7 Yale Youth Hockey Drills For Better Performance

Yale Youth Hockey has established itself as a premier program for developing young hockey players, with a focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. To improve performance, coaches and players can benefit from incorporating a variety of drills into their practice sessions. Here, we will explore 7 Yale Youth Hockey drills designed to enhance skills, build teamwork, and foster a competitive spirit among young players.

Drill 1: Passing and Receiving

This drill emphasizes the fundamentals of passing and receiving, crucial skills for any hockey player. Players are divided into pairs, with one player acting as the passer and the other as the receiver. The passer starts at the blue line, while the receiver begins at the face-off circle. The passer must make a precise pass to the receiver, who then attempts to receive the pass and immediately return it to the passer. This drill is repeated for several minutes, with players switching roles to ensure both are practicing their passing and receiving skills. Key focus areas include the use of the inside and outside edges of the stick for control, keeping the stick close to the ice for better reception, and using different types of passes (e.g., forehand, backhand, saucer passes).

Variations for Enhanced Difficulty

To increase the challenge, coaches can introduce moving targets, where the receiver is in motion, requiring the passer to lead them with the pass. Another variation involves defensive pressure, where a third player attempts to intercept the pass, forcing the receiver to protect the puck and the passer to make more accurate passes under pressure.

Drill 2: Puck Control Relay

This drill is designed to improve players’ puck control skills, particularly in tight spaces and at high speeds. The drill involves setting up a course with cones or markers that players must navigate while maintaining control of the puck. The course can include sharp turns, zigzags, and small circles that challenge the players’ ability to handle the puck. Players are divided into teams, and each team lines up at the start of the course. On the whistle, the first player from each team starts through the course. Upon completing the course, the player must pass the puck to the next player in line, who then proceeds through the course. The team that completes the course the fastest wins.

Adapting the Course for Different Skill Levels

For younger or less experienced players, the course can be simplified by widening the turns and reducing the number of obstacles. Conversely, for more advanced players, the course can be made more challenging by adding more complex turns and increasing the speed requirement through the use of smaller cones or a narrower course.

Coaches can also incorporate game-like scenarios into the course, such as having players perform a move around a "defender" (represented by a cone or a coach) before passing to the next player. This adds an element of decision-making and adaptability to the drill, mirroring the dynamic environment of a hockey game.

Drill 3: Shooting Accuracy

Improving shooting accuracy is crucial for any hockey team’s success. This drill focuses on target shooting, where players aim for specific targets on the goal (e.g., corners, five-hole). Players line up for shots, and each player is given a set number of attempts to hit their targets. To make the drill more engaging and competitive, players can be divided into teams, with the team accumulating the most hits on target declared the winner.

Incorporating Movement and Deception

To simulate game situations more closely, players can be required to move into shooting position before releasing the puck. This can involve faking a shot or a move to deceive the goalie or a defender, adding a layer of deception and creativity to the drill. Coaches can also incorporate passing plays leading into the shot, where a player receives a pass and must quickly get into position to shoot, mimicking the fast-paced nature of hockey games.

Drill 4: Breakout Passing

This drill is designed to practice the breakout, a critical aspect of transitioning from defense to offense. Players are divided into groups of three or four, simulating a defensive zone breakout situation. One player acts as the defenseman, another as the forward, and if applicable, a third player can act as a supporting forward or another defenseman. The drill starts with the defenseman passing the puck to the forward, who must then make a decision to pass back to the defenseman, to the supporting player, or to attempt to skate the puck out of the zone. The focus is on quick, accurate passing and smart decision-making to effectively break out of the defensive zone.

Adding Pressure and Game-Like Scenarios

To increase the realism and challenge of the drill, coaches can introduce forechecking players who attempt to intercept passes or pressure the players into making quicker decisions. This addition simulates the pressure faced during actual games and requires players to think and react quickly, emphasizing the importance of vision, communication, and teamwork.

Drill 5: Defensive Zone Coverage

Effective defensive zone coverage is vital for preventing scoring opportunities. This drill focuses on player positioning and rotation within the defensive zone. Players are set up in a game-like scenario, with forwards attempting to create scoring chances and defensemen tasked with covering them. The drill involves moving the puck around the defensive zone, with the defense practicing their coverage and the forwards trying to find openings. Coaches can stop the play at various points to discuss and adjust player positioning, emphasizing the importance of support and protection of the net.

Emphasizing Active Stick and Body Positioning

Coaches should stress the use of an active stick to intercept passes and the importance of body positioning to block shooting lanes and protect the goalie. Players should be encouraged to be proactive, not reactive, in their defensive play, anticipating the opponent’s moves rather than simply responding to them.

Drill 6: Power Play Movement

This drill is designed to improve the team’s power play efficiency by practicing movement and puck distribution in man-advantage situations. Players are set up in a power play formation, and the drill involves moving the puck around the offensive zone, looking for scoring opportunities. The focus is on movement off the puck, creating passing lanes, and shot selection. Coaches can introduce different scenarios, such as a 5-on-4 or 5-on-3 power play, and encourage players to adapt their strategy based on the situation.

Encouraging Creativity and Adaptability

Players should be encouraged to be creative with their movements and passes, looking for ways to exploit the defensive team’s setup. Coaches can also introduce defensive pressure by adding a defender to the drill, requiring the power play unit to adjust and find ways to maintain possession and create scoring chances under pressure.

Drill 7: Game Situation Scrimmage

This drill involves a full-ice scrimmage with a twist: coaches can stop the play at any time to introduce a specific game situation, such as a face-off in the defensive zone, a 2-on-1 break, or a power play opportunity. Players must then adapt to the situation, applying the skills and strategies practiced in previous drills. This scrimmage drill is an excellent way to simulate game conditions, allowing players to apply their skills in a dynamic, unpredictable environment.

Focus on Decision-Making and Execution

Coaches should emphasize the importance of quick decision-making and precise execution in these game situations. By practicing these scenarios in a controlled environment