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NHLCA Feature Drill
At the start of the 2021-22 NHL season, we launched a new monthly campaign to share a drill from one of our NHL coaching staffs. For the 2022-23 NHL Season, we are excited to update the campaign to feature two drills each month on the 1st and 15th.
This campaign is part of the NHLCA’s objective of supporting the development of the next generation of NHL coaches.
2023-24 NHL Season - September 15
A great small area game that creates more puck touches and transitions from defense to offense.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team:New York Rangers
Drill Name: 2 vs 1 – Carolina
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s / 2 on 1’s / 3 on 2 Drills
Description
- F1/F2 on whistle with a puck touch top of circles and attack 2 vs 1 on D.
- After play passes the far blue line, the other side goes.
Results:
- F shoots and hits the net = No one skates.
- F miss net = Fs skate to the far blue line.
- Score = D skates to center.
2023-24 NHL Season - September 1
A great small area game that creates more puck touches and transitions from defense to offense.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Drill Name:NZ 2 vs 2
Drill Category: Small Area Games
Description
- 2 vs 2 or 3 vs 3 in the Neutral Zone.
- Coach will pass the puck to activate the play.
2022-23 NHL Season #22
Teaching your D to jump into the play at the right time is so crucial. Quick fast transition allows you D to jump in the rush.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: LA Kings
Drill Name: D Transition: 4th Man Go!! 5 vs 2
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s / 2 on 1’s / 3 on 2 Drills
Description
- D in zone gap up to hash marks on whistle and retrieve puck spotted by the coach.
- Fs will work off wall back into zone for break out from D. – Defending D will gap up off wall and take on rush. Attack 5 vs 2 up ice.
- Middle lane drive.
- 4th INRUSH
- RELAY PLAYS
- Whistle – Defending D gap to hash marks to break out play going opposite direction with 3 new Fs and 2 new defending D.
- Offensive players are out on whistle.
2022-23 NHL Season #21
The key to this drill is timing. You don’t have to always go full speed and this will demonstrate this concept.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Vancouver Cancuks
Drill Name: 3 Man
Drill Category: Shooting Drill
Description
- Both sides leave at the same time
- X1 skates with the puck down ice and shoots, skate behind the net and receive a pass from the coach
- X2 follows and delays timing so can get a pass in middle from X1
- X3 also is timing his route across and check-up at the far blue line, X2 carry the puck up the middle of ice and bumps out to X3
- X2 continues through with middle drive
- X3 has three options, shoot, or pass to X2 or X1
2022-23 NHL Season #20
There is an art to the drop pass. It’s not a throw pass and must be placed before Defence defends the opposition end.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Vegas Golden Knights
Drill Name:1 vs 1 Sharpie
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s / 2 on 1’s / 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
- D starts facing up ice at bottom of the center circle
- On whistle, skate backward around pylon then forward to retrieve puck from coach then drop in NZ to F1
- D defends F2 from other end by defending skating forward
2022-23 NHL Season #19
Incorporating neutral zone transitions into your warm up allows for great shots and ingrains skating patters for players.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Drill Name: 4 Corner D Sequence
Drill Category: Warm Up Drill
Description:
- F1 pass to weak side D2 and open up at the red line. Go straight down for a shot on goal
- F2 pass to board side D1 and swing to the middle , D to D pass to middle
- F3 pass to the board side D2 and tag up to the red line, receive cross ice pass for WSD
2022-23 NHL Season #18
A simple drill where two forwards attack the offensive zone for a shot and drive for a rebound.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Minnesota Wild
Drill Name:4 Corner Rush – Middle Lane Drive
Drill Category: Shooting Drills
Description:
- X1 starts with puck and makes a pass across ice to X2
- X2 steps off boards and chips to X1, they exchange passes through neutral zone and X1 ends up with puck
- Once they pass the blue line, X1 cuts across ice, taking the middle line and shoots hard on net
- X2drives post for rebound
- Both sides go at same time
2022-23 NHL Season #17
A warm-up drill that gets your players’ feet moving and allows your goalies to challenge the shooters.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Florida Panthers
Drill Name: High – Low Shooting
Drill Category: Shooting Drills
Description:
- All 4 players leave on the whistle
- F1’s skates hard with puck around the low cones
- F2’s skates hard with puck around the high cones
- Alternate sides
2022-23 NHL Season #16
This drill will give offensive forwards a little more room for creativity
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: LA Kings
Drill Name:Defensive Transition – 4th Man Go!! 5 vs 2
Drill Category: 1 on 1/ 2 on 1/ 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
- D in zone gap up to hash marks on whistle and retrieve puck spotted by the Coach.
