DefenseSpecial Teams

Penalty Kill Clear Drill

Focuses specifically on the moment a penalty-killing unit wins the puck, training the clear that turns defense into relief instead of a second wave of pressure.

Age RangeAges 11+
Duration10 minutes
Group Size4-on-4 or 4-on-5
SportHockey

Equipment Needed

  • Pucks
  • Full or half rink

Keep pucks moving

A bulk bag of practice pucks keeps penalty-kill clear reps flowing through a full unit rotation.

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Setup

  • Set up a 4-on-5 (or 4-on-4) shell in the defensive zone with the power play set up.
Penalty Kill Clear DrillXXXXWin it, then everyone works together to clear it out

Instructions

  1. The power play works the puck around looking for a shot or seam pass.
  2. The moment the penalty kill wins possession (block, interception, or loose puck), all four killers work to clear it out of the zone immediately.
  3. Play out the clear attempt; if the power play regains it before center ice, reset and go again.
  4. Track successful clears versus clears that get kept in, and discuss what made the difference.
Coaching Points
  • The first read after winning the puck is always up and out, not a fancy play.
  • Support the puck carrier immediately so the clear always has a second option.
  • Rim the puck hard around the boards when a direct clear isn't available.

Variation

Add a delayed penalty situation where the kill must also be aware of an extra attacker.