Global drill library

A continuous 2 vs. 2 small area hockey game that puts the defenders at a disadvantage since they will be double shifting. The defense will be tired so it is extra important that they communicate with each other, focus on good positioning and habits. Setup: - 2 defenders start at the blue line and 2 forwards start in the center ice circle. - Game starts with the coach passing the puck to one of the 2 forwards (this begins the 2 vs. 2). - Forwards try to keep possession of the puck and score. - The defenders try to defend and can end the game by skating the puck out of the zone or passing the puck to the forwards that are next in line. - If a goal is scored, or the goalie freezes the puck, or the puck goes out of play, the coach has the option to chip another puck in the zone, or pass to the next forwards in line. - When the shift ends (either with a goal, the defense getting the puck out of the zone, or a coach's whistle), the forwards switch to defense and the new forwards start the 2 vs. 2. - Keep Score: 3 points for a goal, 2 points for the defense skating the puck out of the zone, 1 point for the defense passing the puck out of the zone, and 0 points if the coach blows the whistle and changes lines. Variations: - Can be set up on 1/4 ice (view animation here). - Can be 1v1 (view example), 2v2, 3v3 (view example), or 4v4. - Can add "gates" (like Picket Fences 2v2) at the point that the defenders must skate through.

The Corner Houda from Dave Smith focuses on puck retrievals, wall play, quick transitions, and structured zone play. It offers flexibility for various d-zone and special teams scenarios by changing it up from 3v3 to 5v3 to 5v4. Setup - Two coaches positioned on opposite sides of the blue line to initiate a rimmed puck. - Players are split into offensive and defensive groups—typically starting 3v3 (but can expand to 5v3 and 5v4). - Puck is rimmed around the boards to initiate a battle. Execution - First three players from one side retrieve the puck and start on offense; three from the other side defend. - Offensive group gains possession and attempts to create a scoring opportunity. - Drill is repeatable with different number combinations: 3v3, 5v3, 5v4 (PP/PK), etc. - Defensive group must pass or skate the puck over the red line to transition out. - Can include a net and goalie at the red line for breakout scoring opportunities after defensive transition. Progression - Start with 3v3 for basic wall play and transition work. - Advance to 3v5 to work on defensive zone returns and structure (slot, net front, strong side wall). - Incorporate special teams scenarios: Power play (PP) starts with puck possession. Penalty kill (PK) may retrieve puck and clear or attempt to shut down the PP setup. - Power play (PP) starts with puck possession. - Penalty kill (PK) may retrieve puck and clear or attempt to shut down the PP setup. Variations - Use variations (3v3, 5v3, 5v4) to target different systems and teaching points. - Can have the defensive group must pass or skate the puck over the red line to transition out or you can include a net and goalie at the red line to give the defense a chance to shoot on net.