Hockey Drills

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Neutral Zone Trap

For age level: 17 and older

Explanation: Plug-up neutral ice to prevent breakout passes and force either dump-ins or playing perimeter offense.

Tips: NEVER implement the trap unless you have able-skating forwards to make it effective. A common misconception with the neutral zone trap is that it can be implemented with weaker skaters. More so, it takes strong skaters to be able to take advantage of the turnovers generated by the trap. Playing the trap requires great discipline and knowledge of space on the ice. It takes time to teach and time for your players to learn, but persistance and familiarity will eventually pay off in developing this effective defensive strategy.

email: galen@sonntag.ca