Compete individually or relay style.  Try with pucks for more challenge.

The 2 vs. 2 Corner Battle Tag up is a competitive game that requires to players protect the puck and utilize their teammates in a small area. This game has one major item to remember, during a change of possession, the team that got the puck must tag up at the goal line before they can try to score. Below we will discuss the setup, coaching points & variations.

Setup

• Place the net by the corner face-off dot and have it face the corner (as shown in the video & diagram).
• Start the game by having a coach chip the puck into the corner while 2 players from each line jump into the playing area.
• Both teams are trying to score a goal and if the defensive team gets the puck, they MUST tag up at the red line before they can shoot on net.
• Have players that are not participating be on the lookout for loose pucks (they can push pucks back into the playing area) and be aware of shots.
• Let players battle for 15 - 45 seconds before switching to next group.
• Keep score so teams are more competitive! 

Coaching Points

• Get low to be strong on your skates. 
• Protect the puck with your body.
• Communicate with your teammates.
• Defenders need to keep sticks on the ice at all time.
• Forwards without the puck need to jump to open space to be an outlet for their teammates.

Variations

• This setup can be 1 v 1 or 2 v 2. View a 1 on 1 example.
• Can move the net in other areas to give the players more or less space.

1) Coach shoots puck into defensive corner (either side)

Black 1) W collects puck or skate into zone depending on configuration

Black 2) C moves to near side slot position, off W moves outside crease far side.

2) W makes decision (1)

Blue 1) Quick pass near side to C

Blue 2) C makes touch pass to off W for shot.

3) W makes decision (2)

Green 1) W skates behind net and passes to off W for shot

Green 2) W makes touch pass to C for shot

Coaching Points:

   (1) Quick decisions with constant motion

   (2) On missed shots, re-establish possession by either W and redo the drill until score or save

   (3) Green 1, allow W to shoot if goalie is out of position

   (4) Add D for additional challenge once concept is firm.

(1) F skates hard behind the net.  Slaps stick into board and immediately changes direction.

(2) On the stick tap from F, coach skates with puck.  F backchecks at game speed and completed stick lift and steal of possession.

(3) F makes high speed wheel back toward net and shoots on goalie.  Follow shot and play rebound until covered.

NOTE - once experienced, exchange coach for additional player keeping in mind that pace speed based on ability level of F in the drill.

NOTE - can run in parallel sides of net if room allows.