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Parallel-lane passing

Send a pass into a moving partner’s reachable path while both players maintain parallel travel.

10U · 12U · 14U+Intermediate7 minutes2–2 players
Original drill diagram
Parallel-lane passing: player positions and movement 12
Both players skate left to right in separate lanes. Dashed diagonals show three sequential passes to future receiving positions, not three pucks. 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

  1. Use four cones to mark a 35-foot rectangle about 12 feet wide. One player starts at each near corner, sharing one puck. Both travel toward the far end.
  2. Begin skating together at an easy pace. The carrier passes across slightly ahead of the partner rather than toward the partner’s trailing skate.
  3. The receiver collects without stopping and sends the puck back after two strides. Aim for three exchanges before the far cones.
  4. Stop at the end, turn together, and repeat in the opposite direction. Make four trips, then switch starting lanes for four more within seven minutes.
  5. Count catches made without stopping or reaching behind. If three exchanges feel rushed, use two and keep the skating pace steady.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Pass to the next stride.” Watch where the receiver is going.
  • Partners match travel speed before adding passes.
  • Show the blade in the passing lane early enough for the carrier to use it.

Common mistakes

  • Pass arrives behind the receiver. Try: aim a little farther forward.
  • Partners drift together. Try: keep following the sides of the marked rectangle.
  • Receiver stops for every puck. Try: slow both players and make shorter passes.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier: both players glide slowly and complete a single pass per trip.
  • Harder: keep the same speed and alternate forehand and backhand passes where body position allows.
Research context & source notes

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

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