Cross Ice Passing Drill: For All Rec Hockey Players

CrossIceHockey.com features hockey drills from some of the leading authorities on the sport of hockey. These drills, such as the Cross Ice Passing Drill, are helpful to rec hockey players of all ages and abilities.

Setup for the Cross Ice Passing Drill

Use a center, or rotate a defender as give-and-go passers

Player skates towards the middle; receives a pass from the other line

Turn up the dots, do a give-and-go with the captain/coach (or D-man), then go in on net and shoot

Opposite corners go: Alternate and be sure to switch lines to receive passes on both the forehand and backhand

Key Points

Set stick target on the ice

As a rec hockey player, you already know that acquiring hockey skills takes a great deal of time and hard work. Better passing requires that you put yourself in situations where crisp passes are demanded. Like anything else, in time, smooth cross ice passing will become second nature to you.

Tim Turk has been an NHL-level skills and shooting coach since 2001. He works with many organizations, teams, coaches, and players of all ages and levels from all over the world. Tim has worked with the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes, as well as with many national programs overseas. He continues to work with NHL players while making time for minor league hockey teams and players. For more information visit his website, www.timturkhockey.com.

“Tim’s scientific approach to teaching players how to shoot goes far beyond what a coach at any level has the time or knowledge to do. This includes players from Novice thru Pro. I have seen 1st hand how amazed pros are at what Tim has to offer. Any player who wants to score more goals needs to spend time with Tim. You will be amazed at what you didn’t know about the art of shooting!”
—Trevor Timmins
Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting for Columbus Blue Jackets