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.