Forechecking Drills

1. MacDonald Forecheck Drill

1. On whistle, forecheckers take a lap around the center circle

2. As the forecheckers finish their lap, coach dumps the puck in

3. Forecheckers attack, 5-man unit breaks out

4. After the breakout occurs, puck is passed back to the coach

5. 2 of the 3 forwards peel out to take a lap around the middle circle, becoming the new forecheckers (forwards must communicate who goes!)

6. As forecheckers finish the turn, coach dumps the puck in for a breakout from the far end

7. New 5-man unit moves into the end that just broke out

2. Perpetual Forecheck and Breakout

1. 5 defenders start in "5 card" formation as diagramed

2. Coach dumps the puck in

3. 5 attackers forecheck using a specified forechecking system (example: 2-1-2)

4. 5 defenders play DZC until they are able to execute a breakout

5. After the defenders break out of the zone, the attackers are done and peel off to the bench/ sidelines

6. After breaking out, the defenders cross the center line, and dump the puck in for the 5 new defenders who have lined up in "5 card" formation

7. The 5 who dumped it in become the new forecheckers

8. The original forecheckers line up in the 5 card position for next breakout

3. 3 on 1 Forechecking Drill

Three on One Fore Checking Drill: Place players and coach as shown. On the coaches dump in of the puck. The first player in the defensive line goes in to get the puck in the corner. At the same time, the fist three players in the attacking line goes in as well. The first attacker, takes the body, the second picks up the puck and set up behind the net, and the third attacker goes in front to receive the pass. Have the first attacker position him or herself just off to the near post so that the third player on the far side could pass the puck to him or her. This will put your attacking team into what is know as an inverted shooting attack triangle.

4. Three Forward Forecheck vs Two Defense Breakout Drill:

1. On whistle, D-man gap up to blue line, pivot to backwards, then coach dumps puck into a corner.

2. One D-man goes to retrieve puck while the other goes to the front of net. If D partner has control of puck, then other D goes behind net for a possible D to D pass

3. When Coach dumps in puck, then 3 F's forecheck. Depending on forecheck system, (2-1-2), then 2 Forwards attack the puck while F3 supports up high.

4. D try to clear zone and F try to score.

Progression: Add 3 Forward back checkers and two D to offense in positions shown.

5. 2 on 1 Forecheck Drill

Drill can be half Ice Station or run simultaneously on both ends

On whistle, forwards and defence leave at same time. Skate to next line, make a full stop and then skate with full speed after puck. Defense have to try and retrieve puck and carry out of zone while forward forecheck, two on the puck. Whistle blows once goalie saves puck, a goal is scored or the defencemen carries the puck out of zone.