The Angle Shooter drill from Jim Midgley focuses on developing angling habits and defensive pressure immediately after a player takes a shot. Players attack across the ice to take a shot on net, then quickly transition into a defensive role where they angle the next puck carrier to the outside. This drill reinforces strong skating habits, smart stick positioning, and controlling the opponent’s lane to reduce quality scoring chances.
Setup
- Divide players into two groups (two colors) on each side of the ice.
- Run the drill simultaneously on both sides of the rink.
- Use the offside dots as a skating guideline when players attack across the ice.
- The drill is whistle-controlled by the coach.
How It Works
- On the whistle, the first player (#1 ) carries the puck across the ice using the offside dots as a guide and takes a shot on net.
- After the shot, the coach blows the whistle again.
- The shooter immediately stops, turns, and becomes the angler.
- At the same time, a player from the opposite line (# 2) carries a puck across the ice toward the net to take a shot.
- The original shooter angles the puck carrier, forcing them to the outside and disrupting the shot.
Key Concepts
- Angling fundamentals
- Offense to defense transition
- Stick positioning and puck pressure
- Forcing attackers to low-percentage areas
- Defensive skating habits
Coaching points
- Emphasize a quick offense-to-defense transition after shooting.
- Encourage players to work back through the middle before beginning their angle.
- Keep feet moving while applying pressure.
- Maintain a strong stick position to create stick-on-puck moments.
- Force the puck carrier to the outside lane to reduce scoring chances.