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Breakout: Clear Out

One forward loops through the zone to clear the wall so the winger above him can leave with the puck and attack the far side.

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DFFDFCLEAR OUT
Solid line = skating route / Dashed line = pass / Black dot = puck

The Clear Out is a route play. One forward deliberately empties a lane so the player above him can take the puck and go, instead of two forwards standing on top of each other in the same corner.

Reading the diagram: the low forward starts inside the faceoff circle and loops up the boards through the top of the circle, occupying the strong-side defender and clearing the wall behind him. The winger who was on the wall takes the puck and runs straight up the boards, then bends into the middle above the blue line — the long route that turns and drops into the middle lane. The strong-side defenceman retrieves and reads which of the two is free. The far-side defenceman and forward stay home and hold their side.

Why it works: the looping route drags a defender out of the exit lane. The player who leaves does it with the puck, moving north, with the lane already cleared for him.

When to use it: when two of your forwards keep ending up in the same corner, or against a forecheck that jams one wall and dares you to make a decision.

What to look for

  • One forward loops up the wall to clear the exit lane.
  • The player above him leaves with the puck and bends to the middle.
  • Weak side stays home and holds its structure.
  • The retrieval defenceman reads which route is open.

Coaching cues

  • Clear the lane with speed — a slow loop clears nothing.
  • Take it north first, then look inside.
  • Communicate: only one player takes the wall.

Common mistakes

  • Both forwards taking the same wall.
  • Looping so wide that the defender never follows.
  • Cutting inside before crossing the blue line.
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