High Tempo 2 vs. 2 to Net

A fast-paced 2 vs. 2 game that allows the forwards to attack either net to score while the defense works to defend both goals. The defense can score a point by stripping the puck and making 4 consecutive passes in a row. Communication is a must to be successful!

  • Why are the Forwards & Defence set up differently instead of just setting up like a normal faceoff?
    • It forces the D to react quickly! One D will be forced to immediately go backwards while one jumps to backcheck. They will need to communicate with each other to be successful.
  • Why does the game allow the forwards to score on either net?
    • ​It prevents the defense from cheating before the game starts!

Game Objective: 

  • Forwards: After the forwards receive a pass from the coach, they wortk together to score on either net.
  • Defense: The defense must work together to prevent the forwards from scoring. If the defense steals the puck, they must pass the puck to each other 4 times in a row to get a point.
  • Coaches: Alternate forwards and defenseman and keep track of the score!

Setup:

  • Players: Use 2 cones and the hash marks to set up the forwards and defense (as pictured above). If you do not have hash marks you can add 2 additional cones so players are set up evenly.
    • This setup puts the defense in a situation where one will start skating backwards and one will be backchecking. 
  • Coach: Can pass to either forward to start the game. Bonus points if you change it up, add deception and give some bouncing passes.
  • Goalies / nets: Use 2 goalies if you have them. If you do not have goalies you can have players skate or pass through a set of tires.
  • Size: This game can be set up half-ice or quarter ice. The smaller the ice, the faster the decisions will need to be made.

Coaching Points:

  • Move With Tempo! Forwards should explode immediately when they get the puck.
  • Communicate: Both forwards and defense need to communicate with their partners to be successful.
  • Head up: Encourage players with and without the puck to keep their head up to read the play and jump to space.
  • Use Deception: Forwards should not be afraid to skate one way and quickly transition to the other net. 
  • Skating Tips: Defense should practice the backwards crossover start shown in the video below and forwards should work on tight turns to help create time and space or protect the puck.
  • Puckhandling Tips: Forwards should protect the puck and then practice the "attack position" (shown in the video below) when they have space to challenge a defender. This position allows the forward to shoot, pass, or make another move all from one setup.

Variations: 

  • Can be modified to be 3 vs. 3 or 3 vs. 2 (3 forwards and 2 defensemen). 
  • The smaller the space, the quicker decisions will need to be made. This game can be set up cross ice or in a smaller 1/4 ice station.
  • Add a couple of tires that players need to pass around to keep their head up.
  • Add a game constraint (examples: can only shoot if it is a one timer, need to make one sauce pass before you can shoot

This diagram was created with the IHS Drill Designer. Draw drills for free today!

Supporting Fundamentals

Membership gives you access to:

  • Over 550 Animated Drills & Systems
  • Denis Savard Coaching Videos
  • Use Drill Lists to Organize Content
  • Create Your Own Practices
  • Share Practice Plans, Drills, and Systems
  • Mobile and Tablet Friendly
  • Print PDF's of Drills, Systems, and Practices
  • Expert Coaching Advice
  • Pre-Planned Practices by Age Level
  • Motivational Techniques
We Accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover