The forwards on a hockey team are the players responsible for the majority of the team's offense. Each team has three forwards on the ice at any given time, and their job is to create scoring chances, force turnovers and score goals. Forwards practice specific drills to keep them sharp and ready for game situations.
Dump and Chase Drill
The dump and chase refers to forwards shooting the puck deep into the opposition's zone and chasing after it. The goal is to cause the defensemen to have to turn to get the puck so the forward can skate by and get it first. It is also an opportunity to hit the defensemen into the boards and tire them out as the game progresses. You can run a dump and chase drill similar to a real game situation, using two defensemen and three forwards. Shoot the puck into the zone and practice beating the defense to the puck to create a play. Go easy on body contact with your own teammates.
Breakout Drills
A breakout typically begins with the defensemen, but it is the forwards who receive the pass and carry the puck into the offensive zone. Start the drill with the two wingers on the boards near the middle of the circles in the defensive zone, with the centerman curling back in the middle. Have a defenseman come around the net with the puck and outlet a pass to either winger or the centerman to break out of the zone. Add a forechecker or two to make the drill more realistic.
Deflections
One job of hockey forwards is to stand in front of the opposing goalie when his team has possession in the offensive zone. The goal is to screen the goalie, pick up a rebound or deflect the shot from the point. A deflection is when the forward changes the direction of the shot with his stick, fooling the goalie. To perform the drill, have a forward stand in front of the net, with two defensemen on the blue line. The defensemen should shoot low, hard shots toward the goal, and the forward should attempt to deflect them past the goalie. Add a defenseman in front of the net to make it more difficult for the forward to get his stick on the puck.
Hitting the Trailer
Often, when a forward brings the puck into the offensive zone, the defensemen focus on him and lose track of other forwards that come into the zone late. The result is an open forward in the slot, waiting for a pass. Use two defensemen and a goalie, and have one forward carry the puck into the zone. The forward moves to the outside to get the attention of the defense, and then stops with the puck close to the boards. By this time, another forward has entered the zone late and moves toward the slot to receive the pass for a quick shot on goal. Practice positioning the trailer in different spots on the ice to always keep the defense guessing.
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