-Attack the offensive blue line with speed

-Get the puck deep into the attacking zone quickly

-Penetration to the net with the puck is of utmost importance

-Use a variety of attacks

-Be creative

-Move the puck quickly around the zone

-Isolate your attack on one defenseman, creating a 2 on 1 situation on one side, and don't forget what we discussed last week about two on one situations!

Ok, that's a wrap for points of emphasis for forwards. Six weeks of tips that I hope will help all players and coaches focus on key areas for successful forward play. Good luck, and next week we'll start the same sort of discussion on defenseman. See you then!

Here are the six keys to effective one on one play for a forward:

-Try to attack your opponent at angles

-Make all your moves in full stride

-Learn to protect the puck while attacking

-Use change of pace, and shifting speeds to allude your defender

-Work especially hard to gain a path into the prime scoring area

-Do not be predictable...vary your attack

Sounds pretty simple, right? If you want to be an excellent one on one threat, practice these six core areas every week and you will be a feared forward attack threat. Good luck! Next week, some two on one tips.

Make sure the player does not shoot too soon as the goalie will cut off his shot at an angle. It is also important that the shooter wait until he is at the top of the crease before taking the shot.

This drill works much better if executed with a goalie is in the goal. It will teach the players to aim towards the corners of the net rather than hitting it directly into the center of the net where the goalie is.

One bonus tip: All players like to practice a "shoot out drill" on the goalie... try reversing it. Let the goalie (or goalies) have a shoot out with the other players. This conditions the goalies to use their sticks with skill and accuracty and gives them some fun skating practice that most goalies do not receive.

Description of Drill: The player's job will be to skate towards an object (I use a cone), travel around that object and then return. A very simple drill, the emphasis is placed on skating fundamentals, and breaking the basics of skating down... one leg at a time. The player's position should be: knees slightly bent with legs shoulder width apart. The player first starts by pushing off with his left leg. He pulls the leg back to shoulder width apart, glides, and then repeats. This process will take the player all the way down to the cone. After the player goes around the cone, they are to execute the same process with the other leg (right). After finishing one 'lap,' the player goes to the back of the line.

What to look for Coaches: Coaches should be looking for the slight bend in the knee, as well as a smooth and under control approach. Most younger players will try to rush this drill and lose the desired technique. Look for a nice slow push off and then a glide, all the while keeping their head up and looking forward with their knees slightly bent.

As you develop through practice, you will find some skills come easier than others. In order to develop into a well-rounded player, approach practice by working especially hard on your weaknesses, while you continue to refine the skills you are strong in.

The nice part about composite or aluminum (I personally don't like the aluminum) shafts is that you can buy a variety of differently curved blades that can instantly (but not always) change or affect the height of a slap shot or make or break your backhand, wrist shot or snap shot.

The nice part about wooden sticks is that you can adjust the stiffness yourself by planing the material off the fat or longest side of the shaft with a planer, grinder or sander. Naturally, the more material you remove the greater the chance of breaking. Remove material from just below the top hand to 2 lengths of a standard (hip width grip) this should end no less than 6"-8" inches above the transition between the top of the blade and the shaft area, this is where the shaft does not taper or change in diameter. (This transition area is the most vulnerable point of breaking) Take more material out of the middle length than at the ends creating a slight, smooth and gradual arch with no stepping. Do this a little at a time, testing as you go along. You may break a couple of sticks and you may find what you definately don't want before you find what you want, but understanding the changes is invaluable.

This week we'll review a few more basic principles to remember. First, the main task of a defender is to limit the time, space, speed and direction of the offensive attack. One of the best times to look for a checking opportunity is when you can make the offensive player move toward the boards by skating at the player at an angle, cutting off the central ice area.

It's also helpful when exectuing a check to use QUICKNESS, by developing good timing and instincts. Note I did not say speed, as it is important to be under control when checking. By quickness I mean not giving the puck carrier much reaction time before you are executing the check.

