Practice Notes
Drills
Scanning Warm-up
Cutting Hands - Partner Pressure
Puck Protection - Surround Puck
2 to 1 Puck Protection Drill
3 x 1 v 1's to 3 v 3
Double Gates Activation Game
This practice plans is a skill-based practiced focused on the technical and tactical application on Puck Protection skills in various 1v1, 2v1 and 2v2 situations. These drills can all be modified to add an element of a "next play" where in the moments after the puck protection, player and puck movement can be added to mimic another game-like situation.
"Cut the Hands" is a phrase used to describe a moment where the puck carrier skates towards/through the defender's triangle (hands and stick) in order to gain body position and space, while forcing the defender into a disadvantageous position.
Practice Diagram
Drills
Two nets on goal line - 6 players skating in the middle, 3 players shoot on their respective sides. A great warm-up drill to ensure players' eyes are up and they're constantly scanning for open space and cues from other players.
These are skill focused reps so be sure to have players gets plenty of feel-reps and offer feedback and corrections as needed.
Make at least 1 additional circle with tires
Start it as 1v1, then progress to start the drill as 2v2.