- F’s will work off wall back into zone for break out from D.
- Defending D will gap up off wall and take on rush. Attack 5 vs 2 up ice.
- Middle lane drive.
- 4th INRUSH
- RELAY PLAYS
- Whistle – Defending D gap to hash marks to break out play going opposite direction with 3 new F’s and 2 new defending D.
- Offensive players are out on whistle.
2022-23 NHL Season #15
A keep-away game that promotes creativity by removing in-game pressure.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Calgary Flames
Drill Name: Bumper Game
Drill Category: Small Area Drills & Games
Description:
- In half of the offensive zone, set up a 5 vs 2.
- The 5 offensive players must maintain control of the puck vs 2 defenders.
- When the defenders win the puck they pass it to their team on the other half. Then 5 vs 2 starts on that side.
- Clean sheet in a specified time = 1 point.
Both sides run at same time.
- X1 skates and makes pass to X2.
- X1 follows pass, goes around dot facing back to the line and is now X2.
- X2 receives pass and passes to X3 who goes in for the shot.
- X2 follows pass, goes around dot facing back to previous dot and is now X3.
2022-23 NHL Season #14
A great warmup drill focusing on quick ups. Being in motion while receiving the pass should be the focus.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: New Jersey Devils
Drill Name: Continuous Quick Up
Drill Category: Shooting Drills
Description:
- Both sides run at same time.
- X1 skates and makes pass to X2.
- X1 follows pass, goes around dot facing back to the line and is now X2.
- X2 receives pass and passes to X3 who goes in for the shot.
- X2 follows pass, goes around dot facing back to previous dot and is now X3.
2022-23 NHL Season #13
This simple 3 on 2 drill focuses on backchecking and requires the D to be vocal to sort out players’ responsibilities.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Vancouver Canucks
Drill Name: 3 vs 2 Errka
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s/ 2 on 1’s/ 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
- Three F‘s go down 3 vs 2 on D.
- F1 fills in low, F2 & F3 to top of circles.
- On whistle, F1, F2 & F3 take puck to go 3 vs 2 on two new D with new F1, F2 & F3 backchecking.
- Continuous 3 vs 2.
2022-23 NHL Season #12
A practical 2 vs 2 drill that incorporates a point shot under pressure and a box out down low.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Buffalo Sabres
Drill Name: Rico 2 vs 2
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s/ 2 on 1’s/ 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
To start drill, 2v2 to the net front at the far end.
On first whistle:
- F3 pass to D3.
- D to D and a shot on net.
- F1 & 2, pressure out. F3 & 4 go to the net.
- D1 & 2 box out the forwards or front shot
On second whistle:
- F3 & 4 retrieve a new puck and go 2v2 against D3 & 4.
2022-23 NHL Season #11
A simple 2 vs 1 drill which highlights the advantages for the D to hustle up the ice and not be caught flat footed.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Anaheim Ducks
Drill Name: Mo’s 2 vs 1
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s/ 2 on 1’s/ 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
- Drill goes both ways – 2 vs 1.
- F2 receives pass from D1.
- F2 picks up F1 and both forwards attack the D who made the breakout pass.
- Can send F3 as a tracker.
