Last practice, we brought the prior several weeks together combining a variety of regroup passing options into an extended 3v2 battle with cycle and/or criss-cross passing.

This week, we’ll continue to master the regroup and offensive zone rush with cycling, but add additional pressure throughout the neutral zone to better simulate real game situations.

Warm-up Drill: Continuous step-out regroup passing

Same continuous warm-up drill from 2 weeks ago including a step-out regroup pass (receiving player receives the pass over the shoulder or pivots to remain open to the pass).

Skills Drill #1: 2v1 Regroup (defense starts in the neutral zone)

In prior weeks, our 2v1 and 3v2 regroups through the neutral zone didn’t “hit” defensive resistance until reaching the opposing blueline. While this is good for practicing passing reps through the neutral zone, it isn’t directly translatable into real game situations, which generally have pressure throughout the neutral zone.

So, to begin, we have a familiar 2v1 pattern with a modified defense skating route to encourage better gap control and defense throughout the entire neutral zone.

We’ll continue with 2 phases (additional pucks require a cycle or criss-cross before shooting).

Skills Drill #3: 2v1 Regroup plus Backcheck

Now that we’re comfortable with the new skating pattern with defense throughout the neutral zone, we’ll add in a backchecker.

So it’s a net 2v2 (2v1 situation with incoming backcheck pressure). This requires the forwards to attack with speed in order to take advantage of the 2v1 situation – proceeding too slowly through the neutral zone gives up that advantage.

Again, phase 2 requires a criss-cross or cycle before shooting.

Time Permitting: 3v2 Regroup plus Backcheck

Time permitting, we’ll add in another forward and another D for a net 3v3 (3v2 situation with incoming backcheck pressure). Again, requiring forwards to attack with speed to take advantage of the 3v2 situation.

Compete: Full Ice Scrimmage