Star Attack Drill

Named after the formation that the players are in when they start, this drill creates some challenging 1 on 1s in the offensive zone.

Explanation of the Drill

Five players take their positions with a puck, two players on opposite hash marks against the boards, one player in the high slot and two players in the corners below the goal line. A sixth player, the checker, starts in front of the net.

The checker starts the drill by skating to a puck carrier and stopping, facing the player a stick length away. As soon as the checker stops, the puck carrier tries to get to the net and score.

The players battle until there is a whistle, (if there is a goal, the goalie freezes the puck, the puck is carried out of the area of the net by the checker or the battle has gone on long enough) at which time the checker takes the puck carrier’s spot and the puck carrier skates quickly to the area of the net, touches the blue ice in the crease and then skates to the next puck carrier, clockwise from the last position, stops and the drill repeats itself.

Options

The checker randomly picks the puck carrier he will check each time, provided that each puck carrier position goes 1 out of every 5 times.
The checker is a defenceman and stays a checker through 5 puck carriers before being replaced by another defenceman.
Do the same drill with two players at each offensive position and two checkers so that the battles are 2 vs. 2.
Go with two checkers again, but spread 10 players around the offensive zone and the two checkers randomly pick two players for the 2 on 2, one with a puck and one without.

Coach's Tips

Allow the 1 vs. 1 battle to proceed as long as both players are still battling hard. If the goalie freezes the puck early, encourage him to move the puck behind the net or below the goal line and let the 1 vs. 1 battle continue.

Make sure the puck carrier does not leave early and the checker initially allows the puck carrier a full stick length.

Player's Tips

Defensively, this is a great drill to work on angling, footwork, body positioning and stick on puck coverage.

Good checkers will try to angle the puck carrier from the outset. Work on active feet and active sticks. 2 on 2 the defence need to communicate and switch coverage if necessary. When you get a turnover, move quickly to support your partner and be an option for him.

Offensively, players will work on accelerating off their fakes, especially in tight situations, and keeping their feet moving when confined. Work on puck possession skills, using the body to protect the puck and then drive the net.

when it is 2 on 2, try to create scoring chances off the cycle. Communicate and use agility skating and active feet to get open. Anticipate the play, support your teammate and be an option.

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