Supporting his presentation on Developing Good Habits for Decision Making, Kevin Galerno shares this puck retrieval drill that focuses on zone entries under pressure.
Download the 2024 Global Skills Showcase Drill Book.
NZ Loose Puck Retrieval into OZ Entry
Drill Description:
- F1 retrieves a loose puck from the far blue line with soft pressure from F3 (red).
- As F1 is retrieving puck, they will try to assess the pressure and look for F2 to make a play.
- While F2 is preparing to receive puck, they must assess what F1 is doing (speed up, slow down, support, open up, etc.) while looking for what type of pressure F4 (red) is giving them.
- F2 prepares for what they will do once they receive the puck (chip the puck in the zone, cut inside, cut outside, etc.)
Progressions: Adding layers of pressure
- Add F3 and F4 for more game-like pressure.
- Remind F3 and F4 to change their routes so F1 and F2 have to react.
- Coaches can spot the loose puck in different areas to start the drill.
- Coaches can add an extra layer of pressure for F2 once they beat F4 or have F4 track them back to the net and shoot under pressure.
- F1 could follow the play into the zone after passing for support or second shot option.
Key Teaching Points
- The more information you can take in before you retrieve the puck or receive the pass, the better.
- When turning from or into pressure, it is important to move the puck right away or move your feet right away (or both).
- Turning into pressure is fine as long as you are aware of what needs to be done next to complete the play.
