Hockey drill

3vs3 Faceoff

A 3-on-3 that starts from a faceoff: a quick attack for the winners, a defensive recovery for the other team. For U11/U12, U13, U15 and U17+ players.

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

3on3
half-ice
small area games
backcheck
odd man situation

How it runs

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

Line up players for a faceoff. Play 3-on-3.

Coach drops the puck.

Team that wins the faceoff attacks the same end they are on. Team that loses the faceoff backchecks.

On a goal or loose puck, coach sends a new puck deep in the zone so 3-on-3 continues.

After 20-30 seconds, coach blows the whistle. Restart with new faceoff and 6 new players.

Coach Steve's take

Players love this game, and that is a good thing: they work on recovery and reading the play without realizing it. Keep shifts short, 20 to 30 seconds, so the intensity stays high. Use the stoppages to ask one question, not ten. For example: “Who was closest to the puck?” Then let them play. Fun is part of learning.