Most possessions start with a breakout from the defensive zone. At 11-12, players can learn the positioning and timing of a structured breakout.
Equipment needed: 4 cones (to mark blue line and red line), 2 pucks, 5 sticks per group (2 D, 2 forwards, 1 center).
Setup: Mark the defensive zone with cones at the blue line. Defensemen line up in the corner with the puck. Two forwards line up in the neutral zone at 45-degree angles (wings in the breakout). One forward lines up at center ice just inside the blue line.
How to run it:
- Defenseman A passes across to defenseman B (D-to-D pass). This resets the pressure and buys time.
- D-B immediately passes to one of the two forwards at 45 degrees. That forward is the first “outlet.”
- That forward passes back to the center, who is trailing at the blue line. Center now has speed and space to attack the neutral zone.
- Do 4 reps slow (walk-through), then 4 reps at game speed.
What to look for:
The D-to-D pass should be quick and accurate. If it’s bouncing or off-target, the opposite D won’t have an easy pass to the outlet. The forwards need to be positioned where they can receive and immediately pass. If an outlet is 10 yards away, the pass is too long. The center should be trailing at the blue line before the outlet pass is made, so they’re in motion when they receive it.
Variation: Add a forechecking forward. Now the defensemen have to move the puck faster because pressure is coming. This teaches the real reason for the breakout pattern.