DZ Corner Battle 1 v 2 to 2 v 3

By: Daniel Paille

The DZ Corner Battle 1 v 2 to 2 v 3 from Daniel Paille works on corner battles, defensive support and communication. This setup gives the advantage to the defending players. The offensive players are trying to score while the defenders work together to support each other and eliminate scoring threats.

Setup

Part 1: 1 v 2

• Coach deposits puck along the wall in corner or in zone.
• Offensive team has one player starting at dot, then trying to attack the net.
• Defensive team has one player inside the circle behind the offensive player, and one player standing outside circle as support.
• The 1st defensive player (D1) pressures the offensive player, the 2nd defensive player (D2) observe and supports, if defending player 1 is beat, the defending player 2 attacks the offensive player and defending player 1 then supports defending player 2.

Part 2: 2 v 3

• Coach deposits puck along the wall in corner or in zone.
• Offensive team has 2 players, one at the dot and the other just inside the circle supporting player 1. Offensive team then tries to attack the net.
• Defensive team has 3 players, one in between player 1 and 2 on defensive team, one just outside circle and one just behind also outside of circle.
• 1st defensive player (D1) pressures 1st offensive player, 2nd defensive player (D2) observes and supports above 2nd offensive player. If third defensive player (D3) is a forward, that player skates towards strong side wall (as if they were going to break out). If player is a defenseman, that player skates towards net front.
• 2nd defensive player attacks 2nd offensive player when offensive player receives puck. Implement DZ coverage strategy.

Coaching Points

• Forwards work on puck protection skills.
• Defending players, work on observing and timing when you plan to jump into the play to help your teammate. Communicate.