Finally, remember to keep your feet moving while checking. Many players stop moving their legs when checking, reducing both quickness and the momentum of the check. Always keep your feet moving when executing a check. Good Luck!

While this is not an exhaustive list, the following are what I believe are the key basic hockey skills and knowledge-sets to emphasize when developing good forwards on offense:

-Keep feet moving when passing or shooting the puck

-Communicate well with your teammates

-Win all the races to loose pucks

-Never skate by the net after a shot

-Don't get caught three men deep in the zone below the puck

-Keep a forward high for offensive as well as defensive purposes

-Understand the concepts of support, transition,pressure, and containment

-Ability to cycle and create space

Coaches and forwards should never neglect drilling regularly on these skills and principles of solid forward play. Good luck! Next week, defensive points of emphasis.

On the defensive end of being an effective forward, I emphasize the following five areas and reinforce them constantly:

-Back check by picking up the off-side forward

-Take your player to the net if they stay outside your defensemen

-If the player cuts to the middle in front of the defense, stay in your lane, and back up your defenseman

-If you are the trailing backchecker, pick up the player in the high slot area

-Keep your body between your check and your net, and maintain good defensive posture

There you go! Five key defensive points of emphasis for all forwards, that require daily work to perfect and make habitual. Good luck! Next week, one on one points of emphasis.

Two on one opportunities are rare when playing against good opponents, so having a solid, dependable attack strategy is crucial if you want to maximize your outcomes in these hard to get situations. Here are five points of emphasis I reinforce each week in practice:

-Cut the ice in half

-Try to pull the defender out of the middle

-Bring the play to the defenseman as quickly as possible...speed...attack

-Use a variety of moves: go wide, freeze the defenseman, criss cross, etc.

-Stagger, so the open forward is in a support position

Emphasize speed and variety, so when the opportunity is created through your team's hard work, you have a great chance of capitilizing, thus reinforcing the value of hard work to create these two on one chances.

Good luck! Next week will be our final week to discuss the forward position, with a look at three on two points of emphasis.

Excellent for teams which practice ˝ ice. Players start on bench (3 forwards and 2 defensemen). Two defensemen are stationed at both neutral zone face off dots. On coach's whistle, the head or assistant coach points his stick to an area and the players on the bench skate to their defensive zone coverage areas. Puck is dumped into the defending zone, then players break out. After defensive zone break out is made, forwards pass puck to one of the defenders, execute a neutral zone regroup, and attack three-on-two versus the two defenders they broke out with.

Running the drill-

Coaches must point stick to various targets requiring players to adapt their defensive zone responsibilities to the different sides the puck may be on. One coach focuses in on the forwards, one on the goaltender, and one on the defensemen. Puck is dumped to different areas requiring the participation or lack thereof of the goaltenders. Dumps should be varied to expose the players to their defensive zone and break out responsibilities. After two break out passes are made (say, D-to-W-to-C), players pass puck to a "defender" in the neutral zone and forwards must execute the teams neutral zone regroup. The defenders who made the initial break out pass cannot cross the blue line and must stay in containment. Once the regroup is executed, the forwards commence a 3-on-2 against the defenders.

Points of emphasis-

This is an integrated drill designed for Bantam A and up. Numerous points are emphasized, including, but not limited to:

1. Simulation of an over the boards line change.

2. Reinforcement of a solid box in the defensive zone with a sticks to the middle and inside position mentality.

3. Reinforcement of defensive zone positioning responsibilities when puck changes from strong wide to the weak wide.

4. Reinforcement of puck receiving skills by the defensemen and goaltenders.

5. Simulation and reinforcement of team break outs, be they G-D-F, D-W, D-C, etc., particularly the combination defensive zone coverage-puck support principles of a well designed and well executed break out.

6. Reinforcement and simulation of a neutral zone regroup, with emphasis on puck support and attack triangles.

7. Team 3-on-2 dump plays, and the team various 3-on-2 rush plays (such as cross and drops, drop and picks, strong side winger to net- weak side winger delay, etc.).

