Ice hockey drills
Ice hockey team systems drills
9 free Ice hockey drills for team systems, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier.
9 drills
Team systemsDefendingAggressive forecheck: 2-1-2Two forwards attack the puck deep, the third reads from the high slot and the defenders hold or pinch at the blue line: one common way to win the puck back high up the ice.25 min · 10–20 players · U16+
Team systemsPassingBreakout: up the boardsA unit of five retrieves a dump-in, moves the puck up the strong-side wall and leaves the defensive zone together, with the centre swinging low for the bump pass.15 min · 6–20 players · U12+
Team systemsPuck handlingCycling the puck lowForwards keep the puck in the offensive zone by working it down the wall, leaving it for a teammate behind them and curling back high, until a lane opens to the slot.15 min · 6–18 players · U13+
DefendingTeam systemsDefensive zone coverage basicsFive defenders learn one common zone structure in their own end: pressure the puck, protect the net front and the slot, and slide together as the puck moves from corner to wall to point.20 min · 10–22 players · U13+
Team systemsDefendingForecheck: 1-2-2 basicsOne forward angles the puck carrier to the boards, two forwards seal the walls and two defenders hold the blue line, so the opponents' breakout is squeezed along the wall.20 min · 10–22 players · U13+
Team systemsTransitionNeutral zone structure: 1-3-1The team sets a 1-3-1 in the neutral zone to steer the opposition's breakout to the boards, close the space together and turn the puck over before the red line.25 min · 10–20 players · U16+
FaceoffsTeam systemsOffensive and defensive faceoff playsSet plays off the draw: win it back to the point for a screened shot in the offensive zone, and win it to the strong-side defender for a clean exit in the defensive zone.20 min · 10–20 players · U16+
ShootingTeam systemsPoint shots and net trafficDefenders get pucks through from the blue line while forwards screen the goaltender and hunt tips and rebounds, the way many goals are scored in a settled offensive zone.15 min · 6–16 players · U13+
TransitionTeam systemsZone entries: carry or dumpThree forwards attack two defenders at the blue line and choose: carry the puck in when there is space, or dump it into the far corner and win it back when the defenders stand up.15 min · 6–20 players · U13+