I am a huge advocate for practicing with pace and love when a good flow drill snaps the puck around, you can feel the energy, but I am also equally committed to practicing fundamentals that happen repeatedly throughout the game. I do this by breaking up into what I call "Indys," my players know this is where forwards and defense split up into their position groups to work on their skills within the position.
Typically we would have 2-3 practices per week, for one of those I try to fit in a solid 20 minutes for position skill work. Here are some of the drills I use:
Forward & Defense Shooting Indy
- Break down individual skills and make sure the players are getting solid reps through these drills. Coaches don't be afraid to pull players aside and 1:1 coach here, this is skill development.
Forward & Defense Set Play Indy
- Let the players rep the routes and use their creativity here. Keep the coaching limited to skill based items and let the players sort out their timing and decisions.
