Hockey drill

2vs2 Perimeter Player – 1 Goalie

A 2-on-2 with two perimeter outlets: defending, getting open and making the transition in a tight space. For U11/U12, U13, U15 and U17+ players.

Category: Small area games
Levels: U11/U12 · U13 · U15 · U17+

Hockey drill diagram: 2vs2 Perimeter Player – 1 Goalie

2on2
getting open
half-ice
small area games
marking
passing
odd man situation

How it runs

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

2 vs 2 drill. Two players are on the boards as bumpers. Bumper players cannot shoot. Bumper players can only move side to side.

When the two defensive players win the puck, they must pass to a bumper. The bumper gives a return pass to one of the defenders.

Focus on tight coverage and getting open.

On a goal or loose puck, the coach sends a new puck to the corner or gives a direct pass to a player.

The team that gets the puck is on offense. They must use a bumper before attacking the net.

*** Variation ***

One defender pressures the bumper right away.

Coach Steve's take

In this game, the player without the puck matters as much as the one who has it. Watch who moves to get open and who stands still waiting for a pass. The perimeter players are often forgotten, so remind them their movement is what makes the transition work. If it gets chaotic, shrink the space. A smaller area forces young players to read faster.