Objective
Ride The Bull is a small area game from Matt Thomas that works on developing puck protection and possession skills under pressure. Teams must protect the puck, use their teammates, and keep possession for 8 seconds. If they are able to accomplish this, they are awarded a 3rd teammate and each teams begin game play to try to score on the opposing teams net.
Variations
- Can play 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 - and the winning team is awarded an extra player.
- Can change up the amount of time required to hold the puck on to.
Setup
- Begin with a 2 vs. 2 small-area game.
- The coach dumps a puck into the playing area, and all four players compete for possession.
- Once a team gains possession, the coach begins counting aloud to eight.
- The team may pass the puck between teammates but must maintain possession for eight consecutive seconds.
- If possession changes, the count resets and the opposing team begins its own eight-second count.
- The first team to maintain possession for eight seconds adds a third player, creating a 3 vs. 2.
- After the 3rd player is added, continue playing both ways for approximately 15–20 seconds or for the coach’s preferred amount of time.
Coaching points
- Protect before attacking: Do not expose the puck or immediately force a play toward the net. Use your body and positioning to maintain possession under pressure.
- Use available support: Move the puck to your partner when defenders close to prevent possession from breaking down.
- Buy time to create an advantage: Maintain possession long enough for the third player to join the attack and create a 3 vs. 2.