Tape to tape passing

Tape to tape passing

Purpose: Players work on communication, accuracy and heads up play.

Players line up in two lines at opposite ends of the rink, in opposite corners
First player in each line (x1 and x2) fires a hard pass across the ice to the opposite line, being careful to avoid hitting the puck coming from the other direction
When the pass arrives both x1 and x2 take off to the opposite side of the ice, carrying the puck
x1 and x2 skate around the neutral zone dots
When they arrive at the far side dots they get ready to make a pass to each other through the neutral zone
Timing is key here, as both players have to time the pass at approximately the same moment, and ensure the pass is made ahead of the other player
x1 and x2 trade pucks through the neutral zone
After picking up the pass they go in for a shot on net in the end they started in
Make sure the drill is run from all four corners so players practice skating in both directions and making/receiving passes on both their forehand and backhand.