2022-23 NHL Season #10
A great full ice 2 vs 1 drill that allows the D to get the perfect gap.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Drill Name: Hitchcock 1 vs 2
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s/ 2 on 1’s/ 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
- F1 leaves and swings wide to the opposite end’s blue line. F2 leaves their end with timing, D1 steps out and can pass to either side. D2 is waiting in neutral zone and takes 2 vs 1 down.
- After D1 makes their pass, they follow up play and take a new 2 vs 1 back to their end.
- NO BUMPBACK TO D – Forwards receive the puck and turn up ice, attack as quickly as possible.
2022-23 NHL Season #9
A shooting drill that focuses on changing the angle of your shot which could be the difference between getting the puck through or being blocked.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Drill Name: Change the Angle
Drill Category: Shooting Drills
Description:
Place other net on the dot. Coach will pass to F1 for three different shots. Alternate sides.
- Change angle above the dot.
- Change angle below the dot.
- Pull/push across middle, shot on opposite side of cone.
2022-23 NHL Season #8
This a simple drill to start practice and get your goalies warmed up. Players skate and circle back on the dot for a shot from the top of the circles.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: New York Rangers
Drill Name: 3 Dot Shooting
Drill Category: Shooting Drills
Description:
- On whistle, 3 X‘s & 3 O‘s leave from opposite corners.
- 1st player goes around near blue neutral zone dot.
- 2nd player goes around center dot.
- 3rd player goes around far blue dot.
- Alternate sides on the whistle.
2022-23 NHL Season #7
An effective net-front defensive positioning drill with an emphasis on the passing lane.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Boston Bruins
Drill Name: Low 1 vs 1
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s / 2 on 1’s / 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
- Drill starts with 1 D and 1 F net-front
- 2 Coaches or 2 players behind net, 4-6 feet width outside each post
- The two Coaches remain stationary as they pass the puck back and forth
- At their discretion, they will try to pass the puck to the F battling for position in the slot
- D defends passes with focus on body positioning, facing the puck and good stick position
Note: Keep play below the faceoff dots
2022-23 NHL Season #6
This tight area battle drill teaches players to work with their partner to engage and get open for a shot.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Colorado Avalanche
Drill Name: Low Down, Down Low 2 vs 2
Drill Category: Small Area Drills & Games
Description:
- Coach places puck in corner.
- O is on offence and X defends a 2 vs 2 battle.
- There is option to add an additional offensive/defensive players. Drill can run 1 vs 1, 2 vs 1, 1 vs 2 or 2 vs 2.
2022-23 NHL Season #5
An essential goalie recovery drill to be used at the start of practice to get goalies warmed up.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Arizona Coyotes
Drill Name: 6 Shot Recovery
Drill Category: Goaltending Drills
Description:
- G steps out to F1 for a longside, low shot
- Butterfly recovery, across to F2 , 2nd shot
- G, return to F1, 3rd shot longside
- Butterfly recovery, across to F2 , 4th shot
- G, return to F1, 5th shot longside
- Recovery to F2 , 6th shot
2022-23 NHL Season #4
This Breakout introduces your players to the DINK play. Communication is a vital component of this Breakout’s success.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Vancouver Canucks
Drill Name: Syracuse B/O’s
Drill Category: Breakout Drills
Description:
- Drill begins with a Coach dump, D’s go backward dink wall/dink net.
- D pass it to Forwards and go down for a shot.
- 2nd puck, Low to High D Shot.
- 3rd puck Delay, Low to High, pass to high Forward shot.
DINK Definition: Bumping it either up wall or net.
2022-23 NHL Season #3
This shooting drill focuses on rebounds. Mix it up with a pass over for a quick shot and a drive.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Drill Name: TB BC 2 on 0
Drill Category: Shooting Drills
Description:
- Players line up on all 4 blue lines.
- X skates towards middle of ice and receives a pass from O and bumps it back.
- O can pass it to either X or X.
- Both X‘s attacks 2 vs 0.
- X line is now the passer.
