Add another defender in part 4/5 of this series. Focus on the timing and positions of the two forwards during the break out and encourage the two d-men to gap up quickly after the break out passes.

Description

• D1 and D2 step up over the blue line, pivot backwards then go to retrieve the puck.
• Dmen then work together to beat imaginary first forechecker by making a low D to D pass, D to D reverse pass or call for the D puck carrier to “Wheel” the net (continue skating).
• F1 and F2 must read the D and make adjustments to their skating patterns to time getting into their break out positions.
• After break out, F1 and F2 circle out to middle zone, around the waiting players and back in 2vs2 against D1 and D2.

Key Points

• F in the middle of the ice on the break out, cut across in front of the net “low and slow” to be positioned slightly behind the F taking the pass on the wall.
• Dmen gap up quickly and try to force attack wide while playing tight 1v1 coverage against each attacker.
• D must talk to let partner know whether to trade off forwards, in case of a crisis cross, or continue person to person coverage.