3-on-3 in the Zone – Clear the Blue Line

How to run it

A small-area game in one zone on one net with a goalie. The team that wins the puck must take it out over the blue line before it can attack. Trains transition, play behind the net, finding the slot and moving the puck out under pressure.

Set-up

One zone from the blue line to the end boards, one net with a goalie. 3-on-3. The coach has pucks at the blue line and plays a new one in after a goal or a frozen puck. Change every 40–60 seconds.

Instructions

1. 13-on-3 in the zone with a goalie. Blue starts with the puck at the blue line.
2. 2Blue number 2 skates down the boards into the zone.
3. 3A pass down to the team-mate in the corner.
4. 4Round behind the net and out the other side.
5. 5A pass out to the open player in the slot.
6. 6Shot – the goalie saves and the rebound goes to the side.
7. 7Red wins the rebound.
8. 8Red must take the puck out over the blue line before they can attack. Blue chases.
9. 9A pass across to the team-mate outside the blue line.
10. 10Now red attacks: in over the line with the puck.
11. 11A pass to the player in front of the net.
12. 12Shot and goal. The coach plays the next puck to the team that did not score.

Coaching points

• Use the space behind the net – the defenders have to turn their heads.
• Players without the puck: find a gap in the slot with your stick on the ice.
• When you lose the puck: the nearest player pressures at once, the others cover the slot.
• When you win it: out over the blue line fast – a quick exit means attacking a disorganised defence.

Variations