Setup:

• Player Positions:
  • Four offensive players (same color) are positioned in a box formation on the perimeter inside the “home plate” area.
  • Two penalty killers are stationed in the middle.
  • Remaining players line up, alternating colors if possible.
• Coach: Positioned at the center with pucks to initiate play.

Execution:

1. Starting the Drill:
   • The coach gives a puck to one of the four perimeter players.
   • A 4 vs. 2 game begins in the small area, with the offensive players moving the puck quickly to create scoring opportunities.
2. Rules:
   • Each side gets 2-3 pucks to attempt to score.
   • Penalty killers focus on:
     • Maintaining tight stick detail.
     • Taking away seam plays.
   • Any puck that exits the dots or goes behind the net is considered dead, and the coach provides a new puck.
3. Rotations:
   • When the whistle blows:
     • The two penalty killers rotate to become the low offensive players on the next 4 vs. 2.
     • The two low offensive players rotate out and go to the back of the line.
     • The two high offensive players rotate to become the penalty killers.
   • Two new players step in as the high offensive players, and the drill resets.

Key Teaching Points:

• Power Play Offense:
  • Emphasize quick puck movement and seam pass execution.
  • Encourage players to capitalize on small windows for scoring opportunities.
• Penalty Kill Defense:
  • Teach players to maintain active sticks, eliminate seam passes, and stay compact.
  • Reinforce positioning to prevent high-quality scoring chances.
• Transitions: Help players adapt quickly to different roles (offensive high, penalty kill, offensive low).

Variations:

• Can allow the power play players to move around freely, or require them to only be able to move a couple of feet each direction they are set up
• Adjust the time each group spends in the 4 vs. 2 game for more or less intensity.
• Add a time limit for offensive players to score on each puck.
• Modify spacing or allow passes behind the net for a different dynamic.