Baltimore Stars u14A2026-27

2 on 2 Box Out

Ice Hockey Systems

2 on 2 Box Out from Marty Wilford is a two-part drill designed to help defenders and forwards develop their net-front battle skills. The drill concludes with a 2-on-2 rush to reinforce defensive positioning and offensive attack strategies.

Setup

- Forwards are positioned in all four corners with pucks. - Two defensemen start in front of the net, while two additional defensemen are positioned at the point. Part 1 – First Whistle: - On the first whistle, F2 passes the puck to the point. - Both F1 and F2 work to establish net-front position while the defensemen at the point go D-to-D before taking a shot on net. - The forwards attempt to score, while the defensemen work to box them out and eliminate sticks. Part 2 – Second Whistle: - On the second whistle, F1 and F2 break up the ice and receive a pass from one of the second forwards in line (F3 in this diagram). - F1 and F2 then go down the ice 2-on-2 against the two defensemen who were previously at the point. Variation – Third Whistle: - For an additional variation, coaches can blow a third whistle, signaling F1 and F2 to turn back and regroup with one of the original net-front defensemen before continuing their 2-on-2 rush down the ice.

Coaching points

Defenders: Focus on boxing out forwards and eliminating their sticks in front of the net.
Defenders: Maintain a good defensive position and clear rebounds efficiently.
Forwards: Work together to establish a net-front position and find soft areas of the ice for tips and one-timers.
On the rush: Forwards should avoid skating directly at the defenders. Instead, they should pass, change speeds, and skate at angles to create offensive opportunities.
On the rush: Defensemen should maintain a tight gap, keep their sticks on the ice to block passing lanes and angle the forwards to the outside.

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