The Avery 3 on 2 Drill from Cail MacLean allows teams to practice 3 on 2's in two different situations along with quick transitions.
Setup
- Line up 3 forwards and 2 defenders on each of the blue lines as shown in the diagram.
- The coach will be against the boards on the center ice line with pucks.
- Part 1 - first whistle:
- On the whistle, the coach passes the puck to one of the defenseman who quickly passes the puck to ANY of the forwards on the opposite line, which begins a 3 on 2 for all of the players on that blue line. The 3 on 2 plays out.
- Part 2 - second whistle:
- On the second whistle, the coach passes the puck to the other defenseman on the blue line and all 3 forwards that are in the zone race to be an outlet in the neutral zone, while the two defenders that are in the zone work to get proper gaps on the players. The defenseman with the puck quickly passes the puck to one of the 3 forwards to begin a second 3 on 2. Let the 3 on 2 play out.
- Replace the players on the blue line with new players and begin the drill again with the other blue line.
Coaching Points
- All players need to be ready to quickly react and start the 3 on 2, no matter who the defenseman passes to.
- Forwards should work to support each other, fill lanes and to get middle ice.
- Defenseman should work on proper gaps and defending the middle ice.
Variations
- Coaches can start the play by passing to any defender that they want to, and that defender can pass to any forward on the opposite blue line.
