Waterford Body Contact

Drill Diagram

Description

Players start in corner. Coach positioned at each of the blue and red lines. Player 1 skates along the boards towards coach, but between coach and boards. As the player approaches coach, they are to keep their speed up, get low and stay close to boards. When the player is close enough, coach gives the player a "pop" at about shoulder height into the boards. Player is to keep their feet moving through the check and proceed to next coach, repeating the same technique.

Notes: Only use a coach in a "coach" position (ie. no players giving the check).

Tendancy is for player to glide into checking area. Reiterate keeping speed and feet moving to skate through check.

Coaches can use their hands to check or old couch cushions or old hockey bags filled with newspaper or blocking pads.

Coaches can adjust checking pressure for varying skill levels.

If there are enough coaches available, drill can be run on both sides of ice, starting in opposite corner.

Tags: Stay low., Stay tight to boards., Keep speed up approaching the check., Keep feet moving through check.