Practicing the Power Play in Zone
Similar to practicing the power-play breakout, practicing the power play
in zone is best done initially without pressure. This skeleton setup allows
the players to get used to making hard tape-to-tape passes without having
to initially worry about the pass being intercepted or tipped by a penalty
killer. In addition, the coach can call out certain sequences to get the players
used to different options that may be available during the game.
Like any other small game in practice, attempt to create competition
in these power-play drills. You can either have the power play compete
against the penalty kill or create two teams, with each team having to play
both roles. The important point is to keep score, regardless of how you
choose to score the game in the following drills. One example can be to
award the penalty kill a point if they clear the puck from the defensive
zone, while the power play gets a point for a shot on net.
Team Drill 1: End Zone Game
Set up two different power-play units at both ends (figure 14.23). When
one penalty kill clears the puck, the other end begins. This game can be
played 4v3, 5v3, or 5v4. It should begin from a face-off in order to teach
the power-play unit face-off intensity and competitiveness.
FIGURE 14.23 Team drill 1: end zone game.
Team Drill 2: Full-Ice Game
Play the power play versus the penalty kill on either full ice or half ice,
depending on what you have. The drill should start from a face-off in the
offensive zone (figure 14.24) and continue for 40 seconds. If a goal is
scored, the coach gives a new puck to the power-play unit. If the penalty
killers clear the puck, the power-play unit has to break it out and the penalty-
killers begin forechecking.
FIGURE 14.24 Team drill 2: full-ice game.
Team Drill 3: Appert Pro Set 3v2 Drill
There is an imaginary line down the middle of the ice that cannot be crossed
(figure 14.25). This simulates a three on two in the power-play offensive zone
against two penalty killers. If the puck crosses the imaginary line, the next
group plays it live. If the puck is cleared, the coach throws in a new puck.
FIGURE 14.25 Team drill 3: Appert pro set 3v2 drill.
Individual Drill 1: Defenders
The coach works with the defenders to keep the puck in at the point, both
on forehand and backhand. Defenders take a few steps and shoot (figure
14.26).
FIGURE 14.26 Individual drill 1: defenders.
Individual Drill 2:
Game-Day Shooting With Defenders
Two coaches on the side boards pass pucks hard or indirectly to defenders
(figure 14.27). Players keep the puck in, then pass the first one. The
second one they receive and then pass and shoot.
FIGURE 14.27 Individual drill 2: game-day shooting with defenders.
Individual Drill 3: Forwards
The coach works with the forwards on the side boards to pick up rimmed
pucks along the wall and walk the seam (figure 14.28).
Individual Drill 4: Low Forwards
The coach works with the low forwards to attack the net from the goal line
(figure 14.29).
FIGURE 14.28 Individual drill 3: forwards.
FIGURE 14.29 Individual drill 4: low forwards.