Playing Fast: Developing Quick Puck Support, Early Play Termination, and Rapid Transition in Hockey

When coaches discuss "PLAYING FAST" in hockey, they're referring to much more than just skating speed. True hockey speed involves the rapid movement of both the puck and players across all zones. The quicker your team can move the puck on and off sticks, terminate defensive plays, regain possession, and transition to offense before opponents establish defensive structure, the more effectively you control game pace.

The goal is simple: play hockey on your terms at a tempo that makes your opponents uncomfortable. Below are three ice hockey drills we frequently implement with the Huntsville Havoc that can transform your team's speed of play. 

 

Drill #1: Huntsville Retrievals

 

Objective: Develop critical in-game habits during practice, focusing on quick passing, defensemen surfing, and proper F3 coverage for activated defensemen.

 

 

Execution: Follow the drill pattern as illustrated in the diagram. Emphasize the timing of passes and proper positioning.

Importance: This hockey passing drill allows players to develop speed skills without defensive pressure. As coaches, it's crucial to immediately stop and restart the drill when players execute improperly (dusting pucks during offensive zone passing or having F3 coasting rather than sprinting back to cover surfing defensemen). Poor practice habits quickly become game habits, undermining your team's performance.

 

Drill #2: WSD Surf/Transition 3v1
 

Drill comes with a video—just click on the drill graphic to watch.
 

Objective: End defensive plays quickly, regain puck possession, and execute rapid neutral zone transitions.

 

 

Execution: Begin with an offensive zone low-to-high D2D point shot as shown in the diagram. Defenders focus on hard box-outs to prevent low forwards from penetrating the home plate area.

Importance: This comprehensive ice hockey drill develops multiple skills simultaneously. Goalies improve tracking pucks from low-to-high with heavy net-front traffic. Defensemen practice aggressive surfing to terminate plays early while gaining possession. The drill emphasizes quick transitions to create rush opportunities—a cornerstone of playing fast hockey.

 

Drill #3: Huntsville Puck Support
 

Drill comes with a video—just click on the drill graphic to watch.
 

Objective: Develop offensive zone movement, back-checking support under forechecking pressure, and weak-side defenseman activation during breakouts.

 

 

Execution: Start with the offensive zone setup illustrated in the diagram. Five players sprint back on a well-placed dump, then break out using short, quick passes under heavy F1 pressure, with the weak-side defenseman joining the rush.

Importance: The foundation of playing fast hockey is maintaining five-man connectivity, which allows your team to play with pace and break your opponent's defensive structure. This full ice hockey drill develops speed in all three zones—offensively and defensively—across the entire 200-foot playing surface. Implementing these hockey drills for defensemen and forwards will significantly enhance your team's ability to play with speed. Whether coaching youth hockey or professional teams, these principles remain effective across all competitive levels.
 

 

About the Author 

 

Christopher Blaisuis is currently serving as Assistant Coach/Video Coach with the Huntsville Havoc in the SPHL. Previous experience includes Video Coach with the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL) and Head Coach of the Vermillion County Bobcats (SPHL). Prior to professional hockey, enjoyed a 15-year career in junior hockey within the NAHL, USHL, and NA3HL as Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Director of Player Personnel, and in various scouting roles.

To follow Coach Christopher Blaisuis or explore more of his work, check him out on his Twitter or Instagram accounts!

 

 

 

April 17, 2025

Written by Christopher Blaisuis in collaboration with the CoachThem Team

 

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