During Brandon Naurato's presentation on the decision zone, he highlighted intriguing statistics about goal-scoring patterns. Notably, 54% of goals are scored from passes originating outside the dots to a slot player, (player maker to goal scorer) while 19% result from rebounds. These represent the two most common ways goals are scored in the National Hockey League. The challenge in youth hockey is how to introduce this concept without overwhelming young players with excessive instructions. Here are some progressive steps that can help;

For this drill you'll need your trusty bingo dabber!

4V2 

Team X has two outlets on the outside of the zone, which is not allowed in the center area. In the center of the zone, this is a straight-up 2on2. The only way to have a goal count, the player in the center of the zone must shoot off the pass from the outside player (within 2 seconds of recieving the pass). Supporting a quick release and work to find open ice. Exterior players are allowed to make pad passes to the interior players or direct passes. Put a time limit on exterior players to make a play to support quick decisions.

2v2 plus 1

In the 2v2 plus 1 drill, increase the pressure on the perimeter players while positioning one support player in the middle. Begin the drill with the offensive players on the outside facing the wall to practice puck protection, and the defensive players standing about a stick's length away. The coach initiates the drill by passing to one of the exterior offensive players. As soon as the player receives the pass, the defensive players are allowed to engage. The outside players have the options to make pad passes, or pass directly to their support player in the middle

4v4 

This drill can be adapted for a variety of scenarios. In this particular progression, we're intensifying the challenge for the offensive players by replicating a man-to-man defensive zone coverage, allowing players to make quick decision just like in a game.