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Shoulder-check retrieval

Look behind before collecting a loose puck and use that information to choose a useful exit.

10U · 12U · 14U+Intermediate7 minutes2–2 players
Original drill diagram
Shoulder-check retrieval: player positions and movement 12
1 approaches the loose puck, reads caller 2 behind the start, then uses one curved exit. Both gates are behind the starting position; only one return branch is used. 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. Place a puck 15 feet ahead of player 1. Set two exit gates, each 4 feet wide, behind and to either side of the starting position. Player 2 stands behind the start as the caller.
  2. Player 1 skates toward the puck. When the player is halfway there, the caller points toward one exit and holds the signal.
  3. Player 1 glances over a shoulder, names the exit, and collects the puck. Turn toward the named side with the puck close enough to take another touch.
  4. Carry through that gate, return the puck to its starting spot, and reset. Make four retrievals, then swap roles.
  5. Use seven minutes including the demonstration. Count a repetition only when the exit was identified before touching the puck and the carry finished through that gate.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Look before pickup.” Information should arrive before the player is busy turning with the puck.
  • Have the caller stand where a shoulder glance can find them without a full-body spin.
  • Approach at a pace that leaves time for both the look and the pickup.

Common mistakes

  • Player looks only after collecting. Try: pause the approach halfway and request the exit name.
  • Player turns away from the signal. Try: call the gate name aloud before pickup.
  • Puck is pushed far ahead on pickup. Try: reduce approach speed and take a smaller first touch.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier: announce the exit before the approach, but still require a shoulder glance.
  • Harder: delay the signal until the final few feet while keeping the approach slow.
Research context & source notes

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

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