The 2-on-2 Angle Drill from Michael Peca is a small-area game designed to reward effective defensive play, emphasizing forechecking, angling, and creating turnovers. The drill teaches players to pressure opponents properly, force turnovers, and transition quickly into offense.
Setup:
- Coach Position:
- The coach stands at the blue line with a supply of pucks.
- Player Positions:
- Two X players start behind the net and retrieve the puck when the drill begins.
- Two Red players position themselves to forecheck with proper angles.
- Additional players wait in line for the next rep.
Execution:
- Puck Retrieval and Transition:
- On the whistle, the coach deposits a puck behind the net.
- The two X players retrieve the puck and must skate behind the net before exiting the other side.
- The two Red players immediately set their defensive angles and prepare to force a turnover.
- Defensive Goal – Creating a Turnover:
- The Red players angle, pressure, and try to create a turnover before the offensive players exit the defensive zone.
- If the Red players regain possession on their offensive side, a third player from their team joins the play, creating a 3-on-2 advantage.
- Offensive Transition & Scoring:
- If the turnover is created, the three offensive players must communicate and scan for scoring options.
- The defensive players attempt to recover and defend the 3-on-2 attack.
- Scoring System & Game Play:
- A point is awarded for a goal.
- Additional points may be awarded for successful turnovers below the goal line, simulating real-game forechecking success.
- Play continues for about 10 seconds, allowing natural offensive and defensive battles.
- A double whistle ends the rep, and the drill resets from the opposite side.
Key Teaching Points:
- Proper Forechecking Angles: F1 must pressure immediately and with speed, while F2 supports.
- Stick on Puck: Encourage defenders to use their stick first to force turnovers.
- Quick Transitions: After a turnover, fast offensive decision-making is critical.
- Communication & Scanning: Players must read the ice and adjust positioning as the play develops.
Variations:
- Add a time limit for turnovers to create urgency.
- Modify the entry conditions (e.g., limit space behind the net).
- Can be 1 on 1, 2 on 2, or 3 on 3, and the defending team still gets an extra player if they create a turnover.
