STOP AT THE NET. STAY IN THE PLAY.™ Stop at the Net because a shot is not always the end of the play. Coach Jane™ teaches girls to arrive under control and stay available for rebounds, loose pucks, and second opportunities.
Stop at the Net for Second Chances
Stop at the Net instead of skating past the scoring area. Therefore, Players stay close enough to react when the Goalie leaves a rebound or the puck remains loose.
Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
Presenter script: “Hi, Coach Jane here. Drive to the net, stop under control, and stay ready for the rebound. Don’t skate through the chance. Stop at the net.”
Make the First Shot Create a Second Chance
Young Players often reach the net and continue skating past it. Practice stopping in a safe scoring area after the initial shot so the Player remains part of the next play.
The exact route depends on the drill and game situation. Players should respect the Goalie and avoid dangerous contact while staying ready for legal rebounds and loose pucks.
Coach Jane™ by Age
U5–U7 • U8–U10 • U11–U14 • U15–U18 • Junior
U5–U7 + U8–U10 — Go, Stop, Look
Skate toward the net, stop under control, and look for the puck after the shot.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should you do after reaching the net?
U11–U14 — Stay Available for the Rebound
Arrive with control and keep your stick ready for a loose puck without crowding or contacting the Goalie illegally.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
Why stop near the net?
U15–U18 + Junior — Read the Second Play
After the first shot, locate the rebound, defender, and open space. Do not assume the sequence is finished.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should happen after the first shot?
5 Smart Ways to Stop at the Net for Rebounds
Stop at the Net because the first shot may only begin the scoring chance. Players who stay near the play can react to rebounds, loose pucks, and second opportunities instead of skating past the dangerous area.
1. Drive the Net Under Control
Attack the scoring area with speed, but arrive balanced enough to stop safely and read what happens next.
2. Keep Your Stick Ready
A ready stick gives the Player a chance to handle a rebound immediately instead of lowering the blade after the puck is already loose.
3. Respect the Goalie’s Space
Stop at the Net without creating dangerous or illegal contact. The objective is to stay in the scoring play, not collide with the Goalie.
4. Find the Rebound Before You Leave
After the first shot, locate the puck, defenders, and open space. Do not assume the sequence has ended just because the Goalie made the first save.
5. Be Ready for the Second Play
A rebound may require a shot, pass, puck battle, or quick repositioning. Good scorers remain mentally engaged until possession clearly changes.
Practice Stopping at the Net
Run simple rush drills where the Player must finish the route with a controlled stop near the net, locate the rebound, and make one more Hockey decision before the repetition ends.
Continue with Shoot When You Have the Chance and Stick Down and Be Ready. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Jane’s Takeaway
Getting to the net matters. Staying there long enough to help on the next puck matters too.
STOP AT THE NET. STAY IN THE PLAY.™
Keep Learning With Coach Jane
Take this lesson to your next practice, then continue with Shoot When You Have the Chance and Stick Down and Be Ready.
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.
