The 3 v 2 to 5 v 5 Backcheck from Tyler Bielby is an excellent drill that practices a 3v2 down low, backcheck, rush attack and 5 v 5 d-zone coverage.
Setup
- This is a full ice drill. Have goalies in both nets and set up 5 offensive players and 5 defensive players in one zone.
- Part 1: on the whistle, put a puck in the corner and play out a 3 on 2 down low. Offense is trying to score while defense tries to break up the play.
- Part 2: on the second whistle, a coach passes the puck to one of the high forwards that is not playing in the 3 on 2. This initiates a 3 on 2 going the other way, while the players that were playing the 3 on 2 down low rush to backcheck and join the play, making it a full 5 on 5.
- Part 3: all 5 players for both teams are playing 5 on 5. Offense is trying to score.
Coaching Points
- Coaches have the opportunity to work on specific zone entry and d-zone coverage principles.
- Zone entry example: you may want your team to try to enter the blue line in the middle of the ice, and then distribute the puck as they see fit.
- D-zone coverage example: here is a layered defensive zone coverage, and you can also explain "protecting the house."
- Backcheckers should skate in straight lines towards the center of the ice.
- Defensive team should keep sticks on the ice to block passing lanes and angle players to the outside of the ice.
- Offensive team should work to support each other.
