This block develops puck control while swimming so players can move with the puck, change direction, and recover possession under light pressure.
- Straight Line Carry
- Weave Direction Change
- Curl Around Marker
- Pass and Swim
- Flick to Space and Recover
- Light Trailing Pressure
- Short Game Play
Full drill instructions can be found in the
Puck Control Development Drill Library.
¶ Exit Standard
By the end of this block players should demonstrate the following during short game play:
- Swims forward with puck under control
- Changes direction while maintaining control
- Flicks to space and recovers possession
- Maintains control under light trailing pressure
Players should carry the puck with small controlled touches while maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
- Maintain forward movement
- Use small controlled touches
- Keep the puck within recovery distance
- Avoid panic pushes
Players should be able to change direction while keeping the puck under control.
- Slow slightly before turning
- Keep the puck close during the turn
- Exit the turn with control
¶ Flick and Recovery
Players can flick the puck forward into open space but must remain close enough to recover it.
- Flick to reachable space
- Accelerate to recover possession
- Regain control before the next movement
Players should maintain control of the puck even when another player is applying light trailing pressure.
- Protect the puck with body position
- Avoid rushing touches
- Maintain composure while moving
- Markers placed 5–8 meters apart for weave drills
- Minimum one puck per two players (ideal: one per player)
- One dedicated lane for pass-and-swim drills
- Half court space prepared for conditioned play
- Control first
- Small touches
- Eyes up
- Protect the puck
- Recover under control
- Player swims forward while maintaining puck control
- Player changes direction without losing possession
- Player flicks into space and recovers the puck
- Player remains calm under light pressure
- Panic pushing the puck forward
Cue: Small touches.
- Losing control during turns
Cue: Slow through the turn.
- Over-flicking beyond recovery distance
Cue: Flick to space you can win.
- Head down
Cue: Eyes up.
- Keep pressure light and controlled
- Ensure adequate spacing during weave drills
- Stop players who repeatedly panic push the puck forward
¶ Progression and Regression
- Reduce spacing between markers
- Add controlled 1v1 channel with light contest
- Add requirement to pass after successful carry
- Increase spacing between markers
- Remove trailing pressure
- Shorten swim distances
Finish each session with short game play.