Hockey drill · by BenchIQ
3 Cone Zone Entry with back-checker
U12U14Half IceAdvancedBackcheck/D-ZoneBattles/Compete
F1 & F2 need to communicate and move the puck to score with pressure approaching. D1 & the back-checker also need to communicate and win the race before the forwards get a shot off. This drill will focus on spatial awareness and defensive responsibilities.
Step by step
Step 1 — Drill- Setup
- 3 cones down the middle of the Ice.
- F1 & F2 start on one wall, and D1 and the back-checker start on the other wall.
- F1 & F2 carry the puck around cone 2
- D1 skates around cone 1, and the back-checker skates around cone 3.
- D1 & the back-checker will attempt to get back and break up F1 & F2 from scoring.
Step 2 — Drill-Phase 1
- On the whistle, all 3 groups are going.
- F1 skates with the puck around cone 2; F2 follows without a puck.
- Both F1 & F2 need to gain the zone quickly and beat the back checker.
Step 3 — Drill-Phase 2
- D1 skates around cone 1 and transitions to skating backwards, protecting the house against F1 & F2.
- The back-checker skates around cone 3 and communicates with D1 on who to pressure while back-checking to the net.
Step 4 — Drill-Phase 4
- F1 & F2 will need to communicate and make a decision on passing or shooting as the back-checker closes in.
- The next forward group and forward groups need to be ready to go next at the end of the drill, in the same starting positions as the previous group.
- The drill ends on the coach's whistle.
Coaching points
The forward group will need to be quick and precise with their offensive zone decision-making. The defensive group needs to backcheck hard and protect the house. It is critical for both groups to be talking and communicating as the play unfolds. This is a game situation drill that demands communication and responsibility. Coaches will use discretion on how long the drill lasts; coaches need to emphasize the back-checker role and communication with their partner.
Run this drill with your team
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