D Jumps the Rush

Objective: Teach defensemen to READ and JOIN: when the numbers say go, the weak-side D fills the fourth lane and turns a 3v2 into a layup. Setup: Three forwards and two D break out vs two defenders. Coach controls the trigger. Execution: The trio attacks with the puck in the middle lane; the weak-side D reads numbers and activates up the open wide lane. His partner slides to the middle as the lone safety. Puck carrier hits the activating D in stride for the finish — or the D stops at the point if the pass isn't there. Coaching points: Jump ALL the way or not at all — a half-jump is a turnover with nobody home. Activate on the weak side where the backcheck can't see you. Partner communicates constantly: 'go' or 'stay' — the read is shared.