A breakout is initiated when the puck is in a team’s defensive zone. All five skaters and even the goaltender need to be involved to exit the zone successfully. Players react to the position of the puck to initiate or support the breakout. Breakouts can take place in four situations: (1) after a dump-in by the opposition, (2) on a rebound from a shot, (3) after intercepting a pass, or (4) when a player takes the puck away from the opposition. The most difficult part in executing a successful breakout is handling pressure from the opposition and completing a good first pass. The first step is to realize where the pressure is coming from so that you can execute the appropriate option to escape your defensive zone.

When a defenseman picks up the puck to initiate a breakout, he could face three different situations. In the first, there is no forechecking pressure; in the second, the forechecker is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more away; and in the third, the forechecker is right on the defenseman’s back....