NNext Shift Hockey
10U Squirts Practice Plan

10U Passing in Motion

At 10U, players are ready to move beyond stationary passing. This plan teaches players to pass while skating, support the puck, communicate, and make simple decisions under pressure.

60 minutesIntermediate / mixed abilityPassing, support, communication
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Practice Objective

This practice helps players learn that passing is not just a skill. It is a connection between teammates. Players should leave understanding that good passing requires movement, communication, timing, and support away from the puck.

  • Pass while moving
  • Present a target
  • Communicate before receiving the puck
  • Support the puck carrier
  • Use give-and-go habits in game situations

Teaching Point

The puck moves faster than any player. Once players understand that moving the puck creates speed, they begin to see passing as a way to attack instead of a way to give the puck away.

Practice Flow

0:00–0:08 — Skating and Puck Warmup

Players skate with pucks through open space. Add coach commands: head up, change direction, protect puck, accelerate, stop, and escape turn.

  • Eyes up before making a play.
  • Hands away from the body.
  • Keep feet moving after touching the puck.

0:08–0:20 — Continuous 3-Lane Passing

Set three lines across the width of the ice or zone. Players move together, pass across lanes, and continue skating after each pass. Rotate lanes after each rep.

  • Pass to the forehand when possible.
  • Call for the puck.
  • Show a target.
  • Do not coast after passing.

0:20–0:32 — Give-and-Go Stations

Players pass to a coach or teammate, skate around a cone, receive the return pass, and shoot. Keep lines short by using multiple stations.

Progression: Add a passive defender stick to force players to move into open ice.

0:32–0:44 — 2v1 Support Game

In a small area, two offensive players try to complete a pass before attacking the net against one defender. The focus is creating a passing lane, not forcing plays through sticks.

  • Where is the open ice?
  • How can you help the puck carrier?
  • Did you move after passing?

0:44–0:56 — Small Area Keep-Away

Play 3v3 or 4v4 keep-away in a confined area. Award a point for three completed passes. This forces support, communication, scanning, and quick decisions.

0:56–1:00 — Quick Reflection

Gather players and ask: “What makes a teammate easier to pass to?” Reinforce targets, talking, moving, and support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Passing while standing still: Require movement before and after the pass.
  • Only correcting the passer: The receiver has responsibility too.
  • Too many cones: Leave room for decisions.
  • Ignoring communication: Players should call for the puck and show a target.

Progressions

  • Add a defender to the give-and-go drill.
  • Require one-touch passes for advanced players.
  • Make keep-away directional by adding target gates.
  • Reward teams for completing a pass and then attacking quickly.

Next Shift Challenge

During your next practice, count how many times players pass and then stop skating. Make your teaching point simple: “Pass and move.” Repeat it all practice.