The 2 on 2 Angling with Defensive Reward from Marty Wilford is a great small area game to practice angling. The game adds incentives for the defensive team to turn over the puck quickly. If the defensive team is able to turn over the puck, a 3rd player from their line is activated and is able to join the play to make it a 3 on 2.
Setup
- Half ice setup with 2 nets. Teams are lined up at the blueline. The coach has pucks.
- On the whistle, the coach passes the puck to the offensive team. 2 Offensive players make their way around the net to start a rush attack. 2 defensive players (blue # 1 and blue # 2 in the diagram above) work to take a proper angle to stop the offensive team. 2 v 2 play starts.
- If the defensive team is able to create a quick turnover, they are rewarded by having a 3rd player (blue # 3 in the diagram) join the play to make it a 3 on 2.
- Coaches can decide where the turnover needs to happen to activate the third player (it can be before the face-off dot, or before center ice).
- Keep score and alternate which team is on offense.
Coaching Points
- Defensive players angling should work to take a proper angle, keep their sticks on the ice, and match the speed of the offensive players.
- If the 3rd player is activated this player should jump to be an outlet and communicate loudly to let their teammates know where they are.
Variations
- Coaches can decide where the turnover needs to happen to activate the third player (it can be before the face-off dot, or before center ice).
- Can also make this a smaller setup and have the game be 1 on 1 that can turn into a 2 on 1.
