Continuous Breakout

Defensive Zone Wall Support & Direct Breakout Drill Drill Objective Develop defensive zone support timing and execute a clean, direct breakout pass into speed, transitioning quickly from defense to offense. Setup - Create two lines of players with pucks at the hash marks on opposite ends of the ice. - Both lines face toward the goal line. - Place one player on the half boards to start the drill. - Place one player in the corner on the same side, ready to skate behind the net. Drill Sequence - The player in the corner skates behind the net to retrieve the puck. - The player on the half boards times their movement and swings into the slot to provide support. - After skating around the net, the puck carrier makes a direct breakout pass to the supporting player in motion. - The supporting player receives the pass and accelerates up ice. - The player carries the puck down ice and finishes with a shot on net. - After shooting, that player moves to the half boards at the opposite end to start the next repetition. - The player who made the breakout pass joins the line. Key Teaching Points - Shoulder check before retrieving the puck behind the net. - Protect the puck below the goal line. - Strong, accurate breakout pass from below the goal line. - Proper timing — arrive in motion. - Clean puck reception while skating. - Smooth transition from defensive support into offensive attack. Variation 1: Center Ice Give-and-Go - Add a coach or player at center ice. - The breakout player must complete a give-and-go before attacking the net. Variation 2: Add Neutral Zone Defender - Add a defender in the neutral zone. - The defender maintains good gap control. - The supporting player attacks and plays out a one-on-one situation.