More often than not, goals aren’t scored on beautiful zone entries and tic-tac-toe passing, especially in youth hockey. Goals are scored when players get to the net, battle for space in front of it and get those greasy goals.

Having a net-front presence is key to any successful hockey team, but it’s not something that is easily taught. Today’s players watch highlight after highlight on TV so when they hit the ice the first thing on their mind is pulling sick dangles and sniping top shelf.

According to Minnesota Wild assistant coach Andrew Brunette, telling a kid to go stand in front of the net won’t do much — the best way to teach net-front presence is to give skaters a chance to experience the rewards that come from going to the net.

Create the Environment

One way to help cultivate this, Brunette advises, is to play three-on-three or two-on-two small-area games, which force players to get to the net. Using small-area games will help players develop their instincts and get a real sense of the benefits that come from getting to the net.

“In those tight areas, you have to learn how to use your body position, your butt, how to get a guy out of your space and get better position in front of the net,” Brunette said. “All those small things will carry over into the game. But if you ask a kid to just go stand in front of the net, I’m not a big believer in that. We can coach them later on in his career, right now it’s more important that he uses his instincts and sees that success with being in that area.”

Rebounds and Redirections

Once a player understands the benefits of going to the net, they can start to develop specific skills and awareness for this area of the ice. A player doesn’t need to possess the puck to go in front of the net. They can go there to become an option for a teammate – for a pass or to redirect a shot.

Practice tipping drills to allow the players to get a feel for the puck off a teammate’s shot. Positioning of the body and angling of the stick will require many reps to get comfortable.

Teach the players to always be ready for a rebound to pop out – and to be prepared to lift that puck to the upper part of the net, as the goalie will likely be down. Kids can practice this on and off the ice.

Emulate the Pros

While Brunette was known for his strong net-front presence throughout his 16-year NHL career, he pointed out a few current players that can also provide a good example.

“If you just look in our backyard, there’s a couple guys that get to the net fairly regularly and are obviously successful as they score a lot of goals around there,” Brunette said.

He noted Spring Lake Park native and St. Louis Blues forward David Backes, as well as Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise. Brunette added that Backes is good about getting there and claiming space in front while Parise moves well around the net.

When young hockey players see NHL stars having success by going to the net, it shows them that not all goals are made from highlight reel plays and reinforces how important having a net-front presence is.

Develop Good Habits

Coaches can continually reinforce the importance of players going to the front of the net by emphasizing it in practice.  During all shooting drills, encourage players to follow their shot to the net looking for rebounds.  Consistently remind them of details like stopping in front and keeping their stick on the ice.

“If you can incorporate it into a drill, that it’s important to get to the front, it’s important to get around the net, the kids see that they’re able to score goals because they’re around the net, in front of the net or beside the net or in tight — that’s where goals are scored,” Brunette said. “By repetition they can see it and understand it, then you can bring it into the game.”

Create an environment for them to gain reps and experience. Confidence and goals will come soon after.