PASS. MOVE. GET IT BACK.™ The Give and Go works because the first pass changes the defender’s attention and the passer keeps moving into a new lane. Coach Joey™ teaches Players to make the pass part of the next action.
COACH JOEY™ BY AGE
U5-U7 • U8-U10 • U11-U14 • U15-U18 • Junior
U5-U7 + U8-U10 — Pass and Move
After you pass the puck, skate to open ice instead of standing still.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should you do after making a pass?
U11-U14 — Create the Return Lane
Pass, change your route, and create a new passing angle. Your movement can pull a defender away and reopen space.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What makes a give-and-go work?
U15-U18 + Junior — Manipulate the Defender
Use the first pass to move the defender, then accelerate into the space the defender gives up. The return pass should attack an advantage, not simply complete a pattern.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What is the purpose of the first pass at higher levels?
Why the Give-and-Go Works
Defenders react to the puck. Therefore, passing and immediately moving can force them to make two decisions in a very short time. That creates opportunities for the passer to receive the puck again in better space.
Do Not Admire the Pass
Young Players often pass and then watch. Instead, continue skating. For example, cut behind a defender, fill open ice, or create a new support angle.
Timing Matters
Move too early and the receiver may not have control yet. Move too late and the lane may close. As Players improve, the pass and movement should feel like one connected action.
5 Smart Ways to Use the Give and Go in Hockey
The Give and Go is effective when the passer moves immediately after the puck leaves the stick. The first pass should change the defender’s position, and the next movement should attack the space that creates.
1. Pass With a Purpose
The first pass should force a defender to look, turn, or shift. A pass that changes nothing may not create the return lane you want.
2. Move Immediately After the Pass
Do not admire the pass. Accelerate into open ice, change your angle, or cut behind the defender so you become useful again.
3. Create a Return Lane
Move to a place where the puck can actually reach you. The best Give and Go does not depend on hope; it creates a visible, playable lane.
4. Manipulate the Defender
At higher levels, the first pass can pull the defender toward the receiver. The passer then attacks the space the defender gives up.
5. Do Not Force the Return Pass
If the lane closes, keep the play alive. The return pass is an option, not a requirement. The goal is to create an advantage, not complete a pattern for its own sake.
Practice the Give and Go With Decision-Making
Begin two-on-one in a narrow lane. Require the passer to move immediately after the pass, then let the receiver decide whether the return lane is open. Add a second defender later so Players must recognize when the give-and-go is available and when another play is better.
Continue with Get Open, Make a Target and Short Shifts. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
Passing is not the end of the play. PASS. MOVE. GET IT BACK.™
Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
PASS. MOVE. GET IT BACK.™
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.