Odd-Man Rush Decision Tree

Decision-Making

11 minutesintermediateteammental

Legend

player
partner / opponent
ball
movement path

How it works

Build structured decision-making on 2-on-1 and 3-on-2 rushes by teaching a simple read hierarchy that guides correct choices.

What you need

hockey stick
puck
ice
goalie

Your focus

Players who do not have a decision framework tend to make the same mistake repeatedly , always shooting when the pass is open, or always passing when they should shoot. A simple decision tree gives players a mental structure for evaluating their options in the correct sequence. Training this structured read through repetition builds automatic, efficient decision-making.

Coach teaches decision tree: Can I shoot? Check goalie angle. Is the middle open? Pass to the slot. Is the wide player free? Use them.

Run 3-on-2 rushes; after each rep, player verbally states which level of the tree they used.

Coach confirms or corrects the decision based on what the defense showed.

Run 10 reps, rotating puck carriers.

Goal

Success is reading the rush correctly so your decision puts someone in a clear shooting or scoring position without forcing anything.

Helpful cues

Run your decision tree in order, do not skip straight to the last option
Say your decision out loud so you can hear if it made sense
The right read gives you the best chance, outcomes vary, but reads do not

Adjust the challenge

Make it easier

Strip it back

Run 2-on-0 to practice the decision tree without defensive pressure first.

UpLVL it

Add the next challenge

Add a 4-second shot clock after the blue line, the tree must run and a decision must be executed within 4 seconds.

No 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.

After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.