Practice Like A Pro 14.0

Mitch Giguere is back with another edition of Practice Like A Pro. As a regular CoachThem contributor, Mitch shares skill-specific drills, coaching details, and practical ways to bring pro-level concepts into everyday practices. In Practice Like A Pro 14.0, the focus is on keeping drills simple while challenging players to compete, communicate, transition quickly, read pressure, and make decisions while they play.

Sometimes, as coaches, we spend way too much time trying to invent the perfect drill.

We add a second puck. Then a coach. Then another line. Then three cones. Suddenly, we need a 10-minute explanation, a diagram, and maybe a PhD just to get the drill started.

This month, we’re keeping things simple.

Five drills that focus on things we see every night: competing when you’re tired, transitioning quickly, finding solutions on entries, communicating, and getting a lot of puck touches.

Nothing complicated. Just good hockey drills with a purpose.

And hopefully, no player asking, “Wait… where do I go?” after you’ve explained it three times.

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

Practice Like A Pro 14.0 – SAG 2v2

There’s nothing fancy about this drill, but that’s exactly what I like about it.

The real challenge starts when players get tired and still have to think and communicate.

When you’re on offense, life is pretty good. You have the puck, you’re attacking, and everything feels under control.

Then possession changes.

Now you have to defend against two fresh players while your gas tank is sitting somewhere around empty.

That’s where the drill gets interesting.

Because it’s continuous, every turnover creates an immediate transition. Players have to recognize what just happened, communicate with their partner, and quickly go from offense to defense.

It’s easy to make good decisions when you’re fresh.

Let’s see what those decisions look like when your legs are asking for a line change.

Practice Like A Pro 14.0 – Puck Battle With Tires

Who doesn’t like a little competition at the end of practice, especially once the coaches can step back and let the players take over?

This drill reminds me of playing outside when we were kids. No systems. No video. Barely any rules. You just wanted to stay at the outdoor rink as long as possible, compete with your friends, and eventually order a pizza.

The objective here is simple: get the puck inside the tire to score a point.

That’s it.

It’s not complicated hockey, but it’s demanding. Players have to protect the puck, compete for possession, use their body, and find a way to score.

Give it about five seconds.

Someone will decide they absolutely refuse to lose, and suddenly the intensity goes through the roof.

Sometimes the best compete drills are the ones where coaches say the least.

Practice Like A Pro 14.0 – 2v0 Entry

Part 1 isn’t fancy, but it’s efficient.

Players work on opening up through the neutral zone, supporting the puck, and creating a quick 2v0 attack at the net.

What I like most about this drill is the number of repetitions you can get in a short amount of time.

No long explanation. No standing around. Get the rep, get back in line, and go again.

You can also add plenty of variations depending on what you want to work on: different entry routes, puck placement, middle drive, delays, or how you want F2 to support the puck carrier.

Play around with it.

Just don’t add 14 different options at once and then wonder why everyone is confused.

Practice Like A Pro 14.0 – 2v0 Entry With Pressure

Now we take the previous drill and add another layer.

F2 comes from a different direction, and we add a coach inside the blue line to provide pressure.

That small addition forces the puck carrier to make a read instead of simply following a predetermined route.

Depending on how the coach defends, you can work on a kick-out with F2 driving past the pressure, or keep the puck carrier on the wall and create a small 2v1 on the entry.

There are plenty of ways to adjust the drill depending on what you want your players to recognize.

That’s the key.

We don’t want players memorizing a route. We want them reading what’s in front of them and finding the best solution.

Because unfortunately, the other team rarely follows our practice diagram.

Practice Like A Pro 14.0 – Passing Activation

Lots of touches. Different body positions. Forehand. Backhand. Scanning. Communication.

That makes this a great activation drill, especially at the beginning of a skills session with a smaller group.

And I emphasize smaller group.

If you put 25 players through this drill, there’s a pretty good chance practice will be over before everyone gets their second rep.

With the right number of players, though, it’s a great way to get everyone moving quickly and touching a lot of pucks.

Players have to scan before receiving the pass, adjust their body position, execute on both forehand and backhand, and communicate with each other.

And don’t forget that last part.

If you want the puck, ask for it.

Your teammate might be good, but hopefully we’re not expecting him to read minds too.

Conclusion

There’s a common theme with these five drills: players have to think while they play.

Whether they’re exhausted in a continuous 2v2, battling for a puck, reading pressure on an entry, or scanning before receiving a pass, we’re trying to create situations where the answer isn’t always predetermined.

That’s hockey.

We can teach structure and give players solutions, but eventually they have to recognize what’s happening in front of them and make a decision.

So keep the drills simple, get lots of repetitions, add pressure when it makes sense, and let the players compete.

And if the drill ends with everyone arguing about the score, you probably created enough competition.

About Mitch Giguere

Mitch Giguere is a father of four children and a hockey enthusiast. He is currently the Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach for the Greensboro Gargoyles in the ECHL, affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) and Chicago Wolves (AHL). In addition, Mitch is a former KHL coach and has obtained his High Performance 2 certification from Hockey Canada.

Mitch also has an Advanced Coaching Diploma (NCCP4) and the Learning Accelerator Certificate received through the Canadian Sports Institute. As a CoachThem Teammate, Mitch contributes monthly blogs focused on skill-specific drills, practice efficiency, and modern coaching habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of Practice Like A Pro 14.0?

The focus is on simple, purposeful drills that force players to think while they play. The five drills emphasize competition, quick transitions, puck support, reading pressure, communication, and getting plenty of puck touches.

Why add pressure to entry drills?

Adding pressure forces players to read what is happening instead of simply memorizing a route. It helps players recognize different options, adjust to the defender, and find the best solution available on the entry.

What does the continuous 2v2 drill help players develop?

The continuous 2v2 challenges players to transition immediately when possession changes. It also develops communication, decision-making, and the ability to defend effectively even when players are tired.

Why is keeping hockey drills simple important?

Simple drills allow players to spend less time listening to explanations and more time getting repetitions. Coaches can then add pressure, competition, or variations without overwhelming players with too many predetermined options.