8. Defenders responsibilities in the 3-on-2 attack.

9. Goaltenders communication with his defenders.

Other-

Multiple progressions are possible with this scheme: Add the two neutral zone players to work on forechecking and power play principles. Add one or two backcheckers. Etc. All fundamental skills are utilized in this practice format (skating, puck control, hitting, shooting, passing, and pass receiving), along with refinement and reinforcement of important tactical play (attack triangles and so forth). This practice scheme also exposes the players to the transitional nature of the game. Caveat: Limit the drill to 45 seconds, and at high tempo. The kids love it. It is important, finally, in my opinion, to establish a mechanism for appropriate and timely feedback.

- GET GOALTENDERS INVOLVED

- WORK ON SHOOTING FUNDAMENTALS IN AN INTEGRATED SETTING

- FOSTER TRANSITIONAL READING, REACTING, AND ANTICIPATING (RRA).

- HAVE SOME FUN WHILE WORKING ON IMPORTANT SKILL, TACTICAL, AND SYSTEMS CONCEPTS

SKILLS REINFORCED DURING:

- SHOOTING, SKATING, PUCK CONTROL, PHYSICALITY

- READING, REACTING, AND ANTICIPATING

- TACTICAL AND SYSTEMS PLAY IN CONFINED SPACES

- TEAM COMMUNICATION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRILL:

START THE DRILL WITH 3 OFFENSIVE PLAYERS (2 FORWARDS AND 1 DEFENDER), ONE "PUCK CARRIER," AND 4 PUCKS. POSITION THE DEFENSEMAN AT A WEAK SIDE POINT, WITH ONE FORWARD IN THE HIGH SLOT, AND THE REMAINING FORWARD AT A BOARD SIDE HASH MARK, OPPOSITE THE SIDE OF THE POINT MAN. PLACE ONE PUCK CARRIER AT THE FAR END BOARDS ON THE SAME SIDE AS THE SHOOTER/FORECHECKER AT THE HASH MARK. GIVE THE POINT MAN A PUCK, PLACE A PUCK IN THE HIGH SLOT, AND GIVE A PUCK TO THE SHOOTER/FORECHECKER AT THE BOARD SIDE HASHES. PLACE ONE FINAL PUCK EXACTLY BEHIND THE NET. THE 3 SHOOTER/FORECHECKERS MUST BE IN CONSTANT, CIRCULAR MOTION BEFORE THE DRILL STARTS (NO STANDING AROUND, THIS IS A GAME OF MOVEMENT!).

AT THE WHISTLE: THE POINT MAN SHOOTS ON NET, WHILE THE HIGH SLOT FORWARD ATTTEMPTS TO DEFLECT THE PUCK OR SCREEN THE GOALTENDER. IF A REBOUND IS GENERATED, THE HIGH SLOT FORWARD ATTEMPTS ONE "CHEAP" GOAL SCORE. WHILE THE POINT MAN IS SHOOTING, THE FORWARD AT THE BOARD SIDE HASH, SKATES AROUND THE FACE OFF CIRCLE WITH A PUCK. WHEN THE REBOUND (IF ANY) OPPORTUNITY IS FINISHED, THE HIGH SLOT FORWARD GOES BACK TO THE HIGH SLOT, AND MAKES A BACKHAND SHOT ON THE GOALTENDER (HELPS TO WORK ON THE BACKHAND SHOT, WHILE THE GOALIE IS ABLE TO WORK ON STAYING SQUARE WITH THE SHOOTER AND POST-TO-POST MOVEMENTS). WHEN THE BACKHAND SHOT IS COMPLETE, THE FORWARD SKATING THE FACE OFF CIRCLE BREAKS TO THE NET AND TAKES A SHOT. HIGH SLOT FORWARD TRAILS FOR A REBOUND OPPORTUNITY. SIMULTANEOUS WITH THE RELASE FROM THE FACE OFF CIRCLE, A "PUCK CARRIER" SKATES FROM THE BOARDS, PICKS UP A PUCK AND ATTEMPTS TO BEAT WHAT IS NOW 3 FORECHECKERS (THE SHOOTERS MAKING A TRANSITION FROM OFFENSE, TO FORECHECKING). NOW WORK ON WHATEVER FORECHECKING SCHEME YOU WISH TO INCORPORATE (WE PLAY A 1-2-2 STRONG SIDE OVERLOAD).

