Gaining initial control of the puck. Players must not move to their breakout positions until the team has control of the puck. All players need to read, anticipate, and react to know when to drop their defensive coverage and get into position for a breakout. If players move prematurely, they may be leaving their opponents open for a quick scoring opportunity if the opposition gains control of the puck. Creating space through player positioning and movement.
Space is needed for the breakout play to develop.
The positioning and movement of the forwards and defensemen depends upon puck position, forechecking intensity, team abilities, and how aggressive, conservative, or creative the coach is with the breakout play. Although many breakouts appear to involve only one or two players in the execution of the play, all players need to assume a role to enhance the likelihood of success. Maintaining puck control. No turnover is more dangerous than one that occurs in your defensive zone. The first pass must be accurate.