This a fun 2v2 game for players to work on their battle and compete as well as keeping their eyes up to find passing options and support.
SETUP:
- This is a half ice game so there should be a net on the goal line with a goalie ready to play.
- Each team will line up at the top of one circle. The coach will be in the middle with pucks.
HOW THE GAME WORKS:
- To start, the coach will dump a puck behind the net and the players in zone will play 2v2. If they gain possession of the puck, they must pass it back to the first player in their line to be on offense. That player can either pass it back to them or shoot the puck, they can also move laterally along their top of the circle to look for better passing options and/or getting open.
- After passing to their first player in line, that team will be on offense and the other will be on defense. However, if the defense gain possession, they can pass it back to their line to switch to offense.
- This game is won based off of most goals scored.
COACHING POINTS:
- Players should be working on their battle and compete through both offense and defense.
- Offensively, players should be working on getting open to find good passing lanes, and if needed taking the goalie's eyes to screen any shots coming from the player in line.
- Defensively, players should work on getting their stick in passing lanes and being super aggressive man on man.
**This video was from the Buffalo Sabres 2023 Dev Camp. A huge thanks to the Buffalo Sabres for making these practices public and sharing them with the hockey world.
