Equipment Needed
- Pucks
- Defensive zone faceoff circle
Keep pucks moving
A bulk bag of practice pucks keeps faceoff-coverage reps flowing through every draw.
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- Set up a full 5-player unit in defensive-zone faceoff formation, with an opposing unit ready to attack off the draw.
Instructions
- Take the faceoff live; if the defending team loses the draw, all five players immediately execute their coverage assignment.
- The attacking team looks for the fastest shot or play off the direct win.
- Play out the sequence for 5-8 seconds, then reset for another draw.
- Rotate which player takes the faceoff so everyone reps the loss scenario, not just the center.
Coaching Points
- Know your coverage assignment before the puck is dropped, not after you see who wins it.
- The defenseman on the strong side must be ready for an immediate one-timer off a clean win.
- Communicate loudly the instant the draw is lost so everyone shifts into coverage together.
Variation
Practice the same structure for a faceoff WIN, since the same five players need a different, offense-minded assignment in that case.