Breakout Call System
Communication
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- movement path
How it works
Develop verbal communication between defensemen and forwards to execute a called breakout using predetermined code words.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
Your focus
Effective breakouts depend on everyone skating to the correct option simultaneously, which requires clear verbal triggers. Teaching players to call the breakout by name ('wheel!' 'reverse!' 'up!') creates an instant shared read without hesitation. This vocabulary reduces breakout errors caused by guessing and builds trust in team communication.
Teach the team 3 breakout calls: 'up' (direct pass to winger), 'wheel' (D skates behind net), 'reverse' (D swings ball to partner).
Coach shoots ball in; D retrieves and calls the breakout option aloud.
All forwards must react to the called word and move the correct position.
Run each option at least 5 times before mixing them randomly.
Helpful cues
- Call it loud and early, your forwards are already moving
- Everyone repeats the call, echo system so all 5 hear it
- If you change the call, announce the change
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Run each individual call in isolation for 10 reps before mixing them
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a forechecker who attacks the D immediately, forcing the verbal call under pressure and time constraintNo account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.