Hockey drill

1 vs 1 Mirror Angling

A 1-on-1 in mirror position: the puck carrier protects the puck and attacks inside, the defender holds the angle and steers him wide. For U9 to U17+.

Category: Skills and tactics
Levels: U9 · U11/U12 · U13 · U15 · U17+

Hockey drill diagram: 1 vs 1 Mirror Angling

Drill contributed by Pat Angers

angling
1on1
half-ice
station

How it runs

This is what your players need to understand before the puck moves.

**Quick Summary:**

‣ **Puck Carrier:** Protect the puck, gain inside position, and attack the net.

‣ **Defender:** Maintain a good angle, force the puck carrier to the outside, and defend while skating forward.

**Setup:**

‣ Place 2 cones approximately 10 feet apart for the puck carrier.

‣ Place 1 cone aligned with the puck carrier’s first cone for the defender.

‣ On the coach’s signal, both players start at the same time. The puck carrier makes a tight turn around the first cone, then skates to the outside of the second cone. The defender keeps their skates facing the puck carrier while pivoting, then accelerates forward to defend.

**Teaching Points**

**Offense:**

‣ Protect the puck by using your body.

‣ Cut through the defender’s hands and stick to gain inside position.

‣ Gain better positioning to create a scoring opportunity.

‣ Attack the net with determination.

**Defense:**

‣ Match the puck carrier’s speed.

‣ Control your approach angle and force the puck carrier to the outside.

‣ Use your stick to steer and contain the attacker.

‣ Defend while skating forward as much as possible.

‣ Prevent the attacker from cutting inside and gaining access to the dangerous scoring area.

Coach Steve's take

A defender who backs up too long eventually gets beat. The angle is what lets him stay forward and steer the carrier instead of reacting to him. Start at half speed and make sure his skates stay pointed at the carrier. Once the angle is right, add speed. For the carrier, ask him to read the defender instead of charging in head down.