2 on 2 Angling with Defensive Reward by Marty Wilford is a great small-area game designed to help players practice angling while adding an incentive for defensive players to create turnovers. If the defensive team successfully forces a turnover, a third player from their line is activated, creating a 3-on-2 advantage.
Setup
- Half-ice setup with two nets.
- Teams line up at the blue line, and the coach has the pucks.
- On the whistle, the coach passes the puck to the offensive team.
- Two offensive players skate around the net to start a rush attack.
- Two defensive players (Blue #1 and Blue #2 in the diagram) take proper angles to contain and stop the offensive team, initiating a 2-on-2 battle.
- If the defensive team creates a quick turnover, they are rewarded by activating a third player (Blue #3 in the diagram), turning the drill into a 3-on-2 advantage.
- Coaches can determine where the turnover must occur to activate the third player (e.g., before the face-off dot or before center ice).
- Keep score and alternate which team starts on offense.
Coaching Points
- Defensive players angling should focus on:
- Taking a proper angle to steer the puck carrier into a low-risk area.
- Keeping their stick on the ice to close passing lanes.
- Matching the speed of the offensive players to maintain control.
- If the third player is activated, they should:
- Jump into the play quickly to provide an outlet.
- Communicate loudly to let their teammates know where they are.
Variations
- Coaches can decide where the turnover must happen to activate the third player (e.g., before the face-off dot or before center ice).
- This drill can be adapted to a smaller area, starting as a 1-on-1 battle that turns into a 2-on-1 when a turnover occurs.
