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Practice Like a PRO 3.0

Looking to bring more structure, pace, and purpose to your practices? In this edition of Practice Like a PRO 3.0, our teammate Mitch Giguere shares five dynamic drills designed to activate your players, sharpen details, and drive repetition—no matter the level you coach. Each drill comes with video and visual support to help you implement it right away.

Mitch Giguere's Insight

I told you—monthly drills, videos, and more interaction. As you can see, professional-level drills aren’t all that different from those at the junior or youth levels. It’s all about detail and repetition. Let’s dive into the next five drills—each one available online with full diagrams and video breakdowns.

If you're not a member yet, use the code GIGUERE to get 20% OFF your subscription. With a full year of access to CoachThem, you’ll have every drill and video right at your fingertips—completely free with your membership.

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

1. Practice Like A Pro 3.0 – CIFO Activation

I know—it’s a staple drill around here. It’s a drill you can run at every level, and the competition really picks up when you, the coaches, get involved. We’ve used it before in the neutral zone, but this time, you’ll control the size of the area and run it exclusively from the center ice faceoff circle.

2. Practice Like A Pro 3.0 - D Passing Activation

This is a great warmup drill to get your defensemen moving early, with plenty of timing and support from your forwards. It activates all positions and focuses not just on the tactical side of the game, but also on sharpening the technical skills of your defensemen during transitions.

3. Practice Like A Pro 3.0 - 1v1 Infinity

There’s nothing better than a 1v1 battle on half-ice. The offensive player stays on offense the entire time. After a goal or a stop, the coach spots a new puck, and the 1v1 continues until the whistle.

4. Practice Like A Pro 3.0 – Flow Activation All Around

From the defenseman’s point of view, the first part of the drill focuses on surfing or gapping up. There are four exchanges with the forwards, then on transition, you switch to the opposite side and join the rush for an offensive zone shot.

5. Practice Like A Pro 3.0 – Small Area Growing Up

I’m definitely trying this drill out this week. It starts from the top of the circle and plays out as a 2v1 until the coach signals “go.” At that point, a second defensive player joins to make it a 2v2. Then, the coach sends in a third offensive player, turning it into a 3v2. Throughout the entire drill, the offensive team stays on offense.

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