Practice Like A Pro 10.0: Breakout Details

Let’s be honest… if you’ve ever run a breakout drill in practice, you’ve probably seen everything.

Missed rims, wingers stuck to the wall like they’re glued to it, D turning back into pressure… and somehow it’s always the coach’s fault.

So this month, we’re going back to some details that actually make a difference: rims, support, deception, and activation.

Nothing fancy, nothing you need a whiteboard for 20 minutes to explain. Just simple, effective drills that translate to games.

And yes… your players might even have fun doing them.

 

 

Each drill below has a video attached - click on the drill graphic to see the video! 

 

Practice Like A Pro 10.0 – Passing Activation

 

 

 

If the pros can do it, youth players can learn it too.

This drill focuses on deception with the puck. Looking one way and passing the other, selling plays, and not being predictable.

You can add different restrictions to keep it fresh and challenging:

• No passing back to the same player
• No passes on the same side (divide the zone into four sections)
• Forehand only or backhand only

You can even let the players choose the rules. It usually gets more competitive when they feel like they’re in charge… even if it lasts about 30 seconds.

Simple drill, but great for hands, awareness, and creativity.

 

Practice Like A Pro 10.0 – PSF – Rims on Breakout

 

 

 

Getting off the wall on breakouts is huge if you want to create space and manipulate the forecheck.

Especially if your team likes to attack D2 on line rushes, your forwards need to be comfortable handling rimmed pucks and making plays quickly.

This drill works on rim retrievals for forwards under light pressure.

It allows them to get comfortable with timing, body positioning, and puck control before adding heavier pressure.

Because we all know… it looks easy until someone is actually coming to hit you.

 

Practice Like A Pro 10.0 – Breakout Small Area

 

 

 

The wall play might be one of the most underrated skills in hockey.

And somehow… it’s also one of the least practiced.

In this drill, everyone is involved. Forwards and defensemen both need to be comfortable making plays along the boards.

The forward must not only handle the rim, but also scan the ice and read the pressure from the pinching defenseman.

With F2 supporting in the middle, the puck carrier has options:

• Chip it
• Protect it (“eat it”)
• Move it to the middle

It’s a simple setup, but it improves breakouts and also translates really well to offensive zone resets.

And anything that helps your team spend less time stuck on the wall is a win.

 

Practice Like A Pro 10.0 – PSD – Net Shield

 

 

 

I love this drill.

The rink staff… probably not as much.

This one focuses on using the net as a shield during breakouts. Defensemen retrieve the puck, use the net to cut off pressure, and build speed coming out of the turn.

It’s a great way to work on edges, puck protection, and escaping pressure.

Run a few reps around the net, build up speed, then finish with a shot.

Simple, effective… and yes, expect a few pucks to end up in places they shouldn’t.

 

Practice Like A Pro 10.0 – PSD – Rims and Blue Line

 

 

 

This is a simple drill, especially useful when you want to split your group.

Quick question: How often do you actually practice handling hard rims under pressure?

Exactly.

This drill focuses on defensemen handling rimmed pucks from the forecheck, controlling them cleanly, and making a play right away.

Catch the rim, move the puck, activate.

It’s also a great continuous drill, so players get a lot of reps without standing around.

And usually, the cleaner your D handle rims… the less your bench yells during games.

 

At this time of the season, it’s not about adding a hundred new systems. It’s about sharpening the details that show up every single shift.

Breakouts, rims, support, and puck movement under pressure.

If your players can make quicker decisions and stay a step ahead, everything starts to look easier on the ice.

Keep the drills simple, keep them competitive, and don’t be afraid to let players have a bit of fun with it. Because when they’re engaged, they learn faster… and practices usually run a lot smoother.

Good luck, and try not to blame the ice too much this week.

 

About Mitch Giguere

Mitch Giguere is a professional hockey coach and lifelong student of the game. He is currently an assistant coach with the Wheeling Nailers, an ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). A former KHL coach, Mitch holds both his High Performance 2 certification from Hockey Canada and an Advanced Coaching Diploma (NCCP4) through the Canadian Sport Institute.

As a CoachThem Teammate, Mitch contributes monthly blogs focused on skill-specific drills, practice efficiency, and modern coaching habits. His goal is simple: help coaches design smarter practices, stay organized throughout the season, and create environments where players can develop with intention.

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Written by the CoachThem Team