The 4 vs 2 Transition Game from Jeff Meredith is a high tempo game that allows teams to practice puck possession, defensive and transition concepts.
Setup
- Inside one zone, set up a 4 on 2 with the teams separated into lines of 2 on the blue line (as shown in the diagram).
- On the whistle, the coach dumps passes the puck to one of the offensive players to start the game.
- The offensive team is trying to score, while the defensive team is working to create a turnover and get possession of the puck.
- If the defensive team gets possession of the puck, two of their teammates jump into the zone as outlets. This starts the transition as now the defensive team is on offense, and two of the four players that were previously on offense will rotate out. The remaining two players that were previously on offense stay in to defend the 4 on 2. Now they are working to get possession to the puck and transition their team back to offense.
- This game is continuous and there will be a lot of transitions. Players on the blue line need to be alert!
Coaching Points
- Players on the blue line need to be alert!
- Defensive team:
- Keep sticks on the ice to block passing lanes and angle offensive players to the outside.
- When there is a transition, be aware of your teammate on the ice and your two teammates that are jumping in from the blue line.
- Offensive team:
- Support your teammates! Players without the puck should jump to open space and call for the puck.
- Move around so it is harder for the defense to defend you.
Variations
- Can set this game up so the transition starts after a puck is passed to one of the players on the blue line.
- Can set the game up so the playing area is up to the full blue line (as shown in the diagram) or inside a smaller space, such as top of the circles.
