2 V 1 Puck Pursuit Angling

By: Global Hockey Network

The 2 v 1 Puck Pursuit Angling drill helps offensive players work on forchecking principles, while defenders can work on retrievals and puck protection.

Setup

• Coach sets up an a net on the goal line and a tire out by the blue line.
• On the whistle, a coach, or a player, chips the puck behind the net.
• The defender retrieves the puck and works to wheel around the net, protecting the puck and trying to get past the tire in the blue line. If they are able to get past the tire, they are awarded 2 points.
• The 2 offensive players work to angle the defender, strip them of the puck, and attack the net. If the offensive team scores, they are awarded 1 point.

Coaching Points

• Offense:
  • The first forechecker skates at an angle, keeps their stick on the ice, aims to go stick on puck, and check through the defenders hands, separating them from the puck.
  • The second forechecker skates at more of a flat angle, and provides support to the first forechecker.
• Defense: 
  • Protect the puck and use deceptive skating and moves to try to throw off the players forcehcking and angling techniques. 

Variations

• Coaches can set this up to be 1/4 setup (as shown) or 1/2 ice utilizing the full zone.