When discussing the offensive side of the game, confidence is often a key theme. The phrase “He or she is lacking confidence to make plays” is one that all coaches have likely heard or used during their time in the sport. This sentiment is usually associated with play while in possession of the puck rather than defending. However, with the recent trend toward more aggressive penalty killing, the concept of confidence is equally relevant for players defending against an effective Power Play.

If a Penalty Kill unit lacks confidence in its ability to be aggressive, the attacking team is more likely to maintain extended possession, generate better scoring chances, and ultimately score more goals. The following drills aim to build the confidence of penalty killers, focusing on their ability to jump on bobbled pucks, gain a pin, and effectively seal as a group to regain possession and clear the zone.

The drills are designed around the 1-3-1 Power Play formation commonly used by teams but can be adapted to other formations by identifying the specific pressure points within the structure.

Phase 1

The first phase focuses on positioning to block a shot from X1 or X2. The coach decides which side to pass the puck to, and the killer on the strong-side flank moves into a position to block the shot (no shot is taken during this phase). The other three penalty killers take their respective positions as well. The offensive player then passes the puck back to the coach to reset for the next rep.

To increase the complexity, coaches can activate the weak-side offensive player or use a bumper player (or cone) to encourage players to shoulder check and identify where their man is and adjust their stick positioning accordingly.

Key Focus:

• Reacting quickly to the pass.
• Positioning to take away the weak side of the net.
• Engaging stick-on-puck against the attacking forward.
• Determining proper depth and positioning, as guided by the coach.

Phase 2

In phase 2, the coach deliberately provides the offensive player with a pass that results in a 50/50 puck on the half-wall. The killer's job is to recognize the bobble and aggressively challenge the offensive player and the puck. The objective is to execute a pin on the offensive player while the two nearest teammates engage quickly to seal the battle and win the puck.

Each rep should result in a 50/50 puck to build the penalty killers' confidence in their ability to react, pin and seal effectively as a unit. Coaches can engage the bumper to help the strong side flanker in battle to simulate a 3v2 seal on loose pucks. The requires the penalty killers to identify the additional offensive player and roll out of the battle and get on the defensive side of the puck.

Phase 3

In phase 3, the coach can alternate between clean passes to the offensive player and passes that create a 50/50 puck. Players must now read and react to the situation using the skills and techniques practiced in phase 1 and 2. Shooters are allowed to shoot, preferably aiming short side, allowing goalies to read the shot around the penalty killer, who is taking away the weak-side shot.

As players become more confident, the coach can introduce passes that force slight bobbles. This challenges penalty killers to assess whether they can effectively pressure the play despite the offensive player maintaining partial possession.

Block and Seal Game

After completing phases 1–3, players can progress to the Block and Seal Game. The Power Play competes against the Penalty Kill, with the coach starting each play at the top of the 1-3-1 formation. The coach initiates play with either a clean pass or a bobbled puck. After the initial pass is made, a player substitutes in at the top for the coach.

Scoring System:

• Power Play: 1 point for a shot, 3 points for a goal.
• Penalty Kill: 1 point for a shooting clear, 3 points for puck that is skated  out.

After a puck is frozen, scored, or cleared, the next round begins.

Focus Areas:

• Penalty Kill: Pinning and sealing on 50/50 pucks and skating pucks out of the zone after turnovers at the tops of circles.
• Power Play: Emphasizing a shooting mentality and urgency on puck recoveries.

The Block and Seal drills and game aim to give players the confidence they need to win more loose pucks on the Penalty Kill. By building this confidence, your team will be better equipped to disrupt opposing Power Plays and create momentum in the game.