Purpose: 

Players practice passing and skating. 

Setup:

Form three equal groups of players and have each group set up in a separate zone. 

How It Works:

  1. A coach blows his whistle or says “Go” to start.
  2. First player passes the puck across the ice to the opposite player.
  3. First player then follows his pass and will take the position of the player receiving the pass.
  4. Player receiving the pass then passes across the ice to the next player and tollows the pass.
  5. Drill continues in this pattern.
  6. After the last player has gone, the pattern is reversed and players pass back the other way.
  7. Run drill for 5-8 minutes.

Coaching Tips: 

  • When passing, players should transfer their weight from their back leg to their front leg just like when they are shooting.
  • When receiving the puck, players should set a good target and have soft hands and cushion/ give when the puck hits their blade.

For Younger Athletes:

  • Teach younger players to break down the passing motion into simple steps, emphasizing proper hand placement on the stick and following through with the pass.
  • Focus on skating fundamentals: Help younger athletes develop basic skating skills such as balance, stride, and agility, ensuring they can move efficiently on the ice to execute the drill effectively.
  • Encourage teamwork: Emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication during the drill, encouraging younger players to support each other and work together to maintain the passing rhythm.

For Older Athletes:

  • Increase passing speed: Challenge older players to increase the speed and accuracy of their passes, simulating game-like situations where quick and precise passing is crucial.
  • Incorporate puck control drills: Integrate puck control drills into the drill to challenge older athletes to maintain control of the puck while executing passes and transitioning between receiving and sending the puck.
  • Practice puck support: Reinforce the concept of puck support among older players, encouraging them to move to open space to provide passing options for their teammates and maintain offensive pressure.