Short to Long 2 on 2 from Daniel Paille helps forwards practice 2 on 2 rush attacks and zone entries while the defense practice gap control, rush defense and angling.
Setup
- Forwards on all 4 bluelines with pucks. Defense are on bench or side of ice.
- Two defenseman (both shown as D1) go against 2 forwards (both shown as F1) on the close blue line.
- On the whistle, the forwards cross while the defenseman gap up and play 2 on 2. The coach lets the rush play out until there is a stop or scoring opportunity.
- On the second whistle, 2 new forwards (both shown as F2) on the opposite blue line skate and regroup at the far blue line while the same 2 defenseman (both shown as D1) that just played the first 2 on 2 gap up and play 2 on 2 against the second set of forwards.
- Repeat drill once completed
Progression Options:
- Option 1: When whistle is blown after 1st 2 on 2 rush, the 2 forwards who rushed on offense, become the defenseman vs the 2 new forwards on the Long 2 on 2 rush.
- Option 2: When whistle is blown after 1st 2 on 2 rush, the highest two players (whether it be the offensive, or defensive players), become the defenseman vs the 2 new forwards on the Long 2 on 2 rush.
Coaching Points
- Forwards should not attack on straight lines. They should move in ways that confuse the defenders.
- Defenders should work on tight gaps and work to angle players to the outside of the ice with good stick detail
Similar to Jets 2 v 2 Drill - both great drills!