Drill: Box-Out Reaction & Strong side shot / D - D Pass Decision

Setup:

• Two blue and two white defensemen skate in the faceoff circle.

• Coaches are positioned in the corner with pucks.

• One player is ready at the blue line to receive a pass (or both sides depending on rotation).

Execution:

1st Whistle:

• All four defensemen skate around the circle.

• On the whistle, the coach calls out a color.

• The players of that color must immediately react, find their matchup, and box out.

• The coach passes a puck to the point (blue line).

• The point player can either:

  • Shoot on net, or

  • Make a D-to-D pass, followed by a shot.

2nd Whistle:

• The coach sends another puck to the opposite point.

• The drill continues from the other side, with defenders boxing out and attacking players working on screens, tips, or rebounds.

Key Points:

• Quick reaction to the called color.

• Strong box-out positioning and net-front battle.

• Point players practice decision-making (shot vs. D-to-D).

• Emphasis on shots through traffic, rebounds, and blue-line control.

• High tempo—players transition instantly from skating to defending.