The faster you break the puck out, the faster you arrive in the offensive zone. It doesn't always look that simple but it is that simple. If you spend more time in the offensive zone than your opponent, then chances are you'll win the game / tournament / league. So how do we prevent teams from breaking the puck out easily? With an effective forecheck. 

In training camp I like to a) combine systems and b) not tell the players I'm doing it. On day one we're going to work on breakouts and forechecks in chaotic game-like situations, and they're going to learn our team's strategies for each without being aware of it. Quiz to follow! Quiz = games. 

You can use whatever forecheck you like of course - we're going to start with a 1-1-3 Skinny forecheck as seen in the diagram and clips below. You'll be amazed at how many pucks you pick off in the middle of the ice. We used it in the 2024 WJAC and we won a gold medal, beating a much more talented Team USA in the semi-finals. This post focuses on the offensive zone, but I use it in the neutral zone as well. 

Full-Ice Everyone Touch Bronco Forecheck

• Both teams start on blue line, coaches rim pucks for goalies to start breakout
• Everyone must touch puck on breakout, last player passes to the coach
• Whichever team passes to the coach first forechecks (coach dumps puck into opposite zone)
• Play out 5on5 until whistle or save
• Forecheck: F1 hunts, F2 follows puck, F3 cuts off middle, strong side D holds blue line, weak-side D aggressive

1-2-3 FC Possession & Cycle

This drill focuses on the forwards responsibilities and gets them comfortable with reading and reacting. With each forechecker, the focus shifts more from all-out speed and determination to reading the play. 

• 3 forecheckers tag up blue line and forecheck on puck
• Defenders try to break out with passes, forecheckers try to retrieve puck and set up OZ play
• Offensive team must pass to D before scoring, D passes puck back
• 2 cycle in corner, F3 at net
• Progression: add 4th defender

Chicago Chaos

Can't get simpler than this. I like this because the players are in motion before the drill starts so they need to find their position quickly. 

• Both groups start in motion, coach dumps puck
• Black has to break puck out with possession or chip near blue line
• Progression: add extra forechecker, add extra defenders