A200 Russian Olympic Coach Teaches Puck Handling - U17-U20

When I coached in Salzburg, Austria we had 4 teams, U17, U20, Pro second league and Pro Premier League. On M-W morning the pro's had a one hour morning skill session and T-Th the development players had one. There were coaches from every hockey nation and one week a month the IIHF Hall of Fame and former Russian Olympic Coach, Vladimir Yursinov (or Jursinov) ran the skill session. This is a 14 minute video with a warm-up and then a teaching sequence of exercises for puck handling. It is one step at a time and then the skills are combined. Yursi is probably the most famous skills coach in the world. He played for the Soviet Union and was Tikonov's asst. through the years they dominated the World Championships and Olympics. He coached the Russian 1998 Olympic Team and has been asst. coach many times. He speaks some German and I was helping him with his English. I have done a half dozen seminars with him and Juhani in Finland including presenting at the 1997 World Championship Coaching Symposium. It starts off with a minute of Jursi and Pierre Page leading some backward cross-overs and then poke check with balance and then Jursi leads the puck handling sequence where four leave at a time and finish with a shot. He builds the move that Ovechkin uses to slide past the D to get a shot away.

Key Points:
Make hard fakes and sell them to the defender. Separate the movement of the upper and lower body. Create puck handling sequences that flow together. Learn to use the forehand and the backhand and have loose shoulders and the hands away from the body. Don’t over handle the puck.

Description:
A. Warm-up with backward cross-over skating and reach with the stick in a balanced position.
B. Practice moves and fakes while skating down the ice and finish with a shot on net.
1. Fake the slapshot with a convincing fake and finish with the stick hitting the ice.
2. Fake the slapshot and accelerate around the defender on the forehand.
3. Fake the slapshot and move like you are going around on the forehand but quickly pull the puck across to the backhand.
4. Fake a backhand pass or shot and rotate the body in a convincing manner.
5. Fake the backhand and pull the puck across to the forehand.
6. Fake the slapshot and pull the puck to the backhand, fake a backhand and pull the puck to the forehand.
7. Fake a wrist shot and spin on the backhand.
8. Fake a wrist shot and spin to the forehand.
9. Fake a backhand shot-across to the forehand then fake a wrist shot and across to the backhand.
10. Combine the moves.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130321101649551

https://youtu.be/hWArs-S2qKQ

https://www.facebook.com/tom.molloy.5836/videos/10159352465865931


Stick Handling and Puck Protection - same theme but with NA skill coaches showing advanced techniques.

T1 - Puck Fakes Using Edges
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=20170718160818242

T1 - Puck Protection-Catch and Release Shot
http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=2&s=20170719121119282

C3 Breakout and Two 1-1's – Pro

Key Points:
After making the pass the D cross the ice and close the gap on the attacking F. Go on the coaches whistle.

Description:
This drill is done with the D and F at the same time in both ends of the ice. The breakout pass is made on one side of the ice and the 1-1 is on the opposite side. D lineup in the middle and F behind the bluelines.

1. D1 skate behind the net and make a breakout pass to F1.
2. F1 skate and regroup with D2 and cut across for a pass in the middle..
3. D2 pass to F1.
4. F1 attack D1 in a 1-1 at the original end from the far lane.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090823122857406

https://youtu.be/FhDTfLkMVVM

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.705260583717075/10159397440015931/

Quote by: TomM

D400 Best Player Wins the Game 1 on 1 on 1

Key Points:
-Battle hard for the puck.
-Protect the puck.
-Get a shot and fight for the Rebound.

Description:
1. Players line up outside the blueline. They can be in 3 teams and keep score or just everyone vs
everyone.
2. Coach fires the puck in and whoever gets the puck tried to score vs the other two.
3. If another player gets the puck he tries to score; including rebounds.
4. On whistle pass back to the coach and race out.
5. 20-30 second shifts.

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This is a great drill. I used it all year with my Novice U-9 team, I would start the drill as a three player breakout, one line acts as the D, the middle line as the Centre, and the third line as the Winger on the boards. I would shoot the puck in, they would go D to Winger, Winger to Centre, and Centre back to me. Once I received the pass from the Centre I would shoot the puck back in, and the three would battle. Keep it high tempo.

