2 on 2 Box Out from Marty Wilford is a two part drill that helps defenders and forwards work on net front battles, and finishes with a 2 on 2 rush.
Setup
Forwards in all four corners with pucks. 2 defensemen in front of the net and 2 defensemen at the point.
Part 1 - first whistle:
On the first whistle, F2 passes the puck to the point. Both F1 and F2 work to get net front position, while the defensemen at the point go D to D before they take a shot on net.
The forwards are trying to score while the defensemen work to box them out and eliminate sticks.
Part 2 - second whistle:
F2 and F1 break up ice and get a pass from one of the second forwards in line, which would be F3 in this diagram. Both F1 and F2 go down the ice 2 on 2 against the two defensemen that were at the point.
Variation - third whistle:
For a potential 3rd variation, coaches can blow a 3rd whistle where the F1 and F2 forwards turn back and regroup with one of the original net front defensemen before they go down the ice on their 2 on 2.
Coaching Points
Defensemen should work to box out the forwards and eliminate their sticks in the net front area.
Forwards should work together to gain net front position and also look for soft spaces of ice to be open for tips and one timers.
On the rush forwards should not skate directly at the defenders. They should pass to each other and skate at angles and different speeds to throw off the defensemen.
On the rush the defenders should work to keep a good gap, sticks on the ice to block the passing lanes and angle the forwards to the outside of the ice.