Module 5: Special Teams

Hockey Coaching Course Module 5: Special Teams

Hockey Coaching Course Module 5: Special Teams

Module 5 is all about special teams. In this module you will learn the formations of an effective power play (PP), and the strategies of a penalty kill (PK) that frustrate opposing offences.

Hockey coaching course modules 1-6 available

Note: These hockey coaching video tutorials are downloadable versions created for our online coaching course, www.howtoplayhockey.ca. The entire course is a available for just $9.99 CAD / month. Some of our students prefer to download the instructional videos to make them accessible to their players and coaching staff in dressing rooms and arena hallways around the world where wifi might not be quite so available. We have listened, and have made Modules 1,2 & 3 available on this site, with more to follow soon.

Video Content

• Power Play Principles
• Penalty Kill Overview
• Power Play Structures
• Penalty Kill Forecheck
• Penalty Kill Defensive Zone

SPECIAL TEAMS: POWER PLAY 5.1

Power Play: Overload 5.1.1.

The most basic power play structure is the Overload. That does not mean it’s ineffective whatsoever. If you want to initiate structure on your power play, start here.

Power Play: Umbrella 5.1.2

The umbrella gets its name from the shape we draw on the whiteboard. I suppose it also allows a team to ‘Let it Rain’ with 3 potential one-time shooters, but I am making that up as a write.

Power Play: (1-3-1) 5.1.3

The 1-3-1 resembles the umbrella, but with a potential shooter trying to find an opening in the PK diamond. Sound confusing? Let me draw it out for you.

Power Play: (5 on 3: Box + 1 ) 5.1.4

I like this power play option on a 5 vs 3. Just count the passing lanes that become available! Now you just have to wait for that once in a blue moon chance to actually have a 5 on 3. Don’t waste it when you get it.

Power Play: 4 on 3: Box and Umbrella 5.1.5

We rarely see a 4 on 3, so it’s not commonly discussed or practiced. Nonetheless, it’s a great opportunity to score any time you can play against 3. With a little structure, you should be able to open up some shooting lanes and get the goalie moving.

Power Play Breakout: AKA Controlled 5.1.6

A controlled breakout doesn’t have to be just on the power play. In fact on the big ice in Europe, teams use controlled breakouts during 5 on 5 play very often. In this video, we address the principles of controlled breakouts, and use the setting of a power play to execute. Here is an overview, and a few different options.

SPECIAL TEAMS: PENALTY KILL FORECHECK 5.2

Penalty Kill Forecheck: 1-1-2 Passive and Aggressive 5.2.1

On the penalty kill, as with any forechecking system, all 4 players have to be on the same page or seams will open up and the puck will end up in your net.

Penalty Kill Forecheck: 1-3 Passive 5.2.2

A 1-3 forecheck on the PK can open up a fair bit of ice if you are not careful. Watch this video to see how you can forecheck while maintaining a tight core of penalty killers through the neutral zone. You’ll have a good chance to hold your blue line and disrupt offensive zone entry using this formation.

Penalty Kill Forecheck: Forwards Pressure and Replace 5.2.3

I was a penalty killer. I really liked to be a pain in the opposition’s butt. This forecheck allows the feisty PK’ers the chance to be aggressive and kill some time in the offensive zone with aggression and support.

Penalty Kill Forecheck: Trackback 5.2.4

Here is another aggressive PK forecheck. This time F1 works his tail off and does a lot of the skating while F2 and both D are watching, supporting, and waiting for their chance to pressure.

PENALTY KILL: DEFENSIVE ZONE 5.3

Penalty Kill: Defensive Zone Overview 5.3.1

Like the power play, there are concrete principles that govern the behaviour of competent penalty killers. Here’s an overview.

Penalty Kill: Passive and Aggressive Box 5.3.2

I hear some players asking if they should operate a box or a diamond on the penalty kill. It’s actually up to the power play to dictate that. Just remember: A diamond is a box, just turned 1/8. Here is a box PK, both passive, and gang busters aggressive.

Penalty Kill: Passive and Aggressive Diamond 5.3.3

As the power play moves into an umbrella or skates the puck to the middle of the ice, the PK must adjust into a diamond. Here is is, but passive, and aggressive.