Defensive Angling (Higher Level U14 & above)

The Angle Regroup 2 vs. 1 is an excellent drill from Topher Scott that helps forwards work on angling while the defense practices getting the puck up ice. The second part of the drill finishes with a 2 vs. 1.

Setup:

• This is a full ice drill that runs out of both ends of the ice. The drill starts with a coach making a cross-ice pass to a defenceman.
• When the cross-ice pass happens, two forwards from center ice curl towards the defenceman. The first forward (F1) skates and angles to the defenceman and tries to prevent the defenceman from getting the puck to the second forward (F2). The defenceman can make a pass or chip the puck on the boards to get the puck to F2.
• When F2 gets the puck, both forwards swing down to the far blue line. They pass to the coach and regroup and head back up ice on a 2 vs. 1 or regroup on their own.

Coaching Points:

• Forwards:
  • F1 Forward: When angling, do not go straight on. Take an angle with your stick on the ice to prevent easy passing lanes.
  • F2 Forward: Do what you can to be a good outlet for the defenceman. Stick on the ice and get open. 
• Defense:
  • Keep your head up so you can see where the pressure is and where your outlet is.

The USA 2 vs. 2 Drill from Coach Scott Moser is an excellent 2 on 2 drill that can be used at the college levels and youth hockey levels. It is a simple, yet highly competitive drill that can also be run out of both ends of the ice at the same time.

Setup:

• Alternate team colors at the points.
• 2 defenders start just inside the blueline.
• 2 forwards will start out with the puck (in the diagram they are Red X's). They must go through the center circle and they