Timid Forwards on Dump & Chase

[Yuck]

I'm working with a young group of forwards this year on my high school team. We're using a dump and chase system to establish the zone. In too many instances I've watched my team give up on a loose puck in the corner once they realize that they will get there before the defenseman. Why? They don't want to take the hit.

Any suggestions on safe, effective ways I can encourage the boys to win these battles?

[Andrew Morrison]

I have this same situation with my bantams. The first thing I did was to focus on the angle of approach. If they come in too hard and steep, it hurts when they get hit and they can get injured. If they choose the right path of approach, they can protect themselves, avoid hits, and/or dictate the play.

The second thing is to practice at half speed until they get the first piece down. Once they have it, speed things up and see how they feel.

I would like to hear other feedback as well as I am not complete with this concept yet and have a mixed bag of forwards. Some are fine going in hard and winning the puck and others are still learning.

[jhoran]

Starting off slow is allways a good start. What has worked with my more timid players I make sure they get into the corner drills a few more times than the more aggressive players. I also try to send them in with other players of the same mindset and skill level so that they are more likely to not find them selves in a situation that would damage and self confidence they may allready have.

When players are timid it is usually because they are either confused or affraid. Determine witch it is if they are constantly trying to think about the correct angel they may be over thinking it and causing hesitation. If they are affraid you need to put them in situations that will build their confidence so they can over come that fear.

[bigbrad24]

Does anyone have any good dump and chase drills ???

[coachrickvaile]

i use the 5 on 0 / 3 on 2 back drill and have them dump in into both ends. I have the players go where i want them to for puck control and support . break out 5 on 0 and dump in then get s shot using the Dman then after the shot regroup and get a pass from the coach down low and break the other way 3 on 2 dump the puck in again and chase.

[T.M.Diesel]

Put the forwards at the neutral zone dots, defense facing them a few feet away, dump puck in and have the forward chase the defense, let them battle for a bit if possible and try for either a clear out or shot on net. Switch to the other side.

Can then add two forwards with shot on net.

Then add three forwards pass out to slot.

Then do it as a three on two, defense can clear or try a pass behind the net, forwards pursue and keep position.

[pipjunky]

I'm working with a young group of forwards this year on my high school team. We're using a dump and chase system to establish the zone. In too many instances I've watched my team give up on a loose puck in the corner once they realize that they will get there before the defenseman. Why? They don't want to take the hit.

Any suggestions on safe, effective ways I can encourage the boys to win these battles?

I think all the suggestions are great. As a player who was timid going into the corners (had my bell rung a couple of times) I ended up with a coach that put me in the same position time and again in practice. He taught me how to take a hit and how to angle in the corners as has been suggested in this thread etc. and showed me that I wouldn't get creamed every time I was in that situation.

In my personal opinion the best thing he did for me was take me aside beforehand and explain why he was "doing this to me" in a positive way. After a few practices and games the confidence was up and the fear was out of me. Had he not taken me aside and showed me it wasn't a big deal I doubt it would have changed my game...but it did.

My 2 pucks!

Keep your stick on the ice!

[Kevin]

Does anyone have any good dump and chase drills ???

Here's one I like to use:

http://www.hockeyshare.com/drills/drill.php?id=138

[crossovert]

Oshie hits Holmstrom in corner

These hits aren't on the forecheck but they follow the same principle to a hit in a puck race in the corner.


I played as a smaller forward such as Datsyuk (of course at about 155 not 194) but I RELISHED, as Datsyuk does, the corners and these kind of races, of course being second was a treat, but when you are first there is always that moment where you have the ability to counter-hit the player who gets there after you. Speed is heavily needed, I had the privilege of being the fastest skater on the team which helps immensely, but instead of skating timidly into the corner, fly in their and try to get a 4-5 step edge on the defender and as soon as you reach the puck get as close to the boards as possible and dig in, as long as you believe you will be the stronger man in the collision, you will always win, then while the other player is staring at the ceiling you can quickly pass to your partner waiting in the slot.

Once you have established that you are the dominating body presence no matter if you are 1st or 2nd, the other team will start letting up.

[rotheisler]

I agree with many of the posts that angles and how to take/give a hit are really important. Especially when it comes to getting over timidness (kinda like the kid playing ball who has been beaned and flinches at bat now).

I will be honest, I am not a fan of using Dump and Chase every time a player gets over center ice. (I know, I know....nobody wants neutral ice turnovers.)
I think that teaching your players when and how to correctly dump and chase will improve your chances of establishing the zone with puck possession.

I your players are consistently at the puck before the opposition defenseman, then you need to determine why and is it the same reason that you may not need to dump it in and give them a chance. Puck possession is key.

I am not saying Dump and Chase is bad, but remember to teach your kids how to analyze the options when they come into the neutral zone. I talk about this in my blog here is the link:
http://howtomakeannhler.blogspot.com...sed-wrong.html