Neutral zone structure: 1-3-1

Setup

1. Full equipment, with a goaltender in full gear in each net. Team A (C, LW, RW, LD, RD) sets up in the neutral zone; Team B (X1–X5) starts a breakout from its own end after a coach's pass to a defender.
2. Shape: one forward high (C) near Team B's blue line; three across the middle of the neutral zone (LW, LD in the middle, RW); one defender deep (RD) near Team A's blue line.
3. Often called a trap. It is a structure some coaches choose, not a rule, and it works best as one option alongside a forecheck that attacks.

How it runs

1. Walk the shape: the coach moves a puck around Team B's end and Team A shifts together, keeping its spacing.
2. Live: Team B breaks out and tries to carry or pass across centre. The high forward angles the carrier to one side; the three across close the wall and the middle; the deep defender takes away the long pass.
3. On a turnover, Team A attacks the other way for a shot, only once Team B's goaltender is set. A rep ends on a shot, a clean entry for Team B or about 40 seconds.
4. Swap roles every four reps; water and rest between shifts.

Coaching points

• The high forward's angle cuts off the middle. The job is to force a choice, not to win a race.
• The three across stay level, move as a line and keep sticks in the passing lanes.
• When the puck goes up the wall, the winger steps up and the middle player slides across to support.
• The deep defender stays between the puck and the net and talks to the three in front.
• After the turnover, go: the shape only pays off if the team attacks quickly.

Common mistakes

• The high forward chasing deep and getting beaten by one pass.
• The three across drifting apart and leaving a seam up the middle.
• Stepping into a player who doesn't have the puck: that's interference.
• Staying in the shape after the turnover instead of attacking.