Here is a simple drill that I use to teach scoring in tight and from tough angles.
- Set up two nets facing eachother with a rebounder (or coach) standing between them. Pucks are in both corners as well as up top
- Player will skate to the corner to get a puck on their backhand, keeping wide feet, they get to the side of the net where they raise the puck just behind the cross bar
- They then skate to the next corner and grab a puck on the forehand, again looking to raise this puck just behind the crossbar short side
- Player then gives themselves two passes off the rebounder (or pass to coach) and look to score far side (simulating a rebound)
Coaching Points:
Proper Edges- make sure the players do not get inside edge dominent throughout the drill, some players will drag their feet or get inside their shoulders, in this high value real estate, we want to be outside shoulders where we are strong, can protect the puck and accept the inevitable contact.
Under Handle Pucks- High scoring opportunities call for quick hands, the less stick handling in tight, the faster the release. We ask the players for no dust during this drill.
Shooting Mechanics- In tight we need elevation and need it quick, younger players can sometimes have their top hand at their hip (we call this gunslinging) and use their bottom hand to try and raise the puck. Make sure players top hands are away from their body and they are snapping their top hand to create that elevation.
Accuracy- push players to be accurate and hit the net. If a player misses the net, they start the drill over again, good habits create good habits.
Progressions:
Add pressure from coach in the corners, change the route from corner to the net.