Reply To: Pee Wee Breakouts

[CoachWoody]

The biggest problem with break outs that I have encountered over the last few years(Atom and PeeWee) is trying to get my forwards to come back deep enough into our zone. As soon as the D got the puck the forwards were taking off like it was a race to the other end of the ice trying to get a break away pass. I like the centerman to curl low enough in our zone to help out in the corners if needed and be a passing option for the D-man on the break out. I also like my wingers to come back to the hash marks so that the other teams D have to really pinch to stop the break out. I feel it is even more important for the wingers to come back to the hash marks now that there is checking so the wingers aren't looking over their shoulders trying to receive a pass.

Since players all seem to understand and learn differently I try to explain why they are doing what they are doing, show them on a board and practice the break out over and over. I start with the most basic quick up and progress to a D to D pass and then add some pressure and let them figure out what their best option is. I think the break out is some thing that has to be taught by doing a lot of repitions. This is something that can be done out of both ends of the ice at the same time so that the players don't do a lot of standing around.