Equipment Needed
- Pucks
- Full or half ice
Keep pucks moving
A bulk bag of practice pucks keeps advanced breakout reps flowing through every option.
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- Set up defensemen and forwards in a standard defensive-zone breakout alignment.
- A simulated forecheck (players or cones) applies pressure in different patterns each rep.
Instructions
- The defenseman retrieving the puck reads the forecheck pressure before deciding which breakout option to use.
- Against pressure from below, use a quick D-to-D pass or a reverse behind the net to change the angle.
- Against pressure up the middle, look for the direct wall pass to a winger breaking to open ice.
- Complete the breakout by advancing the puck past the blue line under control.
Coaching Points
- Reading the forecheck's pressure and numbers, not just executing the same breakout every time, is the whole point of this advanced session.
- The reverse behind the net only works with a clean, quick execution — a slow reverse under pressure is a common turnover source.
- Wingers need to adjust their support position based on which side of the ice the pressure is coming from.
- This drill rewards patience and good decision-making over simply chipping the puck out under heavy pressure every time.
Variation
Add a live forecheck team applying real pressure and numbers, or script specific forecheck systems to practice breaking out against a scouted opponent.