Practice Notes
Drills
Defensive Transition Passing
Moose Simple Timing Drill #1
Double Regroup 2 on 1
Center Dish
Blue Line Series: Quick NZ Regroup 2v1
Neutral Zone 3 vs. 3 Game
This practice plan focuses on the skills, spacing and decision making in Neutral Zone regroups to transition the puck quickly and re-attack.
Modifications: Once players have the basics down, the most important progression is to add decision making elements and vary the situations players must read. For each of these drills, consider ways to put forechecking pressure as your players progress (e.g. a defensemen with the puck in the NZ has to read forechecking pressure and use skating, puckhandling and deception skills to make the next successful play).
You can also add different forms of puck retrievals for both forwards and defensemen to start any of the drills.
Practice Diagram
Drills
Ensure players get 3-4 reps each
A great way to work on the footwork skills, timing and passing in stride to a teammate that is cutting through the NZ. Switch sides halfway through.
Add one player from each team behind their respective goal line. For any change of possession, the team must regroup with their outlet player and then re-attack.