2 on 1 with D Activation from Marty Wilford is an excellent drill for teams to practice rush attack and incorporating defensemen into the rush. This drill can also progress into a 3-on-2 with D activation to simulate in-game offensive transitions.
Setup
- Forwards line up on the blue lines with pucks.
- Defensemen position themselves along the boards at center ice.
Drill Progression
- On the whistle, two forwards jump from the blue line toward their defenseman.
- They make a pass to the defenseman and curl back up ice while the defenseman "extends the play" by escaping, skating, and moving before making a pass to one of the forwards.
- The forwards head up ice for a 2-on-1 opportunity, while the defenseman who made the initial pass activates and quickly joins the rush to create a 3-on-1.
Coaching Points
- Encourage defensemen to "extend the play" by practicing escapes, lateral skating, deception, and patience before making the pass up ice.
- The activated defenseman should work hard to join the rush quickly and fill an open lane.
- Forwards should read and time the play to ensure they provide a good passing option and do not get too far ahead of the defenseman.
Variations
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This drill can start as a 2-on-1 (as shown in the video & diagram) and progress into a 3-on-2 for an added challenge.
