Breakout from the Defensive Zone

How to run it

The team plays out of its own zone against three forecheckers: goalie, defender, defender behind the goal, up the board to the swinging centre and out to the far winger. Ends with an attack on the other goal.

Set-up

Five players and a goalie on your own team against three forechecking opponents. The opponents' goalie is in the other goal. The whole rink is used. The coach gives the goalie the ball.

Instructions

1. 1The goalie has the ball after a save. The defenders go out towards the corners, the centre is in the middle and the wingers along the boards. Three opponents forecheck.
2. 2The goalie throws out to the defender in the corner. The other defender goes behind the goal. A forechecker goes at the ball.
3. 3Under pressure the defender plays it behind the goal to the other defender.
4. 4The defender takes the ball out on the free side. The centre swings low to be available.
5. 5A pass up the board to the winger.
6. 6The winger plays it first time to the centre coming at speed through the middle.
7. 7The centre carries over the centre line. The wingers fill the lanes and the defenders follow up.
8. 8A pass across to the winger on the far side.
9. 9The winger drives into the zone and the centre heads for the slot.
10. 10A pass into the slot to the centre.
11. 11Finish on goal. The coach gives the goalie a new ball and the next five go.

Coaching points

• The defenders get wide straight away – the goalie must have two options.
• Play the ball away from the pressure: behind the goal and out on the other side.
• The centre swings low and arrives with speed – receive the ball moving forward.
• The wingers stay on the board level with the ball and like to play first time.
• Talk: "time", "pressure", "behind".

Variations