Proud Partners
Click the links below to get your discount
MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH
This week, we have a couple of back-checking drills. One in a small number situation and one that can build to 5v5 in the DZ.
Back-Checking/Tracking Cues
It is important to instruct your players and give them a structure as to how to backcheck. There are a number of different cues that can be given to your backchecking players. Communication is key to success.
If F1 is within a stick length of the puck carrier, they continue to engage the puck-carrying player. D1 stays between the dots and supports F1.
If F1 is more than a stick length away from the puck carrier, they communicate to D1. D1 takes the puck carrier and F1 supports and covers the inside of the ice.
If F1 is back-checking through the middle ice, their job is to take the wide drive opposition player. D2 covers middle ice/middle drive. D1 takes wide puck carrier.
F2 will take the high opposition player as they enter the zone. This will defend against the drop pass on entry.
There is no “one way” to structure your back check, but it is important for your players to have a plan. This will keep your team on the same page as they track back through the NZ and into the DZ.
Drill #1
1/4 Ice 2 vs 1 with Backcheck
D starts on knees, pressures puck and talks with backchecker (X)
X starts on dot, must tag red line before jumping back in play
F1 and F2 start with backs touching wall at the blueline
F1 to break across blue line while F2 strides up wall, and then jumps back into the play via board lane
Coach blows whistle to activate play, and will pass to either FWD for the rush
Play it out
Drill #2
The LA Tracker - Backcheck
This drill is a team play situation.
O2 takes a shot on goal with O1 driving to the net with rebound then backcheck with O3.
As they transition to backchecking C blows the whistle which signals the X's to attack the D 3 vs 2 with back checkers.
Have the C's jump in as the D at the point, or add two D to join after the backcheckers have attacked.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“No matter who you are, we’re creatures of habit. The better your habits are, the better they will be in pressure situations.”
