This drill from Coach Joel Beal is a Continuous 2 on 2 that has a slight modification that activates 2 defencemen after the initial 2 on 2 plays out, which will make the drill finish as 4 on 2 with a shot from the point. This modification creates a lot of opportunities for coaches to work on different skills & habits with their team.
Setup
- Part 1 of Drill:
- Start with 2 forwards at the far blue line (at the bench) and 2 defensemen on the blue line. All extra players on the bench.
- On the whistle, the 2 forwards take a good breakout angle and receive a puck from the coach. The two defencemen start skating backward, which creates the 2 on 2.
- This 2 on 2 plays out until the coach blows a second whistle.
- Part 2 of Drill:
- On the second whistle, 2 defencemen are activated from the bench (shown as D2 in the diagram) and receive a puck from the coach in the other zone. This creates a 4 on 2 and the defensemen at the point work to get a shot through so the forwards can tip it, or slam home a rebound.
- On the third whistle, the 4 vs. 2 is over and 2 new forwards jump on the ice to start the Continuous 2 on 2 down the other way. The defensemen that were at the point now skate backward to defend the oncoming forwards. This drill is continuous.
Coaching Points
- Forwards:
- On the breakout, forwards should create a good angle to breakout and should be ready to support their teammate.
- Forwards should try to create a 2 on 1 situation with one of the defencemen.
- Do not turn the puck over at the blue line. If there are no options, the forwards can chip the puck into the zone and forecheck.
- On the second part of the drill, forwards should work to get to the front of the net so they can tip a point shot or get a rebound.
- Defencemen:
- Keep the stick on the ice and maintain a good gap between the oncoming forwards.
- On the second part of the drill, the defencemen should work on boxing out the forwards in front of the net so the goalie can clearly see the puck.
battled drills