Power Play Positioning Execution
Positioning
Legend
- player
- partner / opponent
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Develop elite power play positioning by training players to establish and maintain the correct formation throughout a full 90-second power play.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
Your focus
Power play success depends as much on spacing and positioning as on skill execution , players who are in the right spot create shooting lanes and passing options that result in high-percentage chances. Training the specific positioning within the power play system builds the spatial habits that allow the unit to function automatically under defensive pressure. Correct positioning on the power play is a learned skill, not an instinct.
Set up a power play unit in the offensive zone against a live penalty kill.
Before each possession, all 5 power play players must skate to and hold their designated position before the puck is moved.
Coach calls 'position check' at random moments during the drill, all 5 must immediately self-adjust to correct positions.
After each segment, coach evaluates who was out of position and when.
Goal
You've got it when the power play formation holds its shape for the full sequence, all five players in the right spots every time the puck moves.
Helpful cues
- Your position creates the opportunity, be in it before the puck arrives
- Movement without purpose breaks the power play, move to something specific
- See the whole ice from your position, not just the puck
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Run without a penalty kill first, 5-on-0 positioning drill to establish correct spots.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a collapsing penalty kill that forces the power play to adjust positioning in real time to maintain the formation's integrity.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.
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.