Circle Passing Drills

Passing Drills
Set Up: Players line up around the face off circles
Descriptions:
Drill #1: Stationary passing
Focus: “Sweep” the puck vs slapping. Players should also point toe of the blade towards the target. The receiving player must also be stressed to be prepared in a hockey ready position with their stick on the ice.
Drill #2: Pass and Replace
Focus: Players must continue to make proper passes then immediately sprint to the player who was just passed the puck. The receiving player must make a successful pass to another player then replace his spot by sprinting to it.
Drill #3: Keep Away
Focus: One player will be in the middle and can move around with a goal to intercept passes. Other players must be lined up along the circle and can not move. They will attempt to make as many successful passes without the “monkey in the middle” intercepting them. If the pass is intercepted or not successful one of the players on the circle becomes the “monkey”.

Points of Emphasis: Players should be constantly reminded to sweep the puck with their hands away from their body. They should also be stressed to receive the puck by stopping getting their stick blade perpendicular to the path of the puck and simply stopping it. All players should be ready with their stick on the ice and eyes towards the passer. Be ready!