Hockey drill

Offensive Zone Cycling – 3 Shots

Two players trade roles in the offensive zone: three shots per sequence, with passes from the corner and reading their options. For U9 and U11/U12.

Category: Skills and tactics
Levels: U9 · U11/U12

Hockey drill diagram: Offensive Zone Cycling – 3 Shots

half-ice
passing
puck control
shooting

How it runs

This is what your players need to understand before the puck moves.

Form two lines near the boards, just outside the blue lines. Place pucks in both corners.

1. P1 enters the zone with a puck and takes a shot on goal.

2. P1 retrieves a puck from the corner and passes to P2, who moves into the slot for a shot.

3. After shooting, P2 retrieves a puck from the corner and passes to P1, who has exited the zone before returning toward the net for a third shot.

4. The next two players repeat the drill.

Key Points:

- Accurate passes and quick shots.

- Control the puck before passing.

- Keep your head up to identify passing options.

Variation: Turn the drill into a continuous passing and shooting sequence between both lines.

Coach Steve's take

Lots of shots, lots of touches: it is what young players want. But a shot repeated without purpose gives you nothing. Ask them to lift their heads before the pass and to control the puck before shooting. Pick one key point per practice, like accurate passes. When it runs well, move to the continuous variation to keep them interested.