3-on-3 across the neutral zone with the nets at the boards. Blue starts with the puck.
How to run it
A small-area game across the ice, as in cross-ice hockey for young players: a small surface, lots of puck touches, lots of shots and goals. Players learn to get open, pass under pressure and finish.
Set-up
The neutral zone between the blue lines, played across the ice. Two nets at the boards facing each other, discs in the corners. 3-on-3, no goalies. The coach has pucks at the side.
Instructions
- 13-on-3 across the neutral zone with the nets at the boards. Blue starts with the puck.
- 2Blue number 2 skates forward with the puck, red number 2 comes to pressure.
- 3Under pressure: a pass to the open team-mate, number 4.
- 4Number 4 skates round the defender towards the net. Number 3 goes to the side of the net.
- 5A pass across to number 3 beside the net …
- 6… and a shot into the net! The others turn and skate back.
- 7Goal – red starts straight away with a new puck from the side.
- 8Red number 2 skates forward with the puck, blue skates back.
- 9A pass to the open team-mate, red number 4.
- 10Shot and goal. The next puck comes straight from the coach – the game never stops.
Coaching points
- Find open ice: don't stand behind an opponent.
- Pass to whoever is open – and skate after your pass.
- Shoot when you see the net; in a small game you get lots of chances.
- Change lines often: 60–90 seconds per shift.
Variations
Easier
2-on-2, or a joker who always plays with the team that has the puck.
Harder
Everyone on the team must touch the puck before a goal counts, or a two-touch limit.
Equipment
- 2 × Goal
- 4 × Markers
Use this drill with your team
Add it to a training in SquadSpace, adjust it to your squad and show it to the players in the app – in 2D or 3D.
Start free trial