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.