Reply To: Pee Wee Breakouts

[RookieCoach]

Iceman,

This is very tough at this age.
99% of rim passes DO NOT work first of all.

Stress the first pass is the most important pass. Have D learn to stay tight to the net on a wheel (use net as a screen).Turn up ice tight to the net for open ice as Tom mentions.

Use supporting Center pass option , rather than going up the boards all the time. At this age I would say most D panic with the puck and just want to get rid of the puck as quick as possible , usually up the boards. Have wingers box out pinching D on a pass or bump back.

I like starting practice sometimes with a continuous breakout drill ( 6 player). Each end have a player support or mirror the shooter , have a board side and center support pass option. this is continuous both ends but have a coach take away a passing option forcing a different pass.

Teams at higher levels like the off the glass play and battle in the Nzone for it. But work the development of these players with pressure when ready.

Does your D have patience and know how to support each other with communication ?

Good luck

RookieCoach