Supporting his presentation on Developing Good Habits for Decision Making, Kevin Galerno shares this rim retrieval drill that works on players making decisons on the wall and attacking the net under pressure.

Download the 2024 Global Skills Showcase Drill Book.

Long Rim Retrievals into Quick Pass or Drive

Drill Description:

• F1 will enter the zone with F3 (red) adding varying amounts of pressure.
• F1 will read the rim around the boards while reading pressure and try to find F2 support.
  
• F2 will find a soft area on the ice (not the middle) to support and make themselves available so F1 can pass them the puck.
  
• Once the first play is completed, a second puck will be rimmed around the boards.
  
• F1 will retrieve the rim while reading light pressure from F3. 
  
• F1 will make a high or low play to beat F3 and then attack F2, who will add pressure as F1 looks for a shooting lane.
  
• F1's goal is to read the second rim while reading pressure from F3 but also reading F2's second layer of pressure.

Progressions: Adding layers of pressure

• Add more or less pressure as necessary.
  
• On the second rim, F2 can add pressure to F1 or have F3 follow F1 to the net and F2 can add puck support for the second shot.
  
• Send a fourth player to support F1 on the second rim so they can shoot for a rebound or pass to F4 if a lane is open.

Key Teaching Points:

• Players must use their free time while the puck is being rimmed to take in information.
  
• For rimmed pucks, keep the top hand up forcing the toe of the stick down to help the puck from getting underneath the blade.
  
• F2 must look around as they enter the zone and wait for the pass so they know what their options.
  
• Upon retrieving the rim, F1 must move the puck or move feet (or both) right away.
  
• All players need to exaggerate the amount of 'looks' and awareness in all situations to help better prepare for the game situation.
  
• Communication from support players will help awareness and decision making.