Ep.41 | Foundations for Wingers in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.1*
About this episode
Coach Eric Palazzolo discusses the foundational responsibilities of wingers in youth hockey, focusing on defensive zone coverage and breakouts.
In the first Built From Steel Podcast Mini-Series episode, Coach Eric lays out the foundations of playing wing, using a right winger’s responsibilities to explain key terms and reads across the ice. This solo episode starts in the defensive zone with coverage areas, weak-side support, strong-side positioning, switches, and common mistakes that can open dangerous ice. Coach Eric then moves into breakouts from both sides, options along the wall, and neutral-zone responsibilities after a change of possession. He also explains why players shift from C, LW, or RW into F1, F2, and F3 as play becomes fluid, before closing with basic winger responsibilities on faceoffs. Key Moments 4:00 – Defensive-zone coverage areas for wingers 5:00 – Weak-side defensive-zone coverage 10:45 – Strong-side defensive-zone coverage 13:35 – Coverage responsibilities near the boards 15:00 – Adjusting when defencemen switch 22:00 – Common defensive-zone mistakes 24:00 – Dot lanes and protecting middle ice 28:50 – Defending the point and angling lanes 31:30 – Defensive-zone coverage summary 32:20 – Strong-side breakout transitions 36:10 – Weak-side breakout options 38:00 – Keys to successful breakouts 40:00 –…
More episodes of Built From Steel Podcast
- Ep.43 | Foundations for Centermen in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.3*
- Ep.42 | Foundations for Defencemen in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.1*
- Ep.40 | Youth Hockey Q&A: Ice Time, The Car Ride Home, Phones & Player Confidence
- Ep.39 | 5 Undervalued Qualities of A Great Coach
- Ep.38 | 5 Undervalued Qualities All Hockey Players Need
- Ep.37 | The Key Lessons You Learn Playing Hockey
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