Coaches Corner
Cowboy’s Delight Drill

PURPOSE
To teach players the concepts of timing, width, and depth in an offensive attack.

EQUIPMENT
4 pylons

TIME
4-5 minutes

PROCEDURE – FULL-ICE DRILL
1. Players are in one of four groups near the sideboards at the blue lines. Four pylons are placed along the blue lines as shown, near each of the face-off dots in the neutral zone between the two blue lines.
2. A group of three players from group one skates toward the goal at the far end of the rink with two players having to stay on the outside of either pylon when approaching the far blue line. The third player skates through the middle of the ice.
3. One player from group one receives a puck from a player in the group directly across on the opposite side of the ice (group three) and skates deep into the corner. A tight turn or escape move is then executed, and the puck carrier looks to make a pass.
4. The middle skater goes directly to the front of the net and is the first pass option, while the second player delays by skating parallel to the blue line and then heads for the net.
5. A pass is made and a shot taken. A player from group four then begins the drill in the opposite direction.

KEY POINTS
This activity forces players to be patient and work for the best shot opportunity, using the full offensive ice surfaces in the process.
Take time before the drill begins to explain options and reasons “center penetration.”

DRILL PROGRESSIONS
This drill can be expanded into a cycling activity if the puck carrier elects not to pass. Players cycle the puck along the sideboards until a good pass can be made into the red zone for a shot opportunity.
Add one or two defenders who attempt to restrict passing options.