2022-23 NHL Season #2
Challenging drill for the defence focusing on quick starts while going backwards.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Seattle Kraken
Drill Name: 1 on 1 Racehorse
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s / 2 on 1’s / 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
- One forward on each side of the center circle touching the red line.
- On the whistle, forwards go halfway around the center circle to pick up the puck on the red line for 1-on-1 vs D on the dot.
- When forward hits the red line with speed, D can begin moving.
2022-23 NHL Season #1
Transitioning from Defence to Offence takes back control in the game. This simple transition stretch drill is an excellent warmup drill that incorporates your goalies.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: San Jose Sharks
Drill Name: Sharks Chip
Drill Category: Shooting Drills
Description:
Part 1
1. D1 picks up a spotted puck at top of the circle and passes to F1 at the far blue.
2. Coach gives pressure to F1 who chips to F2 who has worked across ice.
3. F1/F2 tandem entry and shot.
4. D1 follows to blue line for shot.
Part 2
1. D1 passes to F2 working across middle, who chips to F1 posted at blue line.
Shot Progression:
F: 1. Shot off wall 2. Cut to middle money line shot
D: 1. Low-High pound. 2. Climb and slide
September 2022
Great drill to ramp up for the season. The catch & release shot is a game changer for any player.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Montreal Canadiens
Drill Name: Overspeed Shooting
Drill Category: Shooting Drills
Description:
- F1–F2 gather speed around forward group, coach spots puck either side to speed forward and F1 must execute a pass with F2 one timing the puck or with a catch & release shot.
- F1 needs to stop at the net for a rebound and develop a good habit of stopping at the net.
August 2022
This drill is an excellent game for transitioning. Knowing what to do in this situation speeds up decision making.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: San Jose Sharks
Drill Name: Mads 3 vs 3
Drill Category: Small Area Game
Description:
- Set one net in the standard position in the crease and a second net between the circles, facing the blue line.
- Play 3 vs 3 in the zone with a coach along each wall (always on offence).
- Players must pass to one of the coaches on change of possession before attempting to score. Coaches can move laterally along the wall and must pass back to the team that passes to them.
- Teams can score on either net.
July 2022
Set up just like the Great One behind the net. This teaches players how to escape the opposition and get open.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Arizona Coyotes
Drill Name: Gretzky – Behind the Goal Line – 10 Players
Drill Category: Small Area Game
Description:
- Drill Set Up – Pucks in the slot at the top of the circles.
- One player stays below the goal line the entire time.
- After each change of possession the attacking team must make a pass to the player below the goal line.
- The player below the goal line will change after every goal scored.
- 5 players in 5 players out, players switch every minute.
June 2022
Defence is key to any championship team, and this drill’s success rides on a great backcheck.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Nashville Predators
Drill Name: 3 vs 2 Low Into 5 vs 5
Drill Category: Dzone Coverage Drills
Description:
- Coach spots a puck behind the net. Red Fs play Black D 3v2
- Black Fs and Red D stay above the tops of the circles.
- Coach continues to spot pucks until whistle.
- On whistle Black Fs take off against Red D 3v2 and Red Fs on Offence transition to Defence. Play it out 5v5 in OZ, 2nd coach can spot pucks in OZ as needed.
May 2022
A defensive zone drill that integrates progression for your players to keep improving.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Drill Name: Arrive in Dzone
Drill Category: Dzone Coverage Drills
Description:
- 5 pucks
- F3 stays below the goal line and looks to feed F1 and F2 for a shot (2 vs 1 net front).
- After the first puck or whistle from coach, F1 & 2 around dot cones, D around the middle cones.
- F3 moves below goal line looking for the forwards with second puck. This continues for pucks 3/4/5.
- *Progression – 2 vs 2 situations or the forwards around middle cone, D around the dot cone.
April 2022
A great drill to start your practice which includes multiple one-touch passing. Emphasize moving your feet continuously and tape to tape passing.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: LA Kings
Drill Name: NZ Speed
Drill Category: Warm Up Drills
Description:
Opposite sides go together.
