It's time to eliminate those predictable defensemen who stick to basic D-to-D plays they've practiced since U11. Accelerate puck movement up the ice to spend more time in the offensive zone. Begin today by incorporating the Assuie Chip drill into your practice plans. This drill is excellent for goalies and is invaluable for teaching players optimal positioning for rapid neutral zone transitions.

Aussie Chip Drill;

Description;

• This drill is also beneficial for goalies as they are exposed to four distinct shots.
• Begin with F1 positioned in the corner;
• On the whistle's signal, F1 will move below the goal line, where a coach will challenge him to the outside. Utilizing his agility and puck protection skills, F1 will attempt a shot from an unfavorable angle.
• After the initial shot, F1 becomes a screen while F2 advances up the half-wall to deliver a pass to D1.
• F2 will continue along the wall, mimicking in-game movements, and position himself as a passing option for D1.
• Following the point shot, D1 will quickly skate backward to retrieve a puck that a coach places in the neutral zone.
• D1 will then quickly transition the puck up the ice.
• F1, who was previously in front of the net, will retreat to the neutral zone, positioning himself just outside the blue line in preparation for the next offensive play.
• F2 will become a swing support through the neutral zone, making himself available for a supportive pass from F1.
• D1 will advance the puck up the ice to F1, and F2 will accelerate into the zone for an entry.
• F1 will drive towards the net while D1 trails the play, ready to take another point shot.
• Upon entering the zone, D1 will receive a pass from the coach for a second-point shot, with F1 and F2 positioned near the net for screens and potential rebounds.
• Once D1 has transitioned the puck up the ice to F1, the drill will begin on the opposite side.

  Key Points;

• Have D1 scan for support before retrieving the puck in the neutral zone
• Avoid going D to D, and have the D make a quick up pass
• Swing support player (F2) to time the pass to F1, so he is gaining speed into the Ozone while F1 is chipping the puck