I watched the video for this drill. It was in Jihlava, Czech Republic. I sat down with Petr Svoboda the U20 coach and planned the practice and then went over it with him. He ran the practice while I watched and took video of it. I am sounding very tired. I got re-routed on the plane and the 18 hour trip turned into a 34 hour trip. I finally arrived and had to go on the ice an hour later. Between the jet lag and no sleep for two days I never really recovered by the time I filmed this drill. There are a lot of good skating techniques required and you can add many options to this drill.
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B4 Double Cross and Drop - HC Dukla Jihlava U20

Key Points:
Do one or two drop passes and work on quick attacks, one timers or create situations. Use this formation from 1-0 to 3-0 or create 1-1 to 3-3 situations. Always follow the shot for rebounds.

Description:
1. Two players skate around the circle and cross and drop on opposite side.
2. Puck carrier gain the blueline and do another cross and drop.
3. Pass across for one timer or player driving the net.
4. Go for rebound.
5. Come back from the sides.

http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20100830110413207

https://youtu.be/ft-T_KMohkI

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.705271613715972/10159397487995931/

This is a game that is very common to prepare for outnumber situations. I have posted it with younger groups before but this is the Canadian U22 W team and they do some variations. It is also the first drill I am posting that is in 3GPP Mobile phone format and should run on almost any device.
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DT400 Two Net Game – C U18 W - Pro

Key Points:
Attackers either skate or move the puck right away when they get it. Defenders have one on the puck and one in front of the net with sticks in the passing lanes. Rotate every 45 seconds.

Description:
1. Two nets on the goal line.
2. 4 attackers and 2 defenders on each side.
3. On a goal puck goes to other side.
4. Defenders pass to the attackers on the other side to go onto offense.
6. Add skill rules such as only forehand passes.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130404174536584

DT400, 4-2 x 2 – Pro https://youtu.be/IfeSVvP-9h0

DT400 – 4-2 x 2 – C U18 W https://youtu.be/XxsQGkfqeDU

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.705604757015991/10159398561660931/

We did this game at my skills session last night. The players loved it and there was great intensity. It is an adaption of another game but the difference is that you start 1-1 and players can join if they make a successful give and go from the line-up with an active player. The other adaptation is that you can pass to any player on the blue line. These playes are also jokers who you can pass too once 3 players are active. This keeps everyone in the game and works on role 2 of puck support and role 4 of covering away from the puck. I will get a video when we do it again.

D200 - Start 1-1 up to 3-3 - Various Teams - U17 - Pro W

Key Points:
Players must continually recognize the situation from 1-1 to 3-3. You can pass to any teammate in the line-up. Situations 1-1, 1-2, 2-3, 1-3, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 3-3 must be solved by the player.

Description:
1. Each game starts with player 1 from each team. Only one puck is used.
2. Up to 3 players on each team can play.
3. Puck carrier can pass to any teammate on the blue line. A successful return pass allows them to join.
4. Players on the side are active jokers who can be passed too after 3 players are active.
5. Keep going after a goal and the defenders must retreat to half way before checking.
5. Play about 30" shifts and then pass to your player 1 who stats 1-1. Another option is to pass to the goalie or simply leave the puck and the new players race for it.
6. Keep score and add rules like only backhand passes, etc.

D200 2-2 Add Players with Give and Go – Pro W
https://youtu.be/LHExcEz1g6g

D200 - 1-1 to 3-3 With Give and Go - U17
https://youtu.be/ENwI3u_Yx4I

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.705645137011953/10159398733140931/

Developing Routines to Efficiently Practice

The best Football (soccer) club in the world is Barcelona. They train players in their youth academy. The training is similar to hockey as far as co-ordination, speed, agility, balance, speed, reaction time. They also have ball handling routines that practice all of the moves the world's best players use. It is a great model for training young hockey players. Make up routines that incorporate puck handling moves, fakes, etc. Much like Jursinov does when he leads on ice groups. It can all be done off-ice as well.

Barcelona Youth Football Training:

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2013042010485413

Russian Olympic Coach Teaches a Puck Handling Routine

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130321101649551

Routine for Puck Handling and Edge Work from Finland

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121108114316285

Puck Handling Eights

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20120418155124444

This is a way to practice skills and use the ice efficiently. The coaches role is to watch and correct errors. You can't talk people into being skilled but instead they must get a lot of reps with perfect technique.

O – Russian Coach Leads Training Circuit with Swedish Players – U20

Key Points:
Circuit training with plyometrics, strength, agility, reaction time, speed, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination.

