Net-Front Battle Drill
Compete Level
Legend
- player
- defender
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Build compete level in front of the net by training forwards to establish net-front position against active defenders.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
Your focus
Net-front presence is one of hockey's most physically demanding compete situations , forwards must fight to maintain position while defenders actively try to remove them. Players who win net-front battles regularly are invaluable to their team's scoring. Training this contested situation builds both the physical toughness and the mental commitment needed to compete in the dirty areas.
Forward sets up at the front of the net; defender sets up behind them.
Coach passes to a point player who looks for a shot or pass.
Forward competes to establish and hold position for a screen or deflection; defender battles to clear.
Play for 15 seconds per rep; forward must stay in position or win a puck in front for the rep to count as successful.
Goal
Success is holding net-front position through contact for the full play, you don't get pushed out before the shot arrives.
Helpful cues
- Wide base, skates outside shoulders, knees bent
- Use your backside, lean back, not forward
- Hands up and stick on the ice, compete AND be ready to score
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Defender plays passive (positioning only, no active battling) for the first 5 reps
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a second defender who can join the battle after 5 seconds to simulate competitive zone coverageNo 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.