A: Triangle support
Three players pass around a small triangle while a fourth shadows the lane. After each pass, move to open a new lane. Rotate the defender every 30 seconds. Begin without a defender.
10U · HALF ICE · 60 MINUTES
10U Half-Ice: Passing & Support
Pass, move and offer a clear target.
Adapted from 10u passing in motion. 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: Give-and-go
Pairs pass to a coach, move around one cone and receive into open space. Two pairs alternate with no shooting in this lane. Add a passive stick only when the return lane is clear.
C: 2v1 to the net
Two attackers begin inside the lane against one defender. Complete one pass, then attack the net. Fourth player rests outside the lane; change roles after 20-30 seconds. Coach feeds a new puck.
Practice flow
| Time | Activity and coaching action |
|---|---|
| 0-8 min | Puck warmup Everyone carries a puck, changes direction and looks up before moving into space. |
| 8-12 min | Show and organize Show pass-and-move and safe station borders. Divide into three groups. |
| 12-36 min | Three stations A triangle support; B give-and-go; C 2v1. Three rounds of eight minutes. |
| 36-48 min | 2v2 support game Clear station dividers. One net; 30-40 second shifts. On turnover, carry or pass through the high reset gate before attacking. Coach feeds out-of-play pucks. |
| 48-56 min | Game progression Award a bonus point for a completed pass followed by a scoring chance. Keep normal goals valid. |
| 56-60 min | Huddle Ask: What did you do after your pass? Praise moving into a new passing lane. |
Coaching language
- Pass and move.
- Show your stick; talk early.
- Get outside the defender's stick lane.
Make it easier
Remove defenders in A and C; use shorter passes. Let players receive, settle and then pass.
Add a challenge
Add controlled pressure to station A; shrink passing space only if players are succeeding. In the game, reward support away from the puck.
Give the goalie a purpose
Goalie works at C on tracking the lateral pass and setting before the shot. Coach allows recovery between reps. During warmup, rehearse crease movement; without a goalie use a small target net.
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.