4 v 2 Down Low Game

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The 4 v 2 down low game from Kendall Coyne Schofield works on players create opportunities without the puck by using their positioning and getting to open ice in scoring areas

Set Up

  • Net with goalie in the normal crease
  • 2 stationary forwards flanked to the side of the net, but behind the goal line 
  • 2 forwards and 2 defensemen in the playing area 
  • Playing area is from the tops of the circles down
  • Coach with pucks standing slightly behind the center of the tops of the circles
  • 1 puck at a time in the playing area

Game

The objective is for the forwards to score and the defensemen to clear the puck.  Point(s) can be awarded for goals and/or clears.

  • Coach starts the game by passing the puck to one of the stationary players behind the goal line
  • The stationary players can't go above the goal line, but can pass into the playing area or to the other stationary player behind the net
  • The F's and D in the playing ares battle for open space with the forwards trying to support the puck and score and the defensemen trying to defend and clear the puck
  • When a puck is cleared, the coach can pass another puck to the stationary players behind the goal line
  • Coach can let the game play our as long as he or she sees fit or until a goal is scored
  • Keep Score!

Variations

  •  You can replace or add two stationary players up high at the top of the circle for high passes
    • This allows for high tips, screens, deflections and finding different ways to get open and support the puck
    • You can have stationary players only up top or add them in along with the stationary players below the goal line
  • You can make the defensemen skate or pass the puck through a gate to score a point instead of just clearing the puck

 

Coaching Points

  1. Create opportunities without the puck - the forwards can work on losing their defensemen by jumping to open areas of the ice when the environment allows for it.  
  2. Scan the Ice - all players in this game are required to scan the ice and process the information being provided to them to make the necessary decisions when trying to score or defend
  3. Body Position - defensemen need to keep proper body position on the forwards and make sure they don't allow them into high danger scoring areas

 

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