Rink Lab
All global drills

Fran Gow 3 on 2 or 3 on 3

Small Area Games
Puck Protection & Wall Play
Rush & Odd-Man
Ice Hockey Systems
Global
Fran Gow 3 on 2 or 3 on 3 diagram
The Fran Gow 3 on 2 and 3 on 3 small area game focuses on controlling pucks off the wall, creating time and space, and attacking the net with purpose. Players learn to manage pressure, roll off defenders, protect the puck, and make quick decisions in tight areas while defenders work on stick on puck and box outs. Drill Setup - Place a net just above the hashmarks or along the ringette line if available. Establish a goal line across the ice with the net facing the end boards. - Start with three offensive players and two defensive players. You can add a third defender to make it three on three for additional compete. - Each offensive group receives three pucks. The first and third pucks are rimmed in by the coach on their side. The second puck is rimmed by the coach on the opposite side. - On each whistle a coach rims a puck around the boards. Offense must retrieve it, control it off the wall, and attack the net. Any time a puck crosses the line, enters the net, or is covered by the goalie, the next whistle starts the next puck. Coaching Points - Offense: Coaching Points - Defense: Coaching Points - General Concepts: Variations - Can place net on goal line, on the hashmarks (as shown in diagram) or on top of circles - Can play 3 v 2 or 3 v 3

Coaching points

  • Control pucks coming off the boards
  • Use cutbacks, jab steps, and puck protection to create time and space
  • Roll off defenders and attack with speed
  • Use teammates for quick plays and scoring chances
  • Make strong shot selections and attack the net with purpose
  • Use skates or stick creatively to handle unpredictable rims
  • Maintain stick on puck and apply immediate pressure
  • Stay tight and use body positioning to contain attackers
  • Execute strong box outs in tight areas
  • Read cutbacks and stay on the defensive side
  • Wall play and puck retrievals
  • Cutbacks and momentum changes
  • Puck protection skills on both strong side and weak side
  • Quick transitions from retrieval to attack