A: Retrieve and outlet
Coach places a puck near the end boards. One player shoulder checks, retrieves, turns into open space and passes to a nearby outlet. Two pairs alternate; switch roles after each rep.
10U · HALF ICE · 60 MINUTES
10U Half-Ice: Breakouts Made Simple
Look before retrieval; make a short first pass to nearby support.
Adapted from 10u breakouts made simple. Equipment: pucks, cones, one net and rink-approved dividers when available.
Print it. Bring it to the rink.
Download one-page bench copy (PDF) Open printable rink diagram (SVG)
Stations A, B and C run together; rotate every eight minutes. Arrows show example movement and passes, not mandatory routes. Clear dividers for the whole-half game.
Set up for real half ice
12 skaters: three groups of four, one coach per station. Rotate every eight minutes after the demo. With two coaches, run A and B for two eight-minute rounds, then repeat the weaker skill for eight minutes; finish with the net game. Use fewer players per rep and quick changes.
Station instructions
B: Low support
One player receives from a coach and passes to a teammate supporting underneath. Receiver opens toward the puck. Use a cone line as the simulated wall; add a passive coach stick after clean repetitions. Alternate pairs.
C: Exit-gate decision
Play 2v1 in the lane. Attackers start with a retrieval and try to pass or carry through either cone gate at the high edge. Defender protects a lane. Fourth player rotates in every 30 seconds; no rush across stations.
Practice flow
| Time | Activity and coaching action |
|---|---|
| 0-8 min | Retrieval warmup Pairs retrieve and make short passes. Look over both shoulders before collecting the puck. |
| 8-12 min | Show the first pass Demonstrate a nearby wall option and underneath support. Name the high exit gates. |
| 12-36 min | Three stations A retrieve and outlet; B low support; C exit-gate decision. Rotate every eight minutes. |
| 36-48 min | 3v2 exit game Whole half ice, no shooting. Three try to exit through either high gate; two defend. Coach feeds a new puck after exit, turnover or 30-40 seconds. Rotate all roles. |
| 48-56 min | Read pressure Let defenders choose which gate to protect. Award a point for a controlled exit; emphasize the available pass. |
| 56-60 min | Huddle Ask: How close was your support when we won the puck? Connect to a simple game exit. |
Coaching language
- Look before you touch.
- Come low enough to help.
- Choose the open first pass.
Make it easier
Remove defenders, widen gates and use a coach as the outlet. Repeat short passes before making the exit live.
Add a challenge
Move from passive to live pressure. Require a completed first pass before the exit once support habits are consistent.
Give the goalie a purpose
During stations, goalie joins the retrieval warmup only if supervised, then does crease skating with a coach in a clearly separated area. During whole-half exit games, goalie is a supervised outlet behind the net or rests outside play; no forced puck handling.
Safe, age-appropriate play
Set clear lanes and use rink-approved dividers where available. No body checking, wrestling or pushes into boards. Keep waiting players outside shooting lanes; shoot toward end boards. Stop all pucks before rotating.