Global tactics library

#1 waits for #2 and #3 to track back, then carries toward the red line. This forces the PK forecheck to set, allowing the two drop options to build speed against flat-footed defenders. The Double Drop is easy to pre-scout and can be tedious to set up. But it is also the highest-percentage PP breakout in terms of entry success rate.

The Double Drop’s dull predictability sets the stage for a devastating trick play. If the PK forecheck overplays the drop pass, #1 fakes the pass back and carries through for a breakaway.

Four back is a blanket term for a variety of PP breakouts that don’t involve a drop pass. #4 pushes up and then moves across the offensive blue line to manipulate the back half of the PK structure. The remaining skaters swing back to build speed and manufacture passing options. In the example above, #3 and #5 form a Double Left Swing. #2 stays right and skates into the space vacated by #4. Certain European teams use a Five Back for additional low support, but the absence of a dedicated push player allows the PK to step up as a unit and deny the red line.

The Single Drop is a viable option for teams with an elite puck carrier (EDM – McDavid, COL – MacKinnon, NJD – Jack Hughes, etc.). #1 can either pass the puck back to the drop option (3), or attack 4v3 with the other three skaters posted near the offensive blue line.