¶ Block 8 - Conditioned Scrimmage and Substitution Management
Objective. Apply Level 2 structure in full conditioned scrimmage, with clean substitutions, clear side signaling, and disciplined timing.
Delivery. Run this block for 1 to 3 sessions. Start with an out of water discussion and signal agreement, then run full conditioned scrimmage blocks with substitution standards.
Session skeleton. 8 to 10 min out of water discussion, 35 to 45 min conditioned scrimmage blocks, 3 min review.
By the end of Block 8, players should be able to demonstrate the following in short game play:
- Executes clean substitutions without disrupting team shape.
- Chooses good moments to substitute based on puck position and team stability.
- Signals substitution side clearly and early.
- Uses different substitution types, 2 for 1 position and 3 for 2 positions, without confusion.
- Best time to substitute. When the puck is near the substitution box. Use quick subs on one-breath efforts, then rest in the sub box.
- Bad time to substitute. As a defender, when the opposition has possession and is putting your defense under pressure. As an attacker, when your team is applying pressure and the defense is under stress.
- Early decision. Decide the substitution side before submerging for the next cycle.
- Side signals. These meanings must be agreed on before the session starts.
- Close side. Fist signal.
- Open side. Open hand signal.
- 2 for 1 position. Two players rotate through one role in sequence, one exits while the other enters, maintaining the same position responsibility.
- 3 for 2 positions. Three players rotate through two roles, allowing one player to recover while two positions remain covered.
- Key rule. The team must keep coverage of critical roles during the rotation, especially middle and last defender responsibilities.
- Space. Full court scrimmage if possible.
- Substitution side. Clearly defined bench side and entry lane.
- Blocks. Timed scrimmage blocks, 3 to 5 minutes.
Run 4 to 6 blocks. Each block has one substitution focus. Keep the same standards every block.
- Condition. Subs only when puck is on wall or in corner. If a sub happens with the puck central, stop and reset.
- Success. Clean rotations with no shape collapse and no immediate danger zone exposure.
- Condition. Puck carrier or nearest leader must signal close side or open side before players submerge for the next cycle.
- Success. Players rotate to the correct side with no hesitation.
- Condition. Team must complete at least two clean 2 for 1 cycles without losing the role shape.
- Success. The position stays covered throughout, and the incoming player enters with a clear job.
- Condition. Team must complete at least two clean 3 for 2 cycles while maintaining middle and depth coverage.
- Success. No open middle, no last defender overcommit caused by rotation confusion.
- Condition. Combine timing, side signal, and both substitution types in one block.
- Success. Substitutions become automatic, and structure holds under fatigue.
- Sub on the wall
- Signal side early
- Close side fist
- Open side hand
- Keep middle covered
- No sub in the middle
- Subbing with puck central. Cue, “No sub in the middle.”
- Late side signal. Cue, “Signal before you go under.”
- Overlapping subs. Cue, “One rotation only.”
- Middle left open during rotation. Cue, “Keep middle covered.”