¶ Block 6 - Advanced Wall Exits and Swing Attack
Objective. Exit the corner and closed wall space without losing possession, then shift the puck into open space using a swing to create attack.
Delivery. Run this block for 1 to 3 sessions. Emphasize puck security and role discipline before adding speed. Progress to full pressure only when exits stay clean.
By the end of Block 6, players should be able to demonstrate the following in short game play:
- Exits the corner up the wall with support and maintains possession.
- Uses a flick to forward, a curl, or a wall deke to beat pressure and keep the puck.
- Uses a cross danger zone option only when weak side coverage is in place.
- Assigns a weak side forward on swing patrol to stop the opponent swing and protect the danger zone.
- Initiates a swing from closed wall space into open space and gains ground.
¶ Key roles and terms
- Closed space. Wall and corner areas with limited options and high pressure.
- Open space. The far side of the court away from the wall stack.
- Weak side forward, swing patrol. Stays off the wall stack. Stops the opponent swing. Picks up any blocked cross and prevents danger zone access.
- Swings. Move the puck from the wall stack into open space on the other side of the court. Use passes and swimming support.
- Space. Half court, one corner and both walls available.
- Markers. Mark the corner as closed space. Identify the far wall as the swing target.
- Numbers. Build from 3v2 to 3v3, then 4v4.
Run 10 to 12 minutes per drill. Keep reps short. Reset often. Rotate roles every rep or every 60 to 90 seconds.
- Purpose. Exit the corner by driving up the wall with support while protecting against a swing counter into the danger zone.
- Numbers. 3 attackers vs 2 defenders.
- Start. Puck starts in the corner. One attacker is on puck. One attacker is wall support. One attacker is weak side forward on swing patrol.
- Task. Drive up the wall without losing possession. Use a flick to the forward, a curl to protect the puck, or a wall deke to beat 1v1 pressure.
- Weak side rule. Weak side forward stays off the stack to stop swing and protect the danger zone if the puck gets redirected.
- Win. Attack wins by gaining ground up the wall with possession. Defense wins by forcing a turnover or forcing the puck into the danger zone.
- Purpose. Use the cross option to hit the opposite wall when open space exists.
- Numbers. 3 attackers vs 3 defenders.
- Start. Puck starts in closed space. One attacker is the carrier. One attacker is the weak side receiver in open space. One attacker is weak side forward on patrol.
- Task. Carrier sends a controlled cross into open space to hit the centre of the pool.
- Risk rule. If the cross is blocked, the weak side forward must win the loose puck first and gain ground immediately.
- Support rule. Wings and the other forward must support the weak side receiver fast because the first drive is initially isolated.
- Win. Attack wins by completing the cross and gaining ground on the open side. Defense wins by blocking and creating immediate danger zone access.
- Purpose. Move the puck from a stacked wall to open space, then turn that space into forward progress.
- Numbers. 4v4.
- Start. Puck starts on the wall under pressure. One attacker positions outside the stack (centre of pool) as the first swing receiver.
- Task. Pass out of the stack (away from the wall) to the centre receiver, then move the puck across into open space and attack up the far wall.
- Rule. No blind cross through traffic. Find the centre receiver first.
¶ 4) Short game play, exits and swings
- Game. Conditioned 4v4 or 5v5.
- Scoring.
- 1 point for a clean corner exit up the wall with possession.
- 2 points for a successful cross danger zone exit that results in controlled entry to the far wall.
- 2 points for a completed swing that creates a clear shot or goal.
- Control. Stop play for crosses with no weak side patrol, blind swing attempts, or repeated corner turnovers.
- Support before the drive
- Weak side on patrol
- Keep possession first
- Exit the corner, then attack
- Swing into space
- No blind cross