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Passing / On ice

Board-bank passing window

Use the boards to reach a teammate when a direct passing route is blocked by a marker.

10U · 12U · 14U+Intermediate7 minutes2–2 players
Original drill diagram
Board-bank passing window: player positions and movement 12
The top edge represents the straight boards. The two dashed segments show one bank pass around the blocking cone. Reverse the same route for the return. Original schematic; not to scale. Circles with numbers or letters mark players. Other markers and arrows are explained in the caption; some diagrams show puck or ball movement instead of skating. Red arrows show shots. Follow the written setup for spacing.

How to run it

Equipment: Skates, Hockey protective equipment, Cones, Stick, Pucks, Rink boards

  1. Choose a straight section of boards. Players 1 and 2 stand about 12 feet apart and 6 feet out from the wall. Put a cone midway between them to block the direct route.
  2. Player 1 sends the puck into the boards between the two players. Start with a gentle pass and observe where it returns from the wall.
  3. Player 2 receives the rebound with the blade on the ice, settles it, and banks it back. Adjust the wall contact point until both players can receive near their starting spots.
  4. Complete six exchanges, then move both players 2 feet farther from the boards and try six more. Reset a missed puck before continuing.
  5. Use seven minutes with a short discussion after each set. Count passes that reach the partner within a stick’s reach without touching the middle cone.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Choose the wall spot.” Treat the rebound location as something to test and adjust.
  • Present a receiving blade before the puck reaches the wall.
  • Use enough pace for the puck to return, but begin with a pass the partner can stop.

Common mistakes

  • Puck rebounds behind the receiver. Try: shift the wall target slightly toward the receiver and retest.
  • Pass dies against the wall. Try: increase the push modestly while keeping the puck flat.
  • Receiver chases the rebound too early. Try: hold the starting spot for the first test and evaluate the angle.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier: remove the middle cone and bring the players to 8 feet apart.
  • Harder: the receiver moves 3 feet along the boards before showing a target; the passer must select a new bank point.
Research context & source notes

Background sources for this drill’s skills and teaching principles.

Keep building

More passing drills · Development guides