Hockey drill

Puck Protection – Forwards

A three-player circle station: protect the puck under pressure, read the play over the shoulder and pass at the right time. For U11/U12 players.

Category: Skills and tactics
Levels: U11/U12

Hockey drill diagram: Puck Protection – Forwards

1on1
forward
half-ice
puck protection
station

How it runs

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

Three players per circle.

In both sequences, F1 protects the puck from F2.

Sequence 1

F1 faces the outside of the circle at all times and uses body positioning and stick placement to protect the puck from F2. F2 stays behind F1 and applies pressure, attempting to steal the puck. F3 moves randomly outside the circle and holds up a number with one hand. F1 must look over their shoulder and call out the number while maintaining puck protection.

Sequence 2

Same setup, except F3 is in constant motion and becomes a passing option. F3 does not indicate where they are skating. F1 must read the play and make a pass when a lane opens. F2 continues to apply pressure and attempt to gain possession of the puck.

Coach Steve's take

The number on the hand is a smart idea: it forces the player to lift his head while he protects. That is exactly what happens in a game. At first, some will forget to protect so they can look. That is normal. Give them time to put the two together. Keep rotations quick so the player under pressure doesn’t get discouraged.