Continuous 1 vs. 1 Battle Game

A continuous 1 vs. 1 hockey game that puts the defenders at a disadvantage since they will be double shifting. The defense will be tired so it is extra important that they focus on good habits (keep stick on the ice). The game will reinforce puck protection and battling for loose pucks.

Keep Score: 3 points for a goal for the offensive team, 2 points for the defense skating the puck out of the zone through the gates, 1 point for the defense passing the puck out of the zone to the next forward, and 0 points if the coach blows the whistle and changes lines.

Setup:

  • 1 defender starts at the blue line and 1 forwards starts with a puck around the face-off dot in the neutral zone.
  • Game starts when the coach blows the whistle.
  • The forward try to keep possession of the puck and score.
  • The defender tries to defend and can end the game by skating the puck out of the zone through the gates passing the puck to the next forward in line (shown as F1 in this diagram).
  • If a goal is scored, or the goalie freezes the puck, or the puck goes out of play, the coach has the option to chip another puck in the zone, or pass to the next forwards in line.
  • When the shift ends (either with a goal, the defense getting the puck out of the zone, or a coach's whistle), the forward switches to defense and the new forward starts the 1 vs. 1.

Coaching Points:

  • The defense will be tired since they will be "double shifting." Encourage stick on the ice and angling the forward to the outside of the playing space.
  • Forwards, do not be afraid to hold on to the puck. Use your body to protect it until you can make a play.
  • Compete to score points for your team! Celebrate points!

Variations:

  • If you do not have a goalie you can put another "gate" where the net should be. Or you can have targets for the forward team to hit.
  • Make the space smaller or in a different area of the ice.
  • Can be 1v1, 2v2 (view example), 3v3 (view example), or 4v4.

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