Neutral Zone Flow & Entry Habits
A neutral-zone flow drill that exposes how timing, shoulder checks, and spacing dictate whether a zone entry survives, or dies, before it even starts.
From: Maxim Noreau of Noreau Hockey (Instagram)
This drill blends neutral-zone habits with real game decisions: scanning early, playing pucks into soft areas, protecting possession, and syncing timing through reroutes and slip passes.
It’s not about speed for speed’s sake. It’s about reading pressure, spacing correctly, and entering the zone with purpose.
🎯 Skills & Habits Targeted:
Neutral-zone scanning and shoulder checks
Playing pucks into soft areas
Chip skills vs. forcing possession
Puck protection on zone entries
Reroutes and timing through the middle
Slip passes and layered attacks
💡 Why This Drill Matters:
Most zone-entry failures happen before the blue line due to poor spacing or late reads.
This drill reinforces habits that allow players to arrive with options instead of panic.
It highlights the difference between moving through space and arriving at the right time.
Works equally well for forwards learning entries and defensemen activating or supporting.
🎥 What to Watch For in the Video:
Early shoulder checks before puck decisions
Chips and soft plays instead of forcing clean possession
Reroutes that create separation and passing lanes
Timing mistakes that stall the entire sequence
🛠️ Equipment Needed:
Portion of the neutral zone into the offensive zone
2 players
A stick or some other small object to chip the puck over
One net
*Full drill description, tips, and optional variations below the video.
🎥 VIDEO: ABC Drill
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