Player/ref OOP and DTP drills

Number required: 6-10 skaters w. scrimmage shirts (per round)
3-7 refs

Trainer needs: marked out track
10/20 foot rope
Stopwatch (pref JT)
Whistle

Drill 1: seeing 10/20 feet standing still
1. All refs get in the middle of the track, less than seven try to fill all positions, more than seven rotate some through middle to give feedback. Encourage refs to try positions they are unfamiliar with.
2. Up to ten skaters form a pack on the track as if for jam start.
3. On start whistle one skater skates less than ‘10 feet’ in front of the pivot line.
4. Second skater stops ‘10 feet’ in front of 1st skater. Continue till all skaters are spread out in line. Skater at front may try for staying in engagement zone, i.e. less than 20 feet out.
5. Ask refs to judge the gaps (beginners first) – let the skaters challenge calls if they disagree with the refs – measure with rope.
6. Rinse, repeat.

Drill 2: seeing 10/20 feet in slow motion
1. Repeat steps 1 & 2 – include one pivot on each team.
2. On start whistle pack moves off slowly and pivot directs team in forming/resetting pack. Jammers can be used here to add friction to the process. Everyone listens to pivot. Refs practice defining the pack, OOP and DTP calls.
3. Refs call off jam (2 mins or randomly) and skaters must stop as close to where they are as possible. If down, stay down – good practice for the refs.
4. Ask refs to judge the gaps (beginners first) – let the skaters challenge calls if they disagree with the refs – measure with rope.
5. Rinse, repeat.

Drill 3: seeing 10/20 feet at bout speed
1. Repeat steps 1 & 2 – include one pivot on each team and one for one team.
2. On start whistle pack moves off at bout speed and pivot directs team in forming/resetting pack. Everyone listens to pivot. Refs practice defining the pack, OOP and DTP calls. Jammer released on Jammer whistle and teams use bridging to stop/assist.
3. Refs call off jam (2 mins or randomly) and skaters must stop as close to where they are as possible. If down, stay down – good practice for the refs.
4. Ask refs to judge the gaps (beginners first) – let the skaters challenge calls if they disagree with the refs – measure with rope.
5. Rinse, repeat.