When it comes to creating scoring opportunities in ball hockey, improving offensive movement is key. The Weave Drill, inspired by basketball fundamentals, helps players dynamically shift their floor positioning and create confusion for defenders. This blog post will walk you through the concept of crossing through lanes and how the drill can give your offense a tactical edge. Watch the embedded video to see it all in action!
The Power of Crossing Through Lanes
The central concept of this drill is dynamic movement. As players pass the ball and follow their passes, they shift laterally across the floor, making it difficult for defenders to maintain coverage. By constantly changing positions, offensive players force defenders into situations where they may be outnumbered or caught off guard. This movement creates opportunities to:
- Isolate defenders in two-on-one scenarios
- Open up passing lanes
- Set up breakaway opportunities
The result? A well-structured offense that can quickly adapt to defensive coverage and exploit openings.
How the Weave Drill Works
- Initial Setup:
- Three players line up along their blue line: two wingers and a center.
- The ball starts with the center.
- Passing and Movement:
- The center passes to one winger and immediately follows the pass, running behind that player.
- The receiving winger then passes to the far winger and follows the pass.
- This pattern continues until the player reaches the slot and takes a shot on goal.
- Attack Triangle Formation:
The goal is for the players to end in an attack triangle:- One player in the slot
- One player on the strong side of the net
- One player in support, slightly off-center toward the slot
This positioning maximizes scoring options and ensures that players are ready to follow up on rebounds or redirect passes.
Progressing the Drill: Adding a Defender
Once players understand the basic movement, a defender is added to the drill. The defender’s job isn’t to intercept passes but to provide pressure and give offensive players a realistic challenge. This progression helps players fine-tune their speed, positioning, and decision-making under defensive pressure.
Why This Drill Is Essential
Improving movement on offense is about more than just passing—it’s about timing, coordination, and creating space. The weave drill trains players to think ahead, adapt quickly, and understand how to create advantages in a fast-paced game environment.
For a full demonstration, check out our embedded tutorial video.
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