Description:
Russian coach runs Swedish U20 players through a circuit with weights, plyometrics, the Russian Box, balance, abdominal and back exercises. It is a great training circuit for older players whose growth plates have hardened. the first minute shows some Russians doing squats and then it starts with the Russian coach organizing the playes for their stations.

Circuit Training:

- Wall ladder for abdominals.
- Mats and benches for dives and rolls,
- Weights, metal hockey stick and medicine balls for resistance.
- Russian box for skating power.
- Benches and racks for weight training.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080727160049393

https://youtu.be/k5bb6E_D9jg

B6 – 2-0 - Big Horseshoe - C U18 F

Key Points:
Give a target and skate into the pass. Follow the shot for a rebound. Shoot while skating and don't overhandle the puck to prepare to shoot.

Description:
1. Two players leave from diagonal corners.
2. Exchange the puck while skating down the ice.
3. Outside player continue and shoot-rebound.
4. Inside player turn back and get a pass from the original end.
5. Inside player shoot-rebound.

Options:
- Unless the coach is making a comeback have a player make the second pass.
- Screen after shooting.
- Circle back and rebound for the next shooter after shooting.
- Second player exchange passes with the passer on the goal line.
- Add options like backhand shots, one timers, etc.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130501084119734

https://youtu.be/mdMZFYi6GqY

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.706879666888500/10159403248140931/

B6 3-0 Middle Drive - C U18 F

Key Points:
The first player over the attacking blue line without the puck skate hard through the middle lane to the top of the goal crease. Player with puck and third player skate hard toward the dots. Force defenders to cover each player.

Description:
1. Leave from the corner.
2. Player 1 skate around top of the circle and the bottom of the next circle and up the lane.
3. Player 2 skate top of the circle to below the hash and up the middle.
4. Player 3 carry a puck around the circle and up the near lane.
5. Player 3 pass to 2 to 1 and do a middle drive.
6. Ideal play is a pass across from 1 to 3 about at the hash marks for a one timer shot.
7. Wide shot or a pass to the middle are also options. Read the play.

*Repeat in the other direction.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130515092336781

https://youtu.be/1bREtYey8To

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.706909930218807/10159403360865931/

ABC Games Method and Philosophy - Coach Education

In the ABC coaching method the players learn to play by playing. The skills teach the What and How and are effective especially in Game Playing Role One - individual offensive skill and Game Playing Role Three - individual defensive skill. Teaching team play or co-operation between players in Role Two - Team offensive skill or Role Four - Team defensive skill is more difficult. In a drill you tell the players exactly what to do and they know the situation before it happens. There is little decision making about the situation or creativity required. Games with modified rules mandate that the player must do certain skills and co-operation between players is required. I will list many games here that we use to create situations and practice skills and good habits under game pressure. I am converting these video examples and will add more as I get them done.

D - Games for Skill and Good Habits:

D4 - Three One Zone Games

D4 Three one zone games. Use multiple nets. In this example there were 3 goalies at practice. Have a tournament with one rule for each game and rotate one colour after about 6 minutes.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090802110505180

D4 – Two Second Game

D4 half ice game with the rule that you can only carry the puck max 2 seconds and goals must come on one timers. This game makes puck support crucial and encourages the puck carrier to protect the puck and look around. It is great game for offensive skills and defensive coverage. The players must all get onside on transition. More skilled players can have one second only.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090802110504768

D4 Give and Go Game

Teach playing principles by using rules in game situations. In this game goals only count after a give and go. The coach has the role of enforcing the rule. A give and go is the cornerstone of effective team play.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090802112347625

D4 Games with Modified Rules
Games in one zone with passing, shooting, skating rules or rules for good habits.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=200807231720538

D4 Game with Goals on Plays From Below the Goal Line

Practice cycling and D joining the play with goals oringinating from plays made below the goal line.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080723172051625

D4 Game with Escape Moves

The player must skate hard to open ice to gain time and space. In this game the players have to make an escape move by pivoting or skating backward with the puck. Later the rule is they must take at least 3 hard strides to open ice before making a play. ‘GOOD HABITS ARE CRITICAL TO EFFECTIVE PLAY.’

