Like a typical youth hockey team, we struggle with breakouts when playing fast-forchecking teams. At first, I thought the problem begin within our wingers, not being strong enough on the half wall and getting the puck out. However, after breaking down our video in games, it came back to our defencemen showing panic, lack of communication, and non-existent scanning. After finding a great chalk talk series, Breakout Reads for Defencemen, with Reid Cashman. I immediately added to our practices that having the D use the net would create more time for them to make that first direct pass to either the wingers or center. Moving forward, we have started to put full pressure on our Defense by using 1/6 ice station-based drills to encourage fast thinking and quick reactions to memic the top team's forecheck in our league.
Benefits Of Using Your Net
Using the net effectively in the defensive zone is an important tool, and it can create a decoy that can shake off forecheckers and break the puck out of the zone cleanly. When defensemen utilize the net effectively, they can create pockets of time and space that are essential for making accurate and timely passes.
Developing these skills takes time, but the payoff is substantial. Defensemen who master the use of them can turn a potentially dangerous situation into a controlled breakout, setting up for offensive opportunities. Regular practice, combined with game footage analysis and open communication, can help defensemen refine their technique and make the most of this strategic advantage.
Creating Progression In Practice
Begin by implementing drills that focus on predetermined routes without any pressure. This will help players grasp the fundamental idea you are introducing. Once they understand the basics, introduce light pressure from the coaches, allowing the players to make decisions at a more controlled speed. Gradually increase the complexity by adding a forechecker to challenge your defensemen, utilizing only one-third of the ice to ensure there is ample space for them to navigate around the forechecker.
In the final progression, create a small-area game confined to a tight space to force fast thinking and quick transitions seen in real games. This will help players improve their situational awareness and decision-making skills under pressure. The confined spaces force players to think and react quickly, sharpening their ability to navigate through a forecheck and execute under pressure.
PROGRESSION 1 - NO PRESSURE
PROGRESSION 2 - 1/3 ICE W/ PRESSURE
PROGRESSION 3 - 1/6 ICE