- X1 belly out, pass from X2 then X1 passes to O1 in the opposite line.
- O1 indirect pass to X2 in starting line then X2 bump back to X1 in the center of the ice.
- X1 gets puck back and passes across to O3.
- O3 passes back to X1, who drives the middle with speed for a shot on goal.
- Use tire to make shooter change the angle of shot.
March 2022
This drill teaches the technique of surfing, a lateral motion across the ice that mimics surfing, which allows the D to close the gap on the forward.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Nashville Predators
Drill Name: 1 vs 1 Push the Pace
Drill Category: 1 vs 1/ 2vs 2 Drills
Description:
-
Forwards in all 4 corners with pucks. D on walls at blue lines.
-
1 vs 1 out of opposite corners. Forwards work on pushing the pace. Defence work on surfing up and taking the gap early.
-
D should allow forwards to handle the puck until puck gets into the OZ where they play out the 1 vs 1.
Surfs Up: “Going forwards toward a player then transitioning backwards”
February 2022
Defensive zone coverage is critical for the center to work with the defensemen. This drill allows the low battle, which turns into the all-important backcheck.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: New York Rangers
Drill Name: New York – 3 vs 3 – Back 5 vs 5
Drill Category: 3 on 3’s / 5 on 5’s
Description:
- Drill starts with a 3 vs 3 down low.
- On whistle, O1/O2 attack 2 X’s with all players back-checking to create a 5 vs 5.
January 2022
Very simple and effective 1 vs 1 drill. Players have to understand they aren’t just playing another player; they are influencing where they go.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: New Jersey Devils
Drill Name: New York 1 vs 1 / 2 vs 2
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s / 2 on 2’s
Description:
Part A
-
- Both sides at same time.
- D1 passes to F1.
- F1 wide out around pylon for a 1 vs 1 against D1.
Part B
-
- One side at a time.
- D1 passes to F1.
- F1/F2 go around pylons for a 2 vs 1 against D1.
December 2021
Very difficult drill for the Defence which helps to improve foot speed and force Forwards to take advantage of flat footed players.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Minnesota Wild
Drill Name: 1 vs 1 Quick Feet
Drill Category: 1 on 1’s / 2 on 1’s / 3 on 2 Drills
Description:
-
- On whistle, both forwards leave, skate around D and pick up puck on red line that the coaches have spotted.
- D can’t leave until the forwards touch the puck.
- D try to force a wide shot.Drill starts as shown. Opposite lines go at the same time and will mirror one another.
November 2021
The Red Wings share a great warm up drill that incorporates backwards skating, one-touch passes ending with a shot.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Drill Name: Thunder Warm Up
Drill Category: Warm Up
Description:
-
- Drill starts as shown. Opposite lines go at the same time and will mirror one another.
- X1 backskates and gets a pass from X3. X1 then pivots and passes to O1 and gets a pass back. X1 then passes to X4 and gets a pass back.
- X1 then passes to O2 and opens up for a pass at the red line and gets the puck back. Goes down for a shot in the opposite end they started in.
- After X1 and X2 cross the blue line, O1 and O2 step out and go.
October 2021
The Hurricanes share a competitive, two part warm-up drill that begins with a quick shot and finishes with a 2 vs 2 battle.
Click here to download a PDF of the drill.
Team: Carolina Hurricanes
Drill Name: Carolina 2 vs 2
Drill Category: Warm Up
Description:
-
- Forwards touch pass then shoot on goalie with defence following. Curl around cones and race up ice. Coach will lay a puck out for 2 vs 2 in the zone.
- D and F’s curl around cones and race up ice. Coach will lay a puck out for 2 vs 2 in the zone.
- Play it out. If the defence wins the puck, they have to skate it out of the zone.
© 2022 NHL Coaches’ Association, Inc. The material may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the NHLCA. Any other reproduction or distribution, in whatever form and by whatever media, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of the NHLCA. All Rights Reserved.