Hockey drill

PK Wedge + 1

The wedge + 1 on the penalty kill: the roles of D1, D2, F1 and F2, the defensive triangle and protecting the slot at 5-on-4. For U15 and U17+ teams.

Category: Systems and strategies
Levels: U15 · U17+

5on4
penalty kill
defensive zone

How it runs

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

By default, we play a wedge defensive coverage. The objective is to keep the puck on the same side of the zone. Within the defensive triangle, players rotate positions with the teammate applying pressure. Do not finish checks simply for the sake of contact if the goal is not to regain possession. Instead, pressure the puck carrier into making a quick decision.

Players responsible for protecting the slot must collapse toward the middle and ensure there are no opportunities for a one-timer or a cross-ice pass.

Clear the front of the net (box out opposing players).
Block shots coming from the boards or outside lanes.
Retrieve pucks in the corners.
Apply "go-and-back" pressure low in the defensive zone, then recover quickly to position.

Protect the high-danger area around the net and/or the far post to prevent back-door plays.
Attack the puck carrier when the puck is moved to his side.
Protect the slot when the puck is on the opposite side.
Defend the front of the net.

If D1 goes into the corner to pressure the puck, D2 remains responsible for the far post.

Split the zone in half.
When the puck is high in the zone, F1 pressures the puck carrier and forces play toward the boards.
Can engage physically and battle for possession along the boards when an opportunity exists.

Replaces F2 at the top of the triangle if F2 drops down to cover the defenseman's position in the corner.

Stays high to form a triangle with the two defensemen.
Covers the bumper player and/or takes away cross-ice passing lanes.

When the puck goes into the corner, the defenseman applies pressure, and F2 fills the vacated position in front of the net to maintain defensive coverage.

Coach Steve's take

On the penalty kill, you aren’t trying to be brilliant, you’re trying to stay in position. The wedge works when all four players move together and everyone knows his area. Practice it first without pressure, asking who covers the slot every time the puck moves. Mistakes almost always come from a player leaving his role to help. Stress talking out loud.