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MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH
This week we have two NZ transition drills.
NZ Transition Can be a Messy Business
When transition happens, it rarely goes in the way that we practice. It is important for the D and forwards to have trained options and be prepared for the unexpected.
Fill Lanes
When transitioning, we want our forwards to be filling all three lanes going through the NZ. Outside the Dots on both sides of the rink and the middle lane between the dots.
Some coaches like there centre swing man and their winger to switch on transition. Where others like the centre lane swing man to stay in the middle zone area.
Which ever you choose, it is important for forwards to fill all three lanes to maximize defense passing options.
Defense Options
The defense have a number of options that they can select from when under pressure. The following are some of the options:
Quick Up
D to D - Strong Side Up
D to D - To Middle Player
D to D - Cross Ice to Wide Player
D to D - Hinge back to D1 (Hinge is where the passing D comes underneath the recieving D on a 45 degree angle.)
Quick Reads
Regardless of the situation, the defense must make quick reads and make plays with speed.
Games can be won and lost in the neutral zone and smart, quick plays can be deadly.
Drill #1
Two Player Transition Warm Up
D1 receives pass from D2 and passes to F1.
F1 passes to support F2. F2 attacks.
D receives second pass and passes to F1. F1 attacks.
D attacks and receives pass from forward line.
Drill #2
Bison 3v0/3v2 - Regroup Options
On whistle the D quickly come back for the spotted puck by the C.
F's also have to get back & get ready for whatever way the puck is moving.
C can tell the D before the drill what their options are & NOT tell the F's so they have to react to the options.
As soon as the puck goes up everyone attacks the net quickly 3 vs 0. Or add 2 D for a 3v2.
After group goes by next line sets up, whistle starts drill & they regroup attack the other end.
OPTIONS
D1 to D2 up wide
D1 to D2 up middle
D1 to D2 flat pass across to F1
D1 to D2 Hinge
Quick Up
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I won’t accept anything less than the best a player’s capable of doing, and he has the right to expect the best that I can do for him and the team.”
