High-Slot Puck Support Read
Puck Support
Legend
- player
- movement path
How it works
Develop the ability to time a run to the high slot to provide a dangerous off-puck support option during a cycle play.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
- goalie
Your focus
The high slot support player is the highest-percentage scorer on most cycle plays , but only if they arrive at the right moment, not too early and not too late. Training the timing of high-slot runs teaches players to read the cycle, anticipate when the puck will be fed out, and time their skating to arrive in full stride to shoot. A perfectly timed support run to the high slot creates the most dangerous scoring scenarios in hockey.
Two players cycle in the offensive zone corner and wall; a third player positions at the perimeter.
The support player must read the cycle puck movement and time a run into the high slot to arrive as the puck is fed out.
Puck is passed to the support player arriving in the slot; they shoot immediately on the live goalie.
Run 10 reps; evaluate timing, too early, too late, or perfect arrival.
Goal
You've got it when you time your run to the high slot so you arrive right as the puck gets there, not early, not late.
Helpful cues
- Your timing is your most important skill in this drill, not your shot
- Wait for the second pass, not the first, that is usually when the slot opens
- Arrive in stride, a shot off a two-step start is twice as hard to stop
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Cyclers tell the support player verbally when to run, adding a communication trigger before removing it.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a defender at the high slot who activates when the support player starts their run, requiring a quick shot under challenge.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.