The opponents' goalie has the ball. Their defenders go out towards the corners. Our three forecheckers start high.
How to run it
Three players forecheck the opponents' build-up. F1 pressures the ball carrier, F2 locks the board and F3 reads the pass to the middle. Win the ball high up the rink and finish quickly.
Set-up
The opponents build up with a goalie, two defenders, a centre and a winger. Your team has three forecheckers (F1, F2, F3) and two defenders further back. The whole attacking zone is used.
Instructions
- 1The opponents' goalie has the ball. Their defenders go out towards the corners. Our three forecheckers start high.
- 2The goalie plays to the defender in the left corner. F1 skates in an arc that closes the way behind the goal. F2 heads for the board and F3 takes the middle.
- 3The defender is forced up the board. F2 locks the board and picks up the winger – only the pass to the middle is left.
- 4The pass to the middle – F3 reads it and intercepts.
- 5F3 drives towards the slot. F2 sprints to the far post.
- 6A pass across to F2 at the far post.
- 7One-timer. A quick finish before the opponents can get organised.
- 8A new ball to the goalie. Everyone resets – this time to the right side.
- 9The goalie plays to the defender in the right corner. The nearest forechecker skates in an arc and pressures.
- 10The defender tries to take the ball behind the goal. F1 follows tight. F3 heads for the slot.
- 11F1 takes the ball with the stick behind the goal – without hitting or lifting the opponent's stick.
- 12A pass out from behind the goal to F3 in the slot.
- 13Finish. Rotate the forechecking roles after a few repetitions.
Coaching points
- F1 skates in an arc and pressures from the inside – force the ball carrier one way, along the board.
- F2 reads F1 and locks the next option: the board or the defender behind the goal.
- F3 stays high in the middle and reads the ball carrier's eyes. Intercept the pass – don't go for the hit.
- When the ball is won: finish quickly, ideally within three passes.
- The defenders step up when the forecheck is on so the gaps between the lines stay small.
Variations
Easier
The opponents play at a calm pace or only along the board.
Harder
The opponents get five players and play freely. The forecheck scores a point for winning the ball within five seconds.
Use this drill with your team
Add it to a training in SquadSpace, adjust it to your squad and show it to the players in the app – in 2D or 3D.
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