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Figure-8 Passing Drill

This drill combines passing accuracy with continuous skating in a figure-8 pattern, building the tape-to-tape passing touch players need while their body is in motion and changing direction — much closer to real game conditions than stationary passing.

Age RangeAges 8+
Duration8–10 minutes
Group SizeGroups of 2–4
SportHockey

Equipment Needed

  • Pucks
  • 4 cones to mark the pattern

Setup

  • Set two cones about 15 feet apart to mark the crossing point of the figure-8.
  • Two or four skaters position at opposite ends of the pattern, one puck to start.
Figure-8 Passing Drill1234pass as paths crossTwo skaters weave a figure-8, passing where paths cross

Instructions

  1. Skaters weave through the figure-8 pattern, passing the puck to the next skater as their paths cross near the center cones.
  2. Continue the pattern continuously for 60 to 90 seconds before switching group order.
  3. Emphasize a clean receive-and-pass motion without stopping the feet.
  4. Increase pace as the group's timing and accuracy improve.
Coaching Points
  • Receive the pass with soft hands, cushioning the puck rather than letting it bounce off the blade.
  • Keep the head up, looking for the passing lane rather than watching the puck the whole time.
  • Use quick, accurate wrist passes rather than firing hard, difficult-to-handle passes.
  • Maintain skating speed through the pass — slowing down to pass is a common early mistake.

Variation

Add a second puck once the group's timing is consistent, or add a shot on net as the finishing move after the last pass in the pattern.

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