Wall Play, Escape & Timing Drill
Winning puck battles off the wall is only half the job—what you do next determines whether a scoring chance actually gets created.
From: Brandon Rubeo of Quest Hockey and the Hockey Players Club
This skill development sequence focuses on a moment players see constantly in games: receiving a rimmed puck along the wall, escaping pressure, and turning possession into offense.
Instead of forcing plays, players are encouraged to escape, get their head up, and make the next play with purpose—often under pressure and with limited time.
🎯 Skills Targeted:
Rimmed puck reception off the wall
Cut-backs and puck protection
Soft saucer pass
Catch-and-release finishing
Timing net drives off the puck
💡 Why Work On This:
Many turnovers happen immediately after wall touches, not on initial retrievals.
Escaping pressure buys time and improves decision-making.
Soft plays (chips and sauce passes) are often the high skill play needed in tight areas.
Proper timing off the puck turns simple wall plays into quality scoring chances.
🛠️ Equipment Needed:
Net
Multiple pucks
One end of the ice (corner setup in this example)
Coach or passer near the net
*Full drill description, tips, and optional variations below the video.
🎥 VIDEO: Plays off the Wall
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