The 1-2-3 Bumper Game from Michael Peca is a small-area game that emphasizes offensive creativity, quick decision-making, and defensive awareness. The drill incorporates a bumper player, encouraging give-and-go plays, puck support, and communication while rewarding strong defensive efforts with transition opportunities.

Setup:

• Coach Position:
  • The coach starts the drill with a shot on net, creating a rebound or loose puck battle.
• Player Positions:
  • Two X players and two Red players battle in a 2-on-2 scenario for possession.
  • A bumper player is positioned along the top of the zone for both teams, available for offensive support.
• Bumper Player Rules:
  • The bumper player cannot play defense and only provides an offensive passing option.
  • They are free to move laterally across the ice to create support.

Execution:

• Starting the Play:
  • The coach takes a shot, creating a rebound or loose puck battle.
  • The first team to recover possession begins their offensive attack.
  • Two options to initiate offense:
    • The puck can be carried below the goal line before attacking the net.
    • The puck must be passed to the bumper player before an attack can be made.
• Using the Bumper Player:
  • The bumper player provides an outlet for passing, allowing for:
    • Give-and-go plays.
    • Quick weak-side one-timers.
    • Resetting offensive pressure if no immediate play is available.
• Defensive Strategy:
  • Defenders must protect the middle of the ice, disrupt passing lanes, and anticipate bumper passes.
  • Defensive players focus on closing space, using active sticks, and recovering loose pucks quickly.
  • The New York Rangers' defensive philosophy is used (the 3 D's):
    • Down – Keep sticks on the ice when defending.
    • Disrupt – Be active with stick positioning to block passing lanes.
    • Dislodge – Force turnovers and recover the puck.

Key Teaching Points:

• Puck Support: Encourage players to use the bumper player to relieve pressure and create offensive chances.
• Defensive Awareness: Defenders must focus on closing space, active sticks, and reading passing options.
• Communication: Players must verbalize positioning and passing options to facilitate quick decision-making.
• Quick Transitions: Teams must recover pucks and immediately look for offensive options.

Variations:

• Can have the bumper players be lower in the zone (for a smaller playing area), where they are shown in the diagram, or up by the blue line.
• Can make the game 2 on 2 or 3 on 3.