A good forecheck starts with one forward disrupting the breakout. This drill teaches that forward to pressure hard while staying gap-conscious.
Equipment needed: 4 cones, 2 pucks, 2 sticks per pair.
Setup: Create a 20-yard by 10-yard zone to represent the offensive zone. One defenseman starts with the puck in the corner. One forward lines up at the blue line, ready to forecheck.
How to run it:
- Defenseman tries to exit the zone with the puck. Forward skates in and applies pressure, trying to force a bad pass, turnover, or force the defenseman to dump the puck.
- Forward should pressure hard but shouldn’t over-commit. If the forward leaves the puck, the defenseman walks around them.
- Do 6 reps per forward, rotating in.
- After the first 6, add a second defenseman. Now the forward has to read where pressure should go.
What to look for:
The forward should close space quickly but under control. If the forward is out of position to defend a breakpass, they’re too aggressive. The forward should be in the puck carrier’s hip pocket when possible, making it hard to pass without the receiver being covered. If the defenseman is easily walking around the forward, the forward isn’t pressuring soon enough.
Variation: Add a second forward. Now you have two forecheckers and two defensemen. This teaches positioning and communication in a real situation.