The Zone Trap (sometimes known as a Neutral Zone Trap) is a very effective strategy for creating turnovers. Players need to understand the fundamentals of angling and sealing off passing lanes.
When do we use the Zone Trap: Any time there is a greater than 50% chance of getting the puck, we would use our 1-2-3-4check. However, if there is less than 50% chance we would setup the Zone Trap. In every case, if we can see the defenders EYES, use the ZONE TRAP. This would nearly always be the case after a line change.
The Zone Trap can be setup either deep in the opposition zone or into the neutral zone.
The first forward in (F1) sets up in the middle of the ice above the puck. As the opposing puck carrier commits to a side, F1 begins to angle. The main focus of F1 is to take away the low middle lane. Ideally, you want to force the defender to their backhand side of the ice.
The second and third forwards (F) setup above and behind F1 forming a triangle. The idea is to clog up the middle of the ice forcing a breakout to one side or the other. Both F’s wait for the initial pass. The F on the side where the pass comes to begins to angle the opposing winger. Swing low (think Nike swoosh) and angle from behind to make it more difficult for the winger to pass back to the D. The F on the other side from the breakout, angles toward the middle, taking away the high, middle passing lane.
The strong side D (side where the breakout comes) hangs maintains a medium gap with the winger waiting to recover a turnover. Pick up any loose pucks and be ready to execute a quick regroup to offense.
The weak side D (side opposite the breakout) staggers back on a 45º angle from their D partner. Pick up any loose pucks and be ready to execute a quick regroup to offense.
Ideally, we’d like to force the winger to lose the puck before they reach the red line and can dump the puck into our zone.