PASS. MOVE. GET OPEN.™ Get Open again after the puck leaves your stick. Coach Jane™ teaches girls that a pass is not the end of the job; movement creates the next passing option.
Get Open Again After You Pass
Get Open by changing your lane, depth, or angle after the pass. In addition, continued movement can pull a defender away and create space for a teammate.
Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
Presenter script: “Hi, Coach Jane here. Pass the puck, then move into useful space and become an option again. Pass. Move. Get open.”
Do Not Become a Spectator
A common habit is to make a pass and then watch what happens. Instead, ask one immediate question: where can I help next?
Movement after the pass can create a return option, pull a defender away, or give the puck carrier additional support.
Move With Purpose
Do not simply follow the puck everywhere. Move to useful space that improves the Team’s options and respects the structure your Coach is teaching.
Coach Jane™ by Age
U5–U7 • U8–U10 • U11–U14 • U15–U18 • Junior
U5–U7 + U8–U10 — Pass and Find Space
After passing, skate to a nearby open area instead of standing still.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should you often do after making a pass?
U11–U14 — Become an Option Again
After passing, move to create a new lane or support angle for the puck carrier.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
Why move after the pass?
U15–U18 + Junior — Move Defenders Too
Your movement can create space even if you do not receive the return pass.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
How can movement help without touching the puck again?
5 Smart Ways to Get Open After You Pass
Get Open again after the puck leaves your stick. Passing should not turn a Player into a spectator. Good movement after the pass can create a return lane, pull a defender away, or give the puck carrier another useful option.
1. Move Immediately After the Pass
Do not stand and admire the play. Change your lane, angle, or depth as soon as the puck leaves your stick.
2. Find Space the Puck Can Reach
Open ice behind a defender is not useful if the passing lane is blocked. Get Open somewhere the puck carrier can realistically find you.
3. Create a New Angle
A small change in route can force the defender to turn and can reopen a passing option that disappeared during the first pass.
4. Move Defenders Even Without the Puck
Your route may create space for a teammate even if you never receive the return pass. Off-puck movement can still improve the attack.
5. Stay Connected to the Play
Keep enough spacing to help without crowding the puck carrier. Support the next decision rather than simply following the puck.
Practice Getting Open After the Pass
Use simple give-and-go or three-Player passing drills where the passer must move immediately after releasing the puck. Reward useful spacing and passing angles instead of movement for movement’s sake.
Continue with Look Before You Pass and Receive the Pass in Motion. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Jane’s Takeaway
Do not admire your pass. Become part of what happens next.
PASS. MOVE. GET OPEN.™
Keep Learning With Coach Jane
Continue with Look Before You Pass and Use Your Voice on the Ice.
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.
