Rink Lab
All global drills

Brooksy Utah Mammoth

Small Area Game
Ice Hockey Systems
Global
Diagram 1 of 2
Brooksy Utah Mammoth diagram 1
Diagram 2 of 2
Brooksy Utah Mammoth diagram 2
Objective The Brooksy Utah Mammoth from John Dean helps players develop competitive habits for winning loose pucks, cutting through an opponent’s hands, and making the next play immediately. The drill progresses from a puck race into a quick 2 vs. 1, followed by a rim retrieval under pressure and a 2 vs. 2. Variations - You can have the last players in line on both sides of the ice be the person who rims the puck instead of the coach. - Coaches can place the puck race in different areas of the ice. - Coaches can place the support players in different areas of the ice.

Setup

- Divide players into two teams. - Place one player from each team on the goal line. - Position one support player from each team at the top of the circles. - Place a puck in the middle of the playing area. - On the whistle, the two players on the goal line race for the puck. - The player who wins possession passes to their support player, creating a quick 2 vs. 1 against the opposing support player. - The player who loses the initial race does not participate in the 2 vs. 1. - The attacking team should generate a scoring opportunity quickly. - On the second whistle, the coach rims a new puck to the team that lost the initial race. - A player from that team retrieves the rim using the team’s preferred yellow runner technique. - All four players then compete in a 2 vs. 2, with the opposing team applying immediate pressure. - The coach determines how long the 2 vs. 2 continues.

Coaching points

  • Cut through the hands: Take away space and establish body position while competing to be first to the loose puck.
  • Make the next play immediately: After winning possession, move the puck to support and attack the net before the defense can recover.
  • Retrieve under pressure: Protect the puck with the body and move the feet on the first touch while opponents hunt the retrieval.