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20090802112351405

D4 Game Variations
At one end the players must get onside on transition and the other end they are playing 2 PASS where the puck must stay in the zone but at least 2 passes must be made before shooting when you regain possession. Once the players understand the basic way the game works the coach can modify rules to encourage skill practice. i.e. only skate backwards.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2009080211050878

D4 Game Forehand Pass Only

Game in one zone using only the forehand enhances vision and causes the player to play with balance.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20080723165244782

Curtis Brackenbury called to ask me if I had any video on face-off technique. I have made postings about how to practice face-offs but no video. So I went to google and searched. These are some of the best videos I could find on how to take a face-off and win it. In the average game there is at least one face-off a minute. It is the first loose puck situation and quick transition to offense or to defense is critical.
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Face-off Technique - Video Demonstrations

Woog and Hendrickson on hockey faceoffs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YHAEz08u7U

Hockey 101 with Bob Errey: The Art of the Faceoff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wTqCZERAnc

Hockey Face Offs - Cutting the circle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UEGS7A6AZA

How to Win Face-offs in Hockey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwKIZfh8s6c

Hockey U – Faceoffs (very good and options)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOkox5vsroM&list=PL82CDB4D27703F0E6

Ice Hockey - Taking face offs (Brian Kilrea)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOCWrsyrhYo&list=PL82CDB4D27703F0E6

Kirk Muellar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ghnFLVa6zA&list=PL82CDB4D27703F0E6

Sergei Fedorov vs Wayne Gretzky Faceoff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55mk_xB_pXY&list=PL82CDB4D27703F0E6

We did this game yesterday and the players were very creative with their plays from below the goal line. I encouraged them to face up ice when possible and move the puck from side to side and use one timer shots. It is great for defenders to practice keeping their head on a swivel and see their man and the puck as well as the goalie tracking the puck by looking over their shoulder. We played 2 on 2 and the play had to be below the top of the circles. In a 2-2 game you have all three game situations. 0 - loose puck, 1 - offense, 2 - defense. You also have all Four Game Playing Roles. On offense, Role 1 - player with the puck and Role 2 - player supporting the puck. On defense Role 3 - player checking the puck carrier and Role 4 - player covering away from the puck. So it is a great game to practice Transition between Game Situations and Game Playing Roles plus all of the individual skills we have been practicing like skating, puck handling, passing, one timers, puck protection, stick on the puck, stick in the lane.
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D4 - Goals Must Originate Below Goal - U18 G

Key Points:
Players learn to protect the puck, pass to themselves off the boards or back of the net and use the net for puck protection. Also change the point of attack. Defenders must see the puck and the player they are covering and goalie must look over their shoulder and move side to side.

Description:
1. Play game situations from 1-1 to 5-5.
2. Situations 3 on 3 or less the players must keep the puck below the top of the circles.
3. To start an attack the puck must be moved below the goal line.
4. When the defenders get the puck they have to get it deep below the goal line before they can score.

D4 - Games of Two Pass with Jokers Behind Net – Youth
https://youtu.be/r2IYt4shHMM

B4 - 2-0 Shot - Rebound – Shot - Pro

Key Points:
Shoot while skating and aim at the far pad. It is really a shot pass off the goalies pad when the shooter sees he has no openings and #2 is going hard to the net.

Description:
1. Start in the B5 formation with the players inside the middle circle.
2. Each #1 leave to the wide lane and get a pass from #2.
3. #1 Skate wide and shoot from outside the circle and shoot low to the far pad to create a rebound.
4. #2 go hard to the far post and be ready to shoot in a rebound.
5. Repeat the other way with each #3 leaving and getting a pass from #4.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20121108160612789

https://youtu.be/0HCgSpXnpeU

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.708090000100800/10159407638455931/

C600 - 2 on 1 x 2 – No Whistles - Pro

Key Points:
One high one low, one fast one slow on the attack. D identify the most dangerous attacker and shots from the middle. No whistles so players have to watch and start toward the open end of the ice.

Description:
1. F's line up at diagonal blue lines and D's at opposite diagonal blue lines.
2. D1 pass up the boards to F1.
3. F1 skate to the middle and pass to F2 who crosses behind as D1 closes the gap.
4. F1-F2 attack 2-1 vs. D1.
5. Coach mirror the play from the high slot. (A player could also do this)
6. D2 pass to F3 and F4 skate back and cross to attack D2 the other way.
7. Finish the attack with a goal, frozen puck or D pass to the coach.
8. Players watch to see which attack is finished and start the 2-1 in that direction.

http://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=20130717135909954

https://youtu.be/UTa1bQmU_ZM

https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.709671216609345/10159413840235931/