Forehand and backhand sweep passes

Setup

1. Pairs face each other about four to six metres apart, spread across one third of the ice.
2. Leave plenty of room between pairs so a missed pass doesn't run into another pair.
3. One puck per pair. Full equipment, full face cage and neck guard for everyone.

How it runs

1. Forehand: puck on the middle of the blade beside the back foot, sweep it forward along the ice and finish with the blade pointing at the partner's stick.
2. Receiving: blade flat on the ice as a target, then give with the hands as the puck arrives so it doesn't bounce off.
3. Ten forehand passes each, then ten backhand passes: puck on the back of the blade beside the back foot, sweep across the body and finish pointing at the target.
4. Moving partner: the receiver glides sideways a few strides and the passer aims ahead of the stick, not at the skater.
5. Swap roles every ten passes; short drink breaks between sets.

Coaching points

• Sweep, don't slap: the blade stays on the puck from start to finish.
• Weight moves from the back foot to the front foot as the puck goes.
• Follow through low, blade pointing at the target.
• Give a target: stick on the ice and call for it.
• Cushion the catch: soft hands, blade tilted slightly over the puck.

Common mistakes

• Lifting the stick back and hitting the puck, so it bounces.
• Follow-through finishing high, which flips the puck off the ice.
• Receiver holding the stick off the ice or with stiff arms.
• Turning away from the backhand side instead of practising it.