The 3 v 1 Keep Away To Line Rush With Backchecker from Global Hockey Network is a great drill to work on passing, quick transition, rush attack, and backchecking.
Setup
- Coaches can run this drill out of both sides of the ice, or one side (as pictured in the diagram). If running out of both sides of the ice make sure there are dividers in the neutral zone so players do not collide.
- On the first whistle, 3 offensive players play keep away with one defender.
- On the second whistle, the 3 offensive players explode up ice while the defender is now backchecking. A second defender is at the goal line and quickly gaps up to take on the oncoming rush. This now turns into a 3 v 2.
- Let the 3 v 2 play out until offense scores, defense clears the puck, the goalie freezes the puck, or when the coach would like a stoppage.
Coaching Points
- Encourage the offense to explode up ice on the second whistle and to attack the net off the rush.
- The backchecker should keep their stick on the ice and defend the middle of the ice.
- The defenseman should gap up and try to match the same speed as the oncoming rush.
Variations
- Can give teams 2 points for a goal off of the rush, and 1 point if a goal is scored during 3 v 2 play.
- Can have 2 defenders on the goal line so it becomes a 3 v 3.
- Can also start the game with a 2 v 1 keep away instead of a 3 v 1 keep away so it is a 2 v 2.
- Can move the keep away game further away or closer to the net (depending on how far you want the rush to be).
