Objective. Prepare the team to manage common match situations with clear structure, role discipline, and low risk decision making.
Delivery. Run this block for 1 to 3 sessions. Start with walk through structure and signals on deck. Progress to live play only after roles are consistent.
By the end of Block 7, players should be able to demonstrate the following in short game play:
- Maintains a stable defensive shape when playing a player down, 5v6.
- Uses controlled possession and safe zones to reduce risk when short handed.
- Protects a lead using disciplined possession and structured attacks.
- Chases a goal with increased pressure and higher tempo without losing composure.
- Executes basic power play structure and puck movement when a player up, 6v5.
Coaches cannot communicate underwater. Agree on these meanings on deck before the set starts.
- Short handed, 5v6. Signal for “5v6 shape.” Everyone slots immediately.
- Power play, 6v5. Signal for “6v5 setup.” Everyone goes to their role and lane.
- Protect lead. Signal for “possession mode.” Reduce central risk and slow tempo.
- Chase goal. Signal for “pressure mode.” Increase press and speed of support.
- Substitution side. Point to the bench side before the puck carrier submerges.
¶ Key rules and terms
- Safe zones. Wall and corner where risk is lower and the puck can be controlled.
- Danger zone. Central area in front of goal. Avoid giving direct access when short handed.
- Slot in. The pre determined player fills the missing position immediately. No arguing roles mid play.
- Rotate to box. Angle play toward your substitution side so players can rotate regularly.
- Half court for controlled reps, then full width for game play.
- Mark the substitution side and the corner safe zone.
- Use a predetermined turnover trigger to reset situations cleanly.
Run 10 to 12 minutes per drill. Keep reps short. Reset often. Reconfirm signals on deck between sets if needed.
- Purpose. Hold structure, reduce risk, and survive pressure without giving away the middle.
- Numbers. 6 attackers vs 5 defenders.
- Start. Begin with a set restart. On the signal, defenders slot into 5v6 structure immediately.
- Task. Defenders play controlled. Force to safe zones. Do not overcommit as last defender. Maintain depth and middle coverage.
- Rotation rule. Angle the game toward your substitution side so you can rotate players regularly. Keep the puck on the wall when possible.
- Win. Defense wins by preventing danger zone entry for 10 seconds, or forcing a controlled clearance to the wall and out of pressure.
- Coach watch. No two defenders chasing one puck. Someone always protects the middle.
- Purpose. Use possession and structure to reduce opponent opportunities.
- Numbers. 6v6.
- Start. Team in the lead starts with possession.
- Task. Play a possession game. No unnecessary central risks. Attack only with structure and support. If the forward option closes, recycle to the wall or corner.
- Rule. If the puck is forced into the middle with no support, reset the rep.
- Win. Lead team wins by holding possession for a set count and creating a low risk shot, or by safely recycling under pressure.
- Coach watch. Tempo control, spacing, and patience. No panic clears into the middle.
- Purpose. Increase pressure and tempo without losing structure.
- Numbers. 6v6.
- Start. Team chasing starts without possession. On turnover they must transition quickly.
- Task. Increase pressure on the attack and speed of support. Create shots faster. Play away from your defensive substitution side to reduce opponent counter access to your box.
- Rule. Pressure is increased, but last defender must not overcommit. If last defender dives and gets beaten, stop and reset.
- Win. Chasing team wins by creating a clear shot within 6 seconds of regaining possession.
- Coach watch. Composure under speed. Support arrives early. No solo hero drives.
- Purpose. Use the extra player to move the puck faster than the defense can shift.
- Numbers. 6 attackers vs 5 defenders.
- Start. Attack starts with a controlled restart. On the signal, everyone goes to their 6v5 roles.
- Task. Maintain width and passing lanes. Move the puck quickly. Commit a defender before passing into the next space. Avoid forced central passes.
- Rule. If the puck stops on the wall with no support, reset. The advantage is speed and options, not a wall grind.
- Win. Power play wins by creating a clean shot within 10 seconds. Defense wins by forcing a turnover or a rushed low percentage shot.
- Coach watch. Use the extra player to keep the puck moving. Do not bunch.
- Game. Conditioned game with timed situation changes.
- Format. Every 90 seconds switch situation on a predetermined signal. Rotate through 5v6, protect lead, chase goal, 6v5.
- Scoring.
- 5v6 defense earns 1 point for a successful hold or safe clearance.
- Protect lead earns 1 point for a controlled recycle and no danger zone turnover.
- Chase goal earns 2 points for a shot or goal within 6 seconds of regain.
- 6v5 earns 2 points for a clean shot created within 10 seconds.
- Control. Stop play for role confusion, repeated central turnovers, or last defender overcommit.
- Slot in now
- Protect the middle
- Wall and corner first
- Angle to the box
- Possession mode
- Pressure mode
- Extra player, move it
- Increase pressure and speed only when structure stays intact.
- Reduce allowed time for power play shots as execution improves.
- Shorten rest between situation changes to add fatigue and decision stress.
- Walk through positions and lanes on deck, then repeat at half speed.
- Reduce numbers to 4v5 and 5v4 to teach spacing before full 5v6 and 6v5.
- Use shorter reps with more resets to keep structure clean.
- Short handed defenders chase and open the middle. Cue, “Protect the middle.”
- Short handed team turns it over centrally. Cue, “Wall and corner first.”
- Protecting a lead forces low percentage middle passes. Cue, “Possession mode.”
- Chasing a goal becomes solo drives with no support. Cue, “Go with support.”
- Power play bunches on the wall. Cue, “Extra player, move it.”