Special teams (Power Play and Penalty Kill) are often the difference between winning and losing games. Scoring goals in women’s hockey is difficult. The Power Play gives us the advantage of having one or two less players to beat in order to get scoring chances.

On each power play, we want to generate as many good scoring chances as possible.

Setup - Attack, Shoot and Rebound - Recover

There are 3 Phases on the Power Play:

1. Setup: The Setup phase is all about taking the puck and establishing our desired attacking formation in the offensive zone. There are various attacking formations that teams use. In our case, we will be starting with an UMBRELLA formation. The Setup phase also includes our Power Play breakout.
2. Attack, Shoot and Rebound: Once we’re set in our attacking formation, we want to Attack the net quickly. Ideally, we’d like to Attack from our Setup formation quickly. Our goal is to get a shot within 5 seconds of being Setup. Maximize shot attempts from good shooting positions. Drive the net for rebounds.
3. Recover: Recovering the puck quickly after an attack, shot or lost puck is vital. We need to OUTMAN and outwork the opposition.

Ideally, we would cycle quickly through the 3 Phases repeatedly to get lots of good scoring chances on the Power Play, and ultimately SCORE.

Setup (Umbrella)

Umbrella Setup off the Rush (Part 1)

Keys to a good setup:

• QUICK PUCK MOVEMENT!
• Enter the zone at full SPEED. F1 must drive the puck WIDE and DEEP. If there is a good scoring opportunity on the entry, take it. Otherwise drive the defenders deep in their zone and start the setup.
• F2 follows F1 for a quick relief pass and then on to D1. If there is a direct pass available, F1 can pass to D1 (Yellow line).
• D2 and D1 are trying to spread the top of the zone.
• If necessary, reverse the puck behind the net to setup on the other side.

Umbrella Setup (Part 2)

• As the puck moves to the top of the Umbrella, other players move quickly to their position in the Umbrella.
• D2 can either pass back to D1 (Quarterback) or immediately initiate the Attack.

Attack

• Draw opponents in and MOVE TO OPEN SPACE for passes!
• Try to isolate one Penalty Killer for 2-on-1 attack.
• Attack off the rush if a strong scoring chance is there.
• Spread the zone using QUICK PASSING in all around the formation.
• High attacks setup low attacks. Mix it up and take what the PK gives.
• From Umbrella, move the puck between sides trying to setup a good mid-ice shot with middle screen and low tip option.
• From Umbrella, work the puck down low for a roll in shot by winger.
• From Umbrella, work the give and go low to winger and then to opposite side player moving into slot for a shot.
• Dominate the front of the net. Tips, rebounds and screens. Fight to establish inside body and stick positioning.
• Look for middle bumper options.
• IN ALL ATTACKS, all players should be trying to be get in a good position to rebound AND recover loose pucks (blocking out defenders).

Attack Options

Coming soon…

Recover

Recovering the puck quickly after an attack, shot or loose puck is crucial. We need to OUTMAN and OUTWORK the penalty killers.

At least TWO and preferably THREE players should immediately battle to recover loose pucks.

When we recover the puck, quickly move to Setup again.