First-to-the-Puck 50/50

Objective: Every game has thirty loose-puck races — win the first touch, then win the body position. Setup: Two lines at the hash marks on opposite sides, goalie live. Coach spots a puck somewhere in the zone. Execution: Coach spots the puck; first player from each line races for it. Winner shields with his body and attacks the net; loser takes the body and defends. Play until a goal, a freeze, or a clear past the dots — next pair goes immediately. Coaching points: Race to arrive FIRST, then get low — the second man is coming through you. First touch goes to space, not to your feet. Losing the race isn't losing the battle — angle him away from the net.