When we think of great passing plays, our focus is almost always on the passer – but the player without the puck needs to be more than simply a willing target. The ability of the pass receiver to get to open space, provide a target and create options for the passer is crucial. Young players tend to always skate away from the passer to ‘open ice’ but often they leave the passer isolated. The following drills emphasize providing ‘quick & close support’ where the player ‘checks-in’ to provide a passing option and then ‘checks-out’ to open space.
The Quick Hit Warm-Up can be run as full or half-ice drill; the drill includes a support pass followed by a stretch pass.
A progression of this drill is the 7-Pass Warm-Up which includes – you guessed it – 7 passes in total before a shot on goal!
• Both drills can be run in one or both ends
• Flat, crisp passes
• Receiver puck provide target, eye contact with passer and ask for the puck
• Perform drills at game speed!
• Players must be active and aware in line