BENEFITS OF THE DRILL-

- KEEPS THE GOALTENDER INVOLVED AND FOCUSED

- ADDS A SHOOTING COMPONENT (WHICH THE PLAYERS LOVE) TO WHAT OTHERWISE IS "STALE" FORECHECKING.

- SIMULATES GAME LIKE CONDITIONS IN CONFINED SPACE

- TEACHES DEFENDERS WHEN TO PINCH, AND FORWARDS HOW AND WHEN TO COVER FOR PINCHING DEFENDERS IN A FORECHECKING SCHEME.

- HIGH TEMPO PRACTICE WITH HALF ICE.

COACHING KEYS-

- COACHES MUST EMPHASIZE CONSTANT MOVEMENT

- ASSISTANTS MUST HELP WITH THE PUCKS (IT CAN GET CONFUSING WITH MULTIPLE PUCKS, BUT THE BENEFITS EXCEED THE COSTS)

- COACHES MUST EMPHASIZE TO THE PLAYERS TO KEEP THEIR HEADS

UP SO THAT THEIR RRA'S CAN BE REINFORCED.

- STRESS CHATTER AMONGST THE FORECHECKERS (A TEAM WHICH

WHICH COMMUNICATES IS A "TIGHTER," CLOSER KNIT TEAM.

TEAM WORK IS THE ESSENCE OF OUR SPORT).

- STRESS THE IMPORTANT OF ANGLING SO THAT FORECHECKERS STEER THEIR OPPONENTS TO THE BOARDS, PARTICULARLY THE PRIME FORECHECKING ZONES.

- STRESS FIRST MAN ON BODY, PIN HIM UP, SECOND MAN GETS PUCK.

- NEVER LET OPPONENT TO THE MIDDLE. THE GAME IS A BATTLE FOR CONTROL OF THE MIDDLE. FORECE THEM OUT WHEN IN A DEFENSIVE POSTURE, GAIN ACCESS WHEN ON OFFENSE.

PROGRESSIONS-

- LET THE PLAYERS FINISH WITH A 20 SECOND 3-ON-1 IF THEY SUCCESSFULLY FORECHECK (THIS ALSO HELPS THE PUCK CARRIER TURNED DEFENSMEN HOW TO PLAY A 1-ON-3). IT ALSO HELPS TO GET THE GOALTENDER INVOLVED IN BEING A "CAPTAIN" WITH HIS DEFENSIVE TEAMMATES (HE CAN ASSIST

THE DEFENDER WITH HIS ADMONISHMENT TO, SAY, PLAY THE PASS OR THE SHOOTER).

- ADD SUPPORT TO THE PUCK CARRIER AND NOW YOU HAVE A 3-ON-2.

- PLAY WITH 5 FORECHECKERS AGAINST A PUCK CARRIER AND A SUPPORTING PLAYER (GREAT WAY TO SIMULATE YOUR FORECHECK SYSTEM AND COMMENCE POWER PLAY PRACTICE). (ONCE YOU CAN PROGRESS TO THE 5-ON-2, THE FORECHECKING OCCURS NATURALLY AND THE KIDS GET THEIR "SCRIMMAGE

KICK" WHILE BEING TAUGHT ALL OF THE VIRTUES OUTLINED ABOVE.

For an advanced version, add a player in the middle. The players in the circle attempt to keep the ball away from the middle man. Middle man is replaced if he intercepts someone's pass or if someone makes a bad pass and it goes out of circle.

