The Sweden 4 vs. 2 Power Play Game from Wes Wolfe is a continuous drill designed to sharpen power play execution and penalty kill skills in a small, competitive environment. It focuses on quick puck movement, seam play awareness, and effective penalty kill positioning.
Setup:
- Player Positions:
- Four offensive players (same color) are positioned in a box formation on the perimeter inside the “home plate” area.
- Two penalty killers are stationed in the middle.
- Remaining players line up, alternating colors if possible.
- Coach: Positioned at the center with pucks to initiate play.
Execution:
- Starting the Drill:
- The coach gives a puck to one of the four perimeter players.
- A 4 vs. 2 game begins in the small area, with the offensive players moving the puck quickly to create scoring opportunities.
- Rules:
- Each side gets 2-3 pucks to attempt to score.
- Penalty killers focus on:
- Maintaining tight stick detail.
- Taking away seam plays.
- Any puck that exits the dots or goes behind the net is considered dead, and the coach provides a new puck.
- Rotations:
- When the whistle blows:
- The two penalty killers rotate to become the low offensive players on the next 4 vs. 2.
- The two low offensive players rotate out and go to the back of the line.
- The two high offensive players rotate to become the penalty killers.
- Two new players step in as the high offensive players, and the drill resets.
- When the whistle blows:
Key Teaching Points:
- Power Play Offense:
- Emphasize quick puck movement and seam pass execution.
- Encourage players to capitalize on small windows for scoring opportunities.
- Penalty Kill Defense:
- Teach players to maintain active sticks, eliminate seam passes, and stay compact.
- Reinforce positioning to prevent high-quality scoring chances.
- Transitions: Help players adapt quickly to different roles (offensive high, penalty kill, offensive low).
Variations:
- Can allow the power play players to move around freely, or require them to only be able to move a couple of feet each direction they are set up
- Adjust the time each group spends in the 4 vs. 2 game for more or less intensity.
- Add a time limit for offensive players to score on each puck.
- Modify spacing or allow passes behind the net for a different dynamic.
