Drill of the Week - 11.11.2024

The Backcheck Game is a high tempo transition game that helps players work on attacking quickly with backcheck pressure.

Setup

Setup a cross-ice game with 2 nets and 2 goalies.

Identify a "neutral zone" in the middle of the cross-ice setup. This can be created with cones, tires, or writing on the ice.

On the whistle, players start at mid ice by attacking 2 v 0 with 2 opposing players backhecking them.

When the backcheckers gain possession of the puck, they breakout two players on their team, who are waiting in the neutral zone, to attack the other way.

After the offensive players are stopped, they become the backcheckers.

Shift goes offense, backcheck, to defense, breakout your team and change.

Keep score!

Coaching Points

Offensive players:

Attack quickly and practice shooting off of the pass!

Support your teammate by getting open when you do not have the puck.

Defensive players:

Keep your sticks on the ice to block passing lanes and angle offensive players.

Battle to get puck possession and break the puck out to your players in the neutral zone.

Keep your head up to be aware of where the opposing team is, and where your neutral zone teammates are.