I am an assistant coach with a girls U11 team. One of our biggest problems is breaking out of the zone after we have been stuck defending. For example, say there is a shot on net and the D is able to retrieve the puck in the corner, that D will usually always pass to the winger, but since we were clogged down in the zone, it is easy to cover up on the winger and turn it over at the blue line, and start the whole process again. I’m thinking our D has to develop their shots to do an effective zone clearing off the glass when we are stuck. But do you have any ideas on what to do when you are trying to clear the zone but the wingers get trapped on the board and turn it over.
I think a short term solution would be to teach your players how to chip pucks off the glass/wall/ or into open ice as it is a helpful skill, especially at the older ages. However, a more holistic approach would be to revisit/rework you D Zone structure because this will create a system in which more options are available for breakouts. The second piece is to split your wingers and centers + defense up to work on defensive and breakout skills that are specific to the positions. Here are some resources for some D zone ideas- 1. www.hockeyshare.com/drill/654300/ 2. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4KMqpHy032s.html Here is a Winger breakout habits video- 1. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GZ2tcz8irxY.html Thank you for comment. It gives me some ideas on what kinds of videos to make next.
I'm glad RU-vid showed me this video. I am sharing it with our defensemen and it gives them a nice simple first objective that is easy to understand. I work with u17 girls who are often less than two years into hockey and skating so I'm always at the basics. I love it because at this level just playing fundamental hockey is a game changer versus their being timid and unsure and afraid of having the puck. I hope to keep seeing more like this!
