The 3 on 2 with D Activation from Marty Wilford helps teams practice a high tempo rush attack while activating their defenseman in the rush.
Setup
- Forwards at all 4 blue lines with pucks. Defenseman in opposite corners lined up at the hashmarks.
- On the whistle, 2 forwards skate towards their defenseman in the far zone. One of the forwards has a puck and passes it to the defenseman, who is now activated on the rush.
- The 3 players on the same team swing back up ice and attack 2 defenders who gap up from the hashmarks in the opposite zone.
Coaching Points
- The activated defenseman should look to get up ice quickly and help lead the rush, or fill an open lane.
- The forwards should work to support the puck carrier with their stick on the ice to be an outlet and not get to far up ice.
- The defending defenceman should work to gap up quickly and match their speed with the speed of the rush.
Variations
- Can have the gapping defenseman try to kill the play at the blueline instead of taking the rush.
