backward around two circle and reach in with the inside skate.
5. Backward skater mirror partner using only one cross-over each way.
6. Skate backward down the side and back making two strides each way.
7. Make linear cross-overs forward to gain speed.
8. McDavid and Eichel using linear cross-overs. First without the puck and second with the puck down and back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9shcAqsCmlM&feature=youtu.be

McDavid Linear Cross-overs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/631135947796206/permalink/736104363966030/

9. 1-1 attacker start from the crease and defender from the hash marks. Defender no cross-overs; stride only, start back facing the side boards.
10. Focus on speed and use linear cross-overs forward.
11. Backward stride down the middle and focus on using the arms North/South only.
12. Defense in middle and forward leave from the corner. Forward skate to the blue line then back below the dot. Defender mirror to maintain the gap and defend 1-1. Forward skate using linear cross-overs to accelerate.

* Team did a Continuous 2-1 Transition Game after this with the focus on speed.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=20171104114129333

https://youtu.be/6p1Tve5An94

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.738241893752277/10159545984495931

B4-B600 - Neutral Zone Pass x 2 – Shot - U18 F

Key Points:

Forwards face the puck and give a target. Defense make crisp wrist or snap passes while skating.
Forwards focus on keeping the stick blade square to the pass, especially on the backhand.

Description:

1. Forwards at the blue lines and defense in the middle.
2. Defense at each blue line skate forward - get a puck.
3. Forwards from diagonal side skate up to the red line and pivot for a pass.
4. Defense each pass to a forward on the opposite wing.
5. Defense repeat by skating back to the blue line and up to get a new puck.
6. Defense now pass to a second forward who pivots for a pass on the other wing.
7. Forwards skate in and take a shot then follow the shot for a rebound.
8. Defense get a third puck, pivot at the blue line then skate to far blue line and take a point shot.
9. First forward screen and second circle back to rebound for the next shooter.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=20171102112044347

https://youtu.be/-N4f0S3tNVk

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.738204633756003/10159545834720931

B6-600 – F-D Agility Skate - Stretch Pass - Point Shot – Pro

Key Points:

Skate at top speed. Pass and shoot while skating. Forward screen so the goalie has to lean one way to see the puck. This drill could be done alternating sides.

Description:

1. Forwards in diagonal corners at defensemen at diagonal blue lines.
2. F1 from each end skate around the top of the circle and bottom of the other circle.
3. D1’s skate up to the red line, backwards, turn and pick up a puck from F2 inside the blue line.
4. F1’s skate down the far wing and give a target for a pass.
5. D1 on each side make a cross ice pass to F1’s and follow to the blue line.
6. Coach or player who shot give passive resistance to F1 at each end.
7. F1’ take a shot and follow for a rebound in the slot.
8. F1’s get a new puck in the corner, pass to D1 and screen in front.
9. D1’s skate the puck inside the dot and shoot.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=20171031113338871

https://youtu.be/J-6IhUZ8oJs

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.737618020481331/10159543372220931

Specialty Team Scrimmage and Principles of the Power Play and Penalty Kill

We had a specialty team scrimmage on 10-24-17. Former Olympic Women's team asst. coach and asst. to Dave King when he coached the men's National team Wally Kozak is my mentor and these are his thoughts.

AAA/AA Special Teams Scrimmage - Oct. 24, 2017

Format of scrimmage: It was a 75' ice time. 10' warm-up, 10' 5-4, 10' 4-5, 10' 5-3, 10'-5-3, 10' 6-5, 10' 5-6. After each segment the clock is reset and the players come to the bench for a 3' review with the coach and then play for 7'. Straight time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i02cdqlBbpQ&feature=youtu.be

Key to success: Special teams are “Special” teams within a team.

PP Read and Act – Adjust to the PK – Think a pass ahead -Take what they give

you.

“Play Chess not Checkers”

Match players skills and traits to PP areas; point, 1?2 boards, corner, net, and slot.

70% of PP goals are a product of point shots , tips, rebounds

PP Get pucks through to the net or sticks

Work harder on the PP,” Gang Mentality”

PP possession overrides position.” Swarm to get and keep the puck.

PP D pinch down to the goal line on PP

Win Face Offs or... get the puck. It starts with Possession. Every second counts.

P K rules:

1. Stop and Start St line skating.

2. Lead with the stick. Body in the shooting lane. Look big.

3. Busy sticks - in the passing lanes.

4. Swivel the head -

(Same rules for 5 vs 5 D zone play)

Clear Pucks while skating on Forehand

Soft Rims allow for possession to clear pucks

Special Teams:

Here are some lessons learned from watching special teams that May benefit any coach of any team. Win the Special team's Game and you will often win the game.

Power Play:

1. Break out
> D sets up behind net (if possible) (wheel if not)
>The D behind the net must fake one way and go the other if the C does not come behind. This creates time and space to carry and pass the puck using the open lane as the PK fore checkers react to the fake.
> Timed swing in corners by D and C (or low Fw's)
> IF C comes behind net they may leave or take the puck and the D and FW use each other to move the puck up ice.

2. PP entry
> Always try to score on direct attack - take advantage of the time and space.
> Try to set up at the hash and provide support ( Out # = Possession over rides Position) to get and keep the puck
>D pinch to the goal line on PP

3. PP execution
>use a give and Go and roll to create options low or high .
>take what they give you. (walk out of corner, walk the seam, pass to point)
>Possession over rides position. Outnumber, out battle/ race to keep the puck.
WIN THE FACE OFFS> Vs box > get pucks through from he point.

? Vs Semi active - Read and act - give >go >roll > etc Smart point shots.
? Deceptive quick puck movement. Touch passes.
? Vs Pressure - quick deceptive puck movement - low to high or high to low pass. Short pass >long pass. Touch pass.

Penalty Kill
1. Forecheck
> Think scoring when given a chance. The PP does not expect it.
> Use your system ? swing and roll ?

PK /PP successful tips:
1. Pressure on entry - do not let them set up easily..
2. Use soft not hard rims to get the puck at the 1/2 boards to clear it. Avoid hard rims. Hard rims on PK will be a give away to their D. Few Teams will pinch their D so far down on PP. Teach your D to pinch down to the goal line. Out battle them. Outnumber them. “Possession overrides position”. Always outwork them on the PP

P K rules:
1. Stop and Start St line skating.
2. Lead with the stick. Body in the shooting lane. Look big.
3. Busy sticks - in the passing lanes.
4. Swivel the head - (Same rules for 5 vs 5 D zone play)
Get the picture?

Montreal’s PP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gw5d3OYysU

8 Year Olds execute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgzkEYnSNrU

T2 – D4 - Torpedo 6-5 - U18 F

Key Points:

Forward play forward and defense play the right back, middle back and left back on their forehand sides to keep the puck in.

Description:

1. Always two forwards on a loose puck and if they have two battling then 3 forwards.
2. Pinch on both sides with the Middle Back filling behind.
3. Left and Right back must keep the puck in on wide rims.
4. Reset when under pressure by putting the puck behind the net.
5. Three backs play high on the 1-3-2, one F take goalies eyes, one shot pass or tip, one mid slot.

* This is the style we played when I coached college hockey and when I was with the Red Bulls in Austria we had a similar strategy. You get continuous pinching on both sides and it is very difficult to rim the puck out.

T2 – D4 - Torpedo 6-5 - U18 F
https://youtu.be/YUSYeuHyhXw