5-on-5 Ice Hockey Drills

5-on-5 hockey represents the foundation of the game, where teams play at even strength for the majority of regulation time. These drills focus on developing complete team systems, positional play, structured breakouts, forechecking, and the complex interactions between all five skaters working together as a cohesive unit.

Drill 1: Full Ice 5-on-5 System Play

Setup: Full ice with regulation goals and goalies, complete 5-on-5 teams.

Execution:

• Start with face-off at center ice
• Play continuous 3-minute periods
• Emphasize specific systems (1-2-2 forecheck, 1-3-1 power play, etc.)
• Stop play periodically to coach positioning and decision-making
• Rotate lines to give all players system experience

Key Points:

• Develops complete team chemistry and communication
• Practices real-game situations with full personnel
• Teaches positional responsibility within team structure
• Builds understanding of all three zones working together
• Emphasizes transition play between systems

Drill 2: 5-on-5 Breakout Progression

Setup: Start in defensive zone with all five positions filled.

Execution:

• Defense starts with puck behind net
• Forwards set up in predetermined breakout positions
• Practice multiple breakout options: reverse, wheel, up the middle
• Add forechecking pressure gradually (1-2-3-4-5 forecheckers)
• Must successfully exit zone with possession and control

Key Points:

• Develops multiple breakout routes with full team
• Teaches timing and communication between all five players
• Practices reading forecheck pressure and adjusting accordingly
• Emphasizes support positioning and puck movement options
• Builds confidence in breakout execution under pressure

Drill 3: Structured Forecheck 5-on-5

Setup: Attacking team starts at blue line, defending team in their zone.

Execution:

• Dump puck into defensive zone
• Practice different forecheck systems (1-2-2, 2-1-2, 1-1-3)
• Defending team practices breakout under structured pressure
• Play out until zone exit or turnover
• Switch roles and systems regularly

Key Points:

• Teaches coordinated pressure with all five players
• Develops understanding of forecheck timing and positioning
• Practices defensive zone coverage under different systems
• Emphasizes communication and support between linemates
• Builds work ethic and compete level in puck battles

Drill 4: 5-on-5 Defensive Zone Coverage

Setup: Defensive zone with attacking team starting from various positions.

Execution:

• Defending team practices different defensive systems
• Attacking team cycles puck and looks for scoring opportunities
• Focus on slot coverage, point coverage, and net-front battles
• Defending team must clear puck cleanly to exit zone
• Rotate through different defensive scenarios

Key Points:

• Develops coordinated defensive positioning
• Teaches communication and help coverage concepts
• Practices clearing techniques and boxing out opponents
• Emphasizes stick positioning and gap control
• Builds understanding of when to pressure versus contain

Drill 5: 5-on-5 Neutral Zone Regroup

Setup: Full ice with teams starting at opposite blue lines.

Execution:

• Team with puck attacks toward opposite goal
• Must regroup through neutral zone if initial rush is stopped
• Practice various regroup patterns (circle back, cross-over, support)
• Defending team applies neutral zone pressure
• Complete play through to scoring attempt or turnover

Key Points:

• Develops patience and puck control in neutral zone
• Teaches multiple regroup options with full team support
• Practices reading defensive pressure and adjusting speed
• Emphasizes maintaining possession while changing direction
• Builds understanding of when to regroup versus force entry

Drill 6: 5-on-5 Power Play vs Penalty Kill

Setup: Full ice with one team on power play, other short-handed.

Execution:

• Power play team practices setup and puck movement
• Penalty kill team works on structure and clearing attempts
• Play 2-minute power play situations
• Focus on specialty team systems and positioning
• Switch roles to practice both situations

Key Points:

• Develops specialty team coordination and timing
• Teaches power play patience and shot selection
• Practices penalty kill positioning and clearing techniques
• Emphasizes communication during man-advantage situations
• Builds understanding of special teams strategy

Drill 7: 5-on-5 End-to-End Rush

Setup: Full ice with teams starting in opposite end zones.

Execution:

• Start with face-off in one end zone
• Team gaining possession must execute full-ice rush
• Include all phases: breakout, neutral zone, zone entry, attack
• Play until goal, save, or possession change
• Emphasize quick transitions and support play

Key Points:

• Practices complete offensive sequence with full team
• Develops transition speed and timing
• Teaches zone entry techniques against full back pressure
• Emphasizes finishing plays and net-front presence
• Builds cardiovascular fitness through full-ice skating

Drill 8: 5-on-5 Cycle and Crash

Setup: Offensive zone with full teams, start with dump-in.

Execution:

• Attacking team establishes cycle in offensive zone
• Must make minimum number of passes before shooting
• Practice different cycle patterns (low cycle, high cycle, wall play)
• Defending team applies active pressure and clear attempts
• Focus on net-front battles and screening goalies

Key Points:

• Develops sustained offensive zone pressure
• Teaches cycle timing and puck support concepts
• Practices net-front positioning and traffic creation
• Emphasizes second and third scoring opportunities
• Builds understanding of when to cycle versus shoot

Advanced 5-on-5 Concepts

Offensive System Principles:

• Maintain proper spacing between all five players
• Create multiple passing options through constant movement
• Support puck carrier with at least two viable outlets
• Utilize all three levels: behind net, half-boards, point
• Balance patience with aggressive scoring mentality

Defensive System Principles:

• Maintain defensive structure while applying pressure
• Communicate constantly about coverage responsibilities
• Support teammates when they commit to pressure
• Protect high-danger areas first (slot, net-front, point shots)
• Execute clean breakouts to transition to offense

Transition Elements:

• Quick up-ice passes to activate forwards
• Support play through all three zones
• Read and react to opponent’s pressure
• Maintain possession while changing direction
• Create odd-man rushes through speed and timing

System Variations:

• 1-2-2 Forecheck for aggressive pressure
• 1-1-3 Forecheck for conservative play
• 2-1-2 Forecheck for balanced approach
• Man-on-man defensive coverage
• Zone defensive coverage
• Hybrid systems combining elements

Coaching Considerations:

• Start with basic positioning before adding complexity
• Use video review to reinforce system concepts
• Practice systems at various tempos and intensities
• Allow creativity within structured framework
• Emphasize decision-making over rigid adherence to systems
• Build systems gradually throughout season
• Adapt systems to personnel strengths and weaknesses

These 5-on-5 drills provide the foundation for developing complete hockey teams that can execute at even strength in all situations. The progression from basic positioning to complex system play ensures players understand their roles while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing game situations.