Overview of skills, tactics and systems for implementing a breakout.

1. Implementing the
Breakout
Neil Giarratana
Coaching Director
neil.giarratana@keenehockey.org

2. Over time, the players who
learn to possess the puck,
move to open space and
understand the game
will prevail over the players that
“stood in the right spot.”

3. Objectives
• Exit the Defensive Zone
• Maintain Possession of the Puck
• Transition to a Scoring Opportunity

4. The Final Product

5. STRONG Wing Options
W1
W2
CD
D1 D2
Center continues up boards
Wing cuts out to the middle

6. All we need...
1. Solid Fundamentals
2. Puck Support
3. Good Decisions

7. The Fundamentals
• Skate for ward
• Start/Stop
• Carry the puck (with our head up)
• Pass the puck on the move
• Receive a pass
• Boards position

8. Tactics / Concepts
• Puck protection • Stretching the zone
• Corner pick-ups • Puck support
• Opening up to the puck • Underhandling
• Head on a swivel • 2-on-1 hockey
• Numbers read (and • Defender manipulation
react)
• Skating to open space

9. Puck Support
Players without the puck moving to places
that give the puck carrier options or
other wise promote us maintaining
control of the puck

10. Combine all of that and
you have a consistent
breakout.

11. Step-by-Step

12. W2
W1
D1 CD
D2
Wings skate to hash marks and STOP bum against the boards
,
Other 2 D watch for direction of breakout
Puck carrier moves feet toward initial direction

13. W1
W2
D1 CD
D2
D2 starts in one direction; that is the STRONG side.
CD moves with D2
D1 moves behind net on WEAK side
WEAK side wing breaks for center ice

14. Opposing D has two choices:
1. Retreat with breaking wing
in which case we have eased
pressure
2. Hold blue line in which case
we have a breakaway option
W1
W2
D1 CD
D2
D2 starts in one direction; that is the STRONG side.
CD moves with D2
D1 moves behind net on WEAK side
WEAK side wing breaks for center ice

15. W1
W2
CD
D1 D2
Draw the forechecker in and pass the puck

16. How I Would Implement
a Breakout

18. Convince them it’s
ok to fail
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are
willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try
something new.” Brian Tracy