I don't know about you, but I'm tired of preaching the importance of shooting the puck and getting pucks to the net every intermission. Everyone does it - that's where the goals are scored! So my plan for next season is to make it natural for the players. That means we have to build it into their habits early and often. 

• Structure

  • Two forwards retrieve pucks from the corner against one defenceman
  • Coaches chip pucks in corner, alternating sides, for forwards to retrieve and pass low to high
  • Forwards must arrive on time at net
  • After initial shot from D, forwards can collect puck for rebound or another pass to point
  • Note: if you don't have multiple assistant coaches, players in line can jump into the designated coaches' spot, chip pucks on your whistle or call, and then jump into the drill on the whistle, replaced by the next players in line

  Key Points

  • Defenceman plays aggressive - don't play a normal D-zone structure, use feet to check and make life difficult for forwards
  • Forwards stop and start - one forward needs to play net front while the other is retrieving
  • Bonus - goalie coaches will love this one

  Progressions

  • Add second defensive defenceman to play 2on2 in-zone
  • Add second shooter on point
  • Add third forward

Need some video evidence to show your players? Look no further!