The Backcheck Game is a high tempo transition game that helps players work on attacking quickly with backcheck pressure.
Setup
- Setup a cross-ice game with 2 nets and 2 goalies.
- Identify a "neutral zone" in the middle of the cross-ice setup. This can be created with cones, tires, or writing on the ice.
- On the whistle, players start at mid ice by attacking 2 v 0 with 2 opposing players backhecking them.
- When the backcheckers gain possession of the puck, they breakout two players on their team, who are waiting in the neutral zone, to attack the other way.
- After the offensive players are stopped, they become the backcheckers.
- Shift goes offense, backcheck, to defense, breakout your team and change.
- Keep score!
Coaching Points
- Offensive players:
- Attack quickly and practice shooting off of the pass!
- Support your teammate by getting open when you do not have the puck.
- Defensive players:
- Keep your sticks on the ice to block passing lanes and angle offensive players.
- Battle to get puck possession and break the puck out to your players in the neutral zone.
- Keep your head up to be aware of where the opposing team is, and where your neutral zone teammates are.
