3 v 2 Puck Protection Game

By: Daniel Paille

The 3 v 2 Puck Protection Game shared by Daniel Paille helps players practice down low offensive zone concepts.

Setup

• Teams line up above top of the circle with O on one side and X on the other side.
• O will start on offense with 3 players vs 2 X defensive players. O's try to score staying on one half of the ice. If the defensive X players get the puck, they try to rim to their X teammate on weak side. The X player player can not release until puck reaches the weakside.
• When the defensive X's get it over to their weakside X player, the O's will change and new line of 2 O players play defense while another O waits weak side.
• The 2 X's join player on weak side for offense.
• The play continues if the offensive team scores, or the offensive team gets a shot on net.
• Offense is out if they miss the net on their shot or the defense rims the puck to their weakside player.

Coaching Points

• Offense:
  • The high forward should jump in for support to outnumber the 2 defenders.
  • The forwards should support each other with close triangle support.
  • When offense gets the puck they should attack the net quickly.
• Defense:
  • Keep sticks on ice to block passing lanes and angle forward to the outside, away from the front of the net.