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Purpose:

Goalies learn to stop shots around the boards and pass the puck back to teammates to start a breakaway.

Setup:

The team splits in half, on either board. The goalie is in position, with the coach in the neutral zone with several pucks.

How It Works:

  • The coach begins by hitting the puck around the boards.
  • Instead of waiting for a defenseman to pick up the puck, the goalie leaves the net and retrieves it, passing to a waiting teammate on the boards.
  • The goalie then moves back into position in front of the net.
  • The skater with the puck makes a cross-ice pass to the other line, where other forwards are waiting. That forward shoots, either from the sideboard or after skating in front to get closer to the net.
  • That forward then skates to the back of the other line after shooting the puck.
  • The goalie controls the puck and passes it to the forward in the opposite line from the shooter.
  • The drill repeats itself, with one forward cross-ice passing to the other, who then takes a shot and switches lines.
  • Run the drill for 8-12 minutes.

Coaching Tips:

  • During this drill, encourage goalies to be proactive about getting involved.
  • The goalie should be controlling shots on goal, passing the puck out quickly, and aiding the team offensively.
  • Forwards should be making accurate cross-ice passes and taking good, clean shots from the front and from the boards.

Tips for Younger Athletes:

  • Emphasize the importance of quick and accurate decision-making by the goalie when leaving the net to retrieve the puck, crucial for developing game-reading and reaction skills.
  • Teach the basics of positioning and angling for making effective cross-ice passes, focusing on body and stick alignment for optimal pass accuracy and power.
  • Focus on the goalie’s footwork when moving in and out of the net, ensuring quick movement and balance, especially for rapid returns to the net.

Tips for Older Athletes:

  • Incorporate a focus on communication for goalies, encouraging them to be vocal in coordinating with teammates and directing plays.
  • Increase the speed and complexity of the drill to mimic high-pressure game situations, involving quicker passes, more aggressive shots, and faster goalie movements.
  • Teach goalies to anticipate the play and position themselves for effective breakout passes, vital for efficient transitions from defense to offense.
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