Russian Circle Passing Variations

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".)

-- Dennis Chighisola

Russian Circle Passing Variations - Basic Set-up - From the basic set-up, I will occasionally have the last attacker stop at the net and then attempt to screen, deflect or pounce on the rebound on the next attacker's shot.

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- Also from the basic set-up, I like to send two players at a time from each line, thusly having them attack 2 versus the netminder. At times, I'll ask the attackers to weave -- or criss-cross -- on their way to the net.

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- When I'm looking to mix a little conditioning into this drill (as well as work on our attack triangle pattern), I'll send three attackers from each line. Man, do the guys run out of gas quickly, since there's little time to rest as groups of threes return to line.

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http://coachchic2.s3.amazonaws.com/Variations.flv

Russian Circle Passing Variations - Set-up with "D"

Shown about, the next phase of this drill requires positioning forwards and defensemen as shown in the video. From this layout, numerous different match-ups can be practiced.

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- 1 on 1's work from this set-up. Defensemen are stationed at the opposite side red line as they await playing an oncoming attacker. I tend to like this way of practicing such match-ups, mainly because each play is preceded by a pass to the attacking forward, which forces him or her to catch and control the puck in anticipation of confronting a defender.

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- From this set-up, all the various numerical rush situations can be practiced -- from 1 on 1's to 2 on 1's to 2 on 2's to 3 on 2's to 3 on 3's. All the coach needs to do is send the appropriate number of players from a given line.

And, as suggested in the initial drill description, it's important for the coach to frequently change the direction in which players circle (either towards their left or towards their right).

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Might you have any further ideas for making this drill format even more useful? I'd love to hear from members -- either in the Comments box below, or from your following the directions provided for drill submissions (found in the free Drills area).