Russian Circle Passing - Variations #3, #4, #5

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Contributor: Coach from Virginia & Maryland, USA Drill Category: Skating, Passing, Pass Receiving, Attacking and Goaltending

Please first see the basic set-up of this drill as described under the free Drills section. For, from that basic format, some really awesome offensive and defensive variations are possible. (Click here for: “Russian Circle Passing“.) This coach has added quite a few great variations to the basic drilling. So, I'll let him take it away from here...

-- Dennis Chighisola

Russian Circle Passing - Variations #3 Drill Description: Comments: The set up is the same as the basic drill, but the first player starts with a puck and is skating backwards. As he gets to the red line, passes the puck back to the line he came from, and continues backwards until the apex of the circle, where he opens up his stick to get a pass from the other line. He quickly transitions to forward, now attacking the net. Benefits: Players become more aware of the transition space in the neutral zone, and able to transition the puck forward twice in the same drill.   Running the drill: - In the basic set-up, skaters are lined-up along the boards and behind a blue line on both sides of the ice. - The drill begins with one player skating backwards (with a puck) around the center face-off circle. Nearing the red line, he passes the puck back to the original line. - Continuing on, he pivots from backwards to forwards near the bottom of the circle, and then receives a pass from the other line. - That player then continues to attack the far goal. http://coachchic2.s3.amazonaws.com/Russian+Circle+-+3.flv

Russian Circle Passing - Variations #4 Contributor: Coach from Virginia & Maryland, USA Drill Category: Skating, Passing, Pass Receiving, Attacking, defending and Goaltending Drill Description: Comments: This next variation is the same as #3, except that the second person in line becomes a defenseman for a 1 on 1.

I've altered this coach's variation a bit here, placing a line of defensemen next to each line. In this way, "D" get to handle each rush. (To be honest, I also did this so that the video would be a little clearer.)

-- Dennis Chighisola

Benefits: All the previous skills are honed, along with the addition of players getting to work their 1 against 1 skills.   Running the drill: - In the basic set-up, skaters are lined-up along the boards and behind a blue line on both sides of the ice. - The drill begins with one player skating backwards (with a puck) around the center face-off circle. Nearing the red line, he passes the puck back to the original line. - The first skater continues on to take a pass (as in the earlier drill), while the second player in the original line (or the red defenseman in my sketch) jumps out to defend against the first skater. http://coachchic2.s3.amazonaws.com/Russian+Circle+-+4.flv

Russian Circle Passing - Variation #5 Contributor: Coach from Virginia & Maryland, USA Drill Category: Skating, Passing, Pass Receiving, Attacking, and a faster pace on the Goaltenders   Drill Description: Comments: From the same set up as all the rest, but this time the second person in line takes the pass from the first player and immediately heads straight in on goal for a scoring chance. This keeps the pace up and both goalies staying very busy. (Remember to allow time for goalies to recover, but keep in mind that speed drills are not just for skaters.) Benefits: All the previous skills are honed.   Running the drill: - In the basic set-up, skaters are lined-up along the boards and behind a blue line on both sides of the ice. - The drill begins with one player skating backwards (with a puck) around the center face-off circle. Nearing the red line, he passes the puck back to the original line. - The first skater continues on to take a pass (as in the earlier drill), while the second player in the original line quickly attacks the net... http://coachchic2.s3.amazonaws.com/Russian+Circle+-+5.flv

  Variation #6 coming soon!