This is a great drill when it comes to working on deception, awareness, passing, and support. This drill allows for the player to incorporate quick edges along the wall, shoulder checks, and situations where they have to work on their timing when it comes to being in a good support position.
SETUP:
- This is a half-ice drill split into two sides, each one obtaining a net on the goal line and a faceoff circle.
- There will be a pile of pucks in the corner as well as a line of player beginning halfway between the tops of the circles and the blue line.
HOW THE DRILL WORKS:
- Player 1 will start the drill off with a shot on net, they will follow through at the net and redirect their route to the pile of pucks in the corner. They will pick up a puck and do a cutback, ending up facing Player 2
- Player 2 (after Player 1 takes their shot) will mirror them in their route for a good support position, where they will eventually end up a little higher than the hashmarks ready to receive a pass and never turning their back to the play.
- When Player 2 receives this pass, they will then pass it to the next player in line (Player 3) and then skate behind the line and re-enter the zone, stick on the ice and ready to receive and shoot as quickly as possible.
- When Player 2 makes their pass to Player 3, Player 1 jumps into the support position along the wall and will get the puck back from Player 3 and giving it right to Player 2 on the tape.
- Because this is continuous, after Player 2 shoots, the drill restarts and they ascend into the corner to retrieve a puck and perform a cutback.
COACHING POINTS
- It is important that before heading into the corner to retrieve the puck, the player is shoulder checking to simulate locating the defenseman.
- Awareness is critical at all times, with and without the puck. Understanding where the puck has gone and from where it may come to you is very important for game-like situations.
- After receiving the puck in the middle, it is important to have a quick shot on net, this helps to catch the goalie off guard and doesn't give them time to readjust.
- Along the wall, during the cutbacks, deception is key. Utilizing that inside edge to fake one way and go the other allows for quick escapes off of the wall and therefore more offensive advantages.
- Timing, when doing this drill, it is not about going right to the wall to get the pass, it is mirroring and recognizing that perfect moment to jump for support along the wall.
