High Tempo 2 vs. 2 to Net

By: Ice Hockey Systems

A fast-paced 2 vs. 2 game that allows the forwards to attack either net to score while the defense works to defend both goals. The defense can score a point by stripping the puck and making 4 consecutive passes in a row. Communication is a must to be successful!

• Why are the Forwards & Defence set up differently instead of just setting up like a normal faceoff?
  • It forces the D to react quickly! One D will be forced to immediately go backwards while one jumps to backcheck. They will need to communicate with each other to be successful.
• Why does the game allow the forwards to score on either net?
  • ​It prevents the defense from cheating before the game starts!

Game Objective: 

• Forwards: After the forwards receive a pass from the coach, they wortk together to score on either net.
• Defense: The defense must work together to prevent the forwards from scoring. If the defense steals the puck, they must pass the puck to each other 4 times in a row to get a point.
• Coaches: Alternate forwards and defenseman and keep track of the score!

Setup:

• Players: Use 2 cones and the hash marks to set up the forwards and defense (as pictured above). If you do not have hash marks you can add 2 additional cones so players are set up evenly.
  • This setup puts the defense in a situation where one will start skating backwards and one will be backchecking. 
• Coach: Can pass to either forward to start the game. Bonus points if you change it up, add deception and give some bouncing passes.
• Goalies / nets: Use 2 goalies if you have them. If you do not have goalies you can have players skate or pass through a set of tires.
• Size: This game can be set up half-ice or quarter ice. The smaller the ice, the faster the decisions will need to be made.

Coaching Points:

• Move With Tempo! Forwards should explode immediately when they get the puck.
• Communicate: Both forwards and defense need to communicate with their partners to be successful.
• Head up: Encourage players with and without the puck to keep their head up to read the play and jump to space.
• Use Deception: Forwards should not be afraid to skate one way and quickly transition to the other net. 
• Skating Tips: Defense should practice the backwards crossover start shown in the video below and forwards should work on tight turns to help create time and space or protect the puck.
• Puckhandling Tips: Forwards should protect the puck and then practice the "attack position" (shown in the video below) when they have space to challenge a defender. This position allows the forward to shoot, pass, or make another move all from one setup.

Variations: 

• Can be modified to be 3 vs. 3 or 3 vs. 2 (3 forwards and 2 defensemen). 
• The smaller the space, the quicker decisions will need to be made. This game can be set up cross ice or in a smaller 1/4 ice station.
• Add a couple of tires that players need to pass around to keep their head up.
• Add a game constraint (examples: can only shoot if it is a one timer, need to make one sauce pass before you can shoot

This diagram was created with the IHS Drill Designer. Draw drills for free today!