The Start & Stop loose puck battle is a competitive drill that sets up two players to race for a puck. Whoever gets the puck first is on offense and works to score a goal while the other player is defending.

Setup

• Set up a net on the goal line with 2 players on the hash marks.
• On the whistle, the two players on the hash marks explode to the blue line, stop and race to the puck that is on the top of the circle.
• Whoever gets the puck first is on offense and is trying to score. The other player is on defense and looking to deny scoring chances.

Coaching Points

• Players should focus on quick starts and stops to get a jump on the puck.
• Player that gets the puck first should work on protecting the puck with the body from the defender
• The defender should work to get stick on puck or lift the stick to create a turnover.

Variations

• Can set up in different areas of the ice to mimic different game situations.
• Can allow players to make a tight turn instead of a complete stop.
• Can play 1v1 or 2v2.
• If one player is much faster than the other player, you can line up the players in different spots to make the race even.

Drill Setup:

• Puck in each corner.
• 1 offensive player on each dot (X). One defender on each hash mark (O).
• To start defenders should play without a stick or stick turned over.
• Coach designates which side starts as 1 v 1. When coach says offensive player retrieves puck from corner (simulating lose puck in corner).
• Defender now angles and plays out the1 v 1 versus offensive player. After the1 v 1, coach says 2 v 2. The2 other players who are waiting now start on their side. The 2 1 v 1 players join in to make it into 2 v 2.

Purpose:

• The idea of this drill is to focus on defending from a defensive zone situation and stressing defenders ability to angle offensive players. It is suggested to have defenders perform drill without a stick to start to really highlight having good footwork, angles and body contact skills. 90%of defense is are those skills.
• As players get better introduce a stick to the defender. Can have them use their stick turned over to start. This allows them to start using it as a tool but they still aren't able to fully use it and bring bad habits into drill (looking at the puck).
• Once proficient then have defenders use stick as normal.

Common Mistakes:

• All the same mistakes made in the defend the bucket drill are made here as well. Starting without a stick will highlight bad footwork and angle habits.
• Note it can be common for a player to be better without a stick then with a stick because once they get their stick back they forget what made them successful (good footwork, angles, being physical) and go back to bad habits or looking at the puck.

This drill is part of the Body Contact & Checking Course from Mark Zarbo Hockey.

Drill Setup:

• Split players into 2 teams. Whoever coach passes the puck to, that team must skate around their net with the puck before moving into playing.
• The opposing team (defenders) now angle the puck carrying team. After this the players play cross ice until coach changes lines.

Variations:

• Start with the "small area version." Start1 v 1. This is easier for the players to angle and work on angling skills in.
• Can move to 2 v 2 in this small area version as well. Once shows proficiency can move to full zone 3 v 3. Being bigger area makes it harder to angle.
• Can also set up situations where the offense has the advantage - like 3 v 2 or 3 v 1, or 2 v 1 games.

Purpose:

• Purpose of this drill is to work on angling and creating a turnover to be able to transition into offense. Focus on all the skills of angling as well as tight gaps and taking away passing lanes/options.
• Let the players play the game out for a little bit and continue to stress looking for new angling situations as well as using all body contact skills previously reviewed.

3 vs. 3 Split Zone Game is a great small area hockey game to practice offensive and defensive principles that occur during the course of a game. The zone is split in half (as shown in the diagram and video) and the forwards are trying to score a goal, while the defense is defending and trying to exit the zone. The defense must complete one pass before exiting the zone. 

Setup

• Split the zone in half (like it is shown in the diagram and whiteboard video)
• 3 offensive players vs. 3 defensive players. One goalie.
• The coach chips the puck to the goalie, who deflects the puck into the corner of the ice. This begins the 3 vs. 3.
• Forwards work to score a goal (which is 2 points) and the defenders work to defend and exit the zone. Defenders must complete one pass before they exit the zone (which is 1 point).
• The game ends when a goal is scored, the defense exits the zone after a pass, the goalie freezes the puck or the coach blows the whistle.

Coaching Points

• Offense:
  • Protect the puck.
  • Create time and space.
  • Use the boards to protect the puck and make bank passes.
  • Be a passing outlet for your teammate.
• Defense:
  • Sticks on the ice (to angle and block passing lanes).
  • Communicate with each other.

The Sticks In Lanes Game from Topher Scott of The Hockey Think Tank is a great small area game to help the offense practice passing in the offensive zone while the defense works to block passing lanes by keeping their sticks on the ice. This is also a great drill for practicing your Power Play & Penalty Kill. This game is a 6 vs. 2 but can be set up to be more challenging for the offense by making it 4 vs. 2, or 6 vs. 3.

Setup

• KEEP SCORE (as you can see from the video, this can become a very fun and competitive drill).
• The playing area is highlighted in yellow in the diagram above.
• Have 6 offensive players set up as shown in the diagram. They can move slightly but can not skate around and must stay in their designated area.
• 2 Defenders will defend the middle of the ice.
• On the whistle, the offensive team is trying to score. They must pass the puck through the middle of the ice 2 or more times before they can shoot.
• The defenders work to break up the play.
• Switch teams after each rep and let forwards play defense and defense play offense. 

Coaching Points

Offensive Team:

• Use deception (look or fake passing one way and pass the other way) to create openings.
• Think about where you pass before the puck comes to you.
• Shoot quickly if you have an opening!

Defensive Team:

• Keep sticks on the ice at all times! This will allow you to block passing lanes or intercept passes.
• Use quick starts and stops to cover ground.

Variations

• Can make this drill harder for the offense by making it a 4 vs. 2 (view example) or a 6 vs. 3 (view example).
• Can make the playing space larger or smaller (the smaller it is, the harder it is).
• Can require 3 (or more) passes through the royal road before a shot is allowed.
• Use different point-scoring to make sure the game is exciting and competitive for the team. For example (2 points for a goal, 1 point for 2 consecutive defensive takeaways).