USA Step Forward Drill

Drill Setup:

• Players split into groups of 3-4. If 3 players then a coach will have to be the one pointing. Use a dot for the drill as it is a good reference to tell X2 if they"stepped forward"or not. X1is the pointer. X2 is the player "stepping forward" & reacting to an on coming check. X3 and X4 are the ones watching X1.  If X1 points at them they skate in and hit X2.
• It should only be ~1 stride length between X2 and X3 - 4. Players should not be able to take multiple strides or charge X2. For the drill X1 is pointing at either X3 o rX4.
• Whoever X1 points at skates in and hits X2. X2 has to have eyes on both players, be ready (light on skates) and react by stepping forward into the check.
• If done correctly X2 finishes off the dot. After this hi tX2 goes back to the dot and gets ready for the next hit. X2 is not allowed to look at X1 or see who they are pointing at.
• We want this to be an organic reaction to step forward and hit an oncoming checker.
• After 4-5 total hits the players should rotate spots.

Drill Purpose:

• The purpose of this drill is introduce the concept that the best way to protect yourself when getting hit is to hit the other player stand/or step into their hit.
• By stepping forward into their hit you throw off the opposing players timing and help to absorb their hit. This means the opposing player will be unable to hit you as hard as they can effectively protecting yourself from the hit.
• In addition, if you have the puck, it will also allow you to protect the puck and keep possession of it as well (reverse hit).
• We want X2 to start developing there reaction that when someone comes to hit you, you do not just stand still and take a hit, you step at them and give the hit.

Variations:

• Perform this drill to start without a stick to allow players to work on their balance with checking. Then you can move into players having their sticks and X2 having a puck.
• When X2 has a puck now you are introducing the 2 reasons we hit.
• One, when you don't have the puck you can use checking to separate your opponent from the puck and take it.
• Two, when you have the puck you can use checking to protect yourself and the puck.
• For the drill when X2 has the puck now they are practicing hitting and maintaining control of the puck at the same time. For many players this is a tough skill (doing multiple things at once). ForthedrillX3andX4arenottryingtotakethepuck. It is just meant for X2 to practice initiating contact and maintaining puck control.

Common Mistakes:

1. X2 does not step forward off the dot. This is why we use the dot as it is a visual que for the player if they moved or not. This is the most important part of the drill. Step forward into the on coming checker.
2. Leaving your chest open/getting hit in the chest. This mistake could be made by any of the checking players X2, 3 or 4. If they do not rotate to hit/lead with their shoulder then they leave their chest open. Easy mistake to pick out / self correct. If a player gets knocked backwards they should be queued they left their chest open.
3. X2 using the same shoulder to hit both X3-4. X2 should use both shoulders. If player is coming from their right, X2 should use their right shoulder to hit. If a player is doing this it shows they have a dominate side. They might need more work on their weak side to become more comfortable with checking and the motion on that side.
4. Stepping into the oncoming checker but not actually hitting them. There are players who will step forward toward the hit but they will not actually hit the player. They just step forward and then take the hit. We need them to step forward and at the same time throw a hit themselves. Take these players aside and work on this in slow motion. It usually is just a coordination patterning issue that they need to work through or being able to step forward AND hit at the same time.
5. Look for all the same minor mistakes from side by side checking. Not loading using weight shift to create power. Leading with their head or shoulder or bending at the waste to much. Not following through with their hit.