This drill contains an accompanying graphic. To view the drill with graphic, click here.:

Coach can run this drill for a set amount of time, or for a predetermined number of 'laps.' For the latter, be sure to let your players reach the far boards in five to seven whistles.

The three key things to remember are:

Hold hands in a comfortable position 6 to 10 inches apart

Grip the stick with your fingers, not your entire hand, for a better feel; form a V with the thumb and forefinger

Pretty simple, right? Maybe, but don’t forget; practice is a time to develop habits of excellence, even when they seem simple or easy. Truly excellent hockey players practice excellence in every aspect of their game, every time they step on the ice.

Adjust your speed to your opponent, stay between your opponent and your net, keep your feet moving and stay under control, keep one hand on the stick, arm half extended...stick in front of you, force and steer your opponent to the outside, always protect the center/middle corridor.

• In cutting the angle down some tips to a goalie must remember: Do not stay deep in your net, do not give too much room on one side…keep square with the puck, be set when the shot is taken…

Focusing for Goalies: Focusing must be adjustable, like a zoom lens on a camera. When the puck/play is developing in the neutral zone, your focus will be broad. If you are facing a long shot, you will focus narrowly on the puck

• Shooting a wrist shot: hands apart, body is turned sideways to the target, puck begins at the side of your body, sweep puck forward while transferring your weight, puck will spin from heel to toe, your follow through is low and pointed at your target
• Puck carrier in the offensive zone should remember some of your options: Drive to the net and shoot, pass back to the trailer, pass to the far wing driving to the net, or cut back, and stall for time

As a reminder, the time to focus on these fundamentals is during practice. Never take the time you get to practice for granted or waste it by just going through the motions. Always practice with a solid focus on the fundamentals, otherwise you are developing bad habits instead of good habits.

Some of the key checkpoints for your wrist shot include:

Be sure your hands are comfortably apart and provide the leverage you need. Check with your coach to see if your handsets are ok.

Before shooting try to get your body turned sideways to the target.

The shot execution should begin at the side of your body.

Sweep the puck forward while you transfer your weight. Have your coach check your rhythm and timing and work to make this as automatic as possible.

The puck should be spinning heel to toe.

Make sure follow through is low and right at your target.

Never pass up the chance to practice these fundamental checkpoints of your wrist shot and ask your coach and teammates to check them for you from time to time.

For the next several weeks we will focus our tips on checking. Save these tips in a checking file for reference throughout the season.

Last week’s tip discussed some general ways to use checking properly. Since you not only give checks but also have to “take” checks, that is our focus this week.

As in most contact sports, when a player is hit, it is best to “curl up” as compactly as possible. It is especially important keep your head up. Shoulders and shoulder pads should absorb the impact of landing on the ice or colliding with the boards. Whenever possible, a player should try to cushion a collision with the boards, glass, or screen with the arms.

It is a good idea to teach your players that when they know they are about to be body checked, they should reach out and place a hand on the player checking them. This often will cushion the blow and sometimes will allow the player to slip off the check. The player being checked should also move one leg back to establish a wide, solid base, and lean into the check. Good luck.

As a reminder, the time to focus on these fundamentals is during practice. Never take the time you get to practice for granted or waste it by just going through the motions. Always practice with a solid focus on the fundamentals, otherwise you are developing bad habits instead of good habits.

Some of the key checkpoints for your wrist shot include:

Be sure your hands are comfortably apart and provide the leverage you need. Check with your coach to see if your handsets are ok.

Before shooting try to get your body turned sideways to the target.

The shot execution should begin at the side of your body.

Sweep the puck forward while you transfer your weight. Have your coach check your rhythm and timing and work to make this as automatic as possible.

The puck should be spinning heel to toe.

Make sure follow through is low and right at your target.

Never pass up the chance to practice these fundamental checkpoints of your wrist shot and ask your coach and teammates to check them for you from time to time.