2 on 1 with D Activation from Marty Wilford is an excellent drill for teams to practice rush attack and activating their defenseman into the rush. The drill can also progress to a 3 on 2 with D Activation.
Setup
- Forwards line up on bluelines with pucks. Defenseman line up against the boards at center ice.
- On the whistle, 2 forwards jump from the blueline towards their defenseman. They make a pass and curl back up ice while the defenseman "extends the play" by escaping, skating, and moving a bit before making a pass to one of the forwards. The forwards head up ice making it a 2 on 1, and the original defenseman who made the first pass activates to quickly get up to the play to make it a 3 on 1.
Coaching Points
- Encourage the defenseman with the puck to "extend the play" and practice escapes, lateral skating, deception, etc. before making a pass up ice.
- The activated defenseman should work hard to make it a 3 on 1 and fill in an open lane.
- Forwards should read and time the play to make sure they are providing their defenseman a good passing option and not too far up ice.
Variations
- Can be 2 on 1 (as shown in the video & diagram) and progress to a 3 on 2.
