How to beat the dreaded 1-3-1 NZ Trap. An offensive team that likes to play with pace and play off the rush’s nightmare.

But it doesn’t have to be…
Here’s a few ways how to “break” the trap effectively but ultimately it’s going to come down to minimizing turnovers in the NZ and relying on your cycle / down low play to win you an “ugly” type of hockey game. 

#1. Often times teams don’t build speed low enough in their own zone while generating an attack vs the 3 man “stand”. Filling lanes, creating a 2 on 1 manipulating one side of the ice.. usually targeting the forward side of the ice vs the D side is probably the play.  Attack D men not getting stagnant on their own dots + using their boots. Take the given ice in front of them is how you get the defensive “F1” flat footed. Come up with speed. Look one way. Pass the other in sync. Again to get the “stand” flat footed and on their heels. Freeze them. Don’t let them dictate. 

#2. When coaching this theory and running thru your NZ breakouts get your players to realize that you’re not going to have a clean entry every time. But if you ATTACK with speed even having to dump the pill in. You will be first touch on it more often than not. 

#3A The biggest mistakes I see when playing against the 1-3-1? Teams get WAY to spread out and it becomes a game of chipping the puck in on 50 foot passes with no chance of regaining possession. Take out the ole 60 degree wedge and you’re chasing it the entire game. STAY CONNECTED. Little passes / intentional deposits aka dumping with a purpose to get the puck back. 

#3B. FRUSTRATION. GUYS (especially skilled players) START trying to do way too much. They start forcing it, trying to do it themselves and it ultimately backfires with turnovers at the lines piling up. I’ve seen it one too many times. Creates for a LONG night. 

Bottom line: Building speed, building your attack lower the better. Filling lanes. Staying connected. D men MOVE your feet. 

Need more help? Call the people’s 📞📞