3 on 2 with D Activation from Marty Wilford is a high-tempo drill that helps teams practice rush attacks while incorporating defensemen into the rush. This drill reinforces quick transitions, offensive support, and defensive gap control.
Setup
- Forwards are positioned at all four blue lines with pucks.
- Defensemen line up in opposite corners at the hash marks.
- On the whistle, two forwards skate toward their defenseman in the far zone.
- One of the forwards passes the puck to the defenseman, who activates into the rush.
- The three players (two forwards and one defenseman) swing back up ice and attack two defenders who gap up from the hash marks in the opposite zone.
Coaching Points
- The activated defenseman should join the rush quickly, helping to lead the attack or filling an open lane.
- Forwards should support the puck carrier, keep their stick on the ice, and ensure they do not get too far ahead of the play.
- The defending defensemen should gap up quickly and match their speed with the attacking rush.
Variations
- The defensemen can focus on killing the play at the blue line instead of defending the rush.
D Activation