These drills support Session 3 of Level 1. The goal is to help players understand the difference between attacking and defending, recognise simple team roles, and apply their skills in game situations.
Players should already be comfortable moving the puck, making short passes, and participating in a game.
Foundation Badges Supported:
Passing
Coach Note: Keep concepts simple. Focus on moving forward together and supporting the puck carrier.
Objective: Introduce supporting the puck carrier.
Execution:
- One player starts with the puck.
- Teammates move with the attack.
- Puck carrier moves towards goal.
- Supporting players stay available for a pass.
Coach Cues:
- Move forward
- Help the attack
- Give an option
Coach Eyes:
- Players standing still
- Support too far away
- Everyone chasing the puck
Objective: Encourage teamwork before attacking.
Execution:
- Teams must complete three passes before they can score.
- Restart if possession is lost.
Coach Cues:
- Share the puck
- Support your teammates
- Look for passing options
Coach Eyes:
- Players forcing difficult passes
- Players carrying instead of passing
- Limited support movement
Coach Note: Defending is not chasing the puck. Defending is protecting the goal.
Objective: Introduce basic defensive positioning.
Execution:
- One team attacks.
- One team defends.
- Defenders stay between the puck and the goal.
Coach Cues:
- Protect the goal
- Stay goal side
- Slow the attack
Coach Eyes:
- Defenders chasing the puck
- Leaving the goal exposed
- Poor awareness of the attacking player
Objective: Build confidence regaining possession.
Execution:
- One player starts with the puck.
- Defender attempts to gain possession legally.
- Once possession changes, swap roles.
Coach Cues:
- Stay patient
- Protect first
- Win it cleanly
Coach Eyes:
- Overcommitting
- Poor body position
- Giving up too easily
Players now learn what to do when possession changes.
¶ Win It & Go
Objective: Introduce transition between attack and defence.
Execution:
- Two teams compete for possession.
- When a team wins the puck, they immediately attack.
- When a team loses the puck, they immediately defend.
Coach Cues:
- We have it, attack
- They have it, defend
- React quickly
Coach Eyes:
- Players standing still after turnovers
- Slow reactions
- Confusion about possession changes
Introduce simple roles rather than formal positions.
Objective: Understand the jobs of attackers, supporters, and defenders.
Execution:
- Play 3 vs 3.
- Assign simple roles:
- Attacker
- Support Player
- Defender
- Rotate roles regularly.
Coach Cues:
- Know your job
- Help your teammates
- Attack together, defend together
Coach Eyes:
- Players forgetting their role
- Everyone becoming the attacker
- No defensive support
Objective: Apply all Level 1 skills in a game environment.
Setup:
- Small teams (4v4 or 5v5)
- Small playing area
- Minimal stoppages
Coach Focus:
- Attacking when in possession
- Defending when out of possession
- Supporting teammates
- Communication
Success Looks Like:
- Players recognise attack and defence situations
- Players support teammates
- Players begin spreading out naturally
- Players play with confidence
Session 3 introduces the idea that every player has a job.
When your team has the puck, attack and support.
When the opposition has the puck, defend and protect the goal.
The goal is not perfect positioning. The goal is helping players understand how to contribute to a team.