How to Run a Hockey Offense: Breaking the Trap

The neutral zone trap is one of the most popular defenses. It is fairly easy to execute and remains very effective. This is an attempt to subjugate that defense.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hockey Sticks
• Hockey Pucks
• Ice Skates

1. Set the defense in a star pattern inside the neutral zone - with a center at point to shove your onslaughts toward the boards.
2. Begin the offense from a typical zone formation: three forwards on the blue line and two defensemen behind.
3. Move the puck carrier - the left wing - forward toward the defensive center.
4. Have your center follow the left wing.
5. Skate the left wing past the center and toward the boards on the left side, ready to engage the defensive right wing.
6. Instruct the center to follow a few strides behind, helping to draw the defensive center from the middle.
7. Watch for the defense to shift to attack the puck carrier; when it does, the left wing makes a quick pass straight back to his left defenseman.
8. Send the left defender immediately to the right wing, who has already begun breaking forward.
9. Check the defense: if it has been lured off the boards on the right side enough, the wing may be able to shoot through toward open ice.

Tips & Warnings

• As a variation, if the center sees the defense drifting toward the puck side, he can dart through the trap as the offense is relaying the pass around to the right wing. This gives the right wing a passing option if he encounters trouble slipping by the defense.
• If the defense ignores this ruse, the offense will be no more effective than a fly punching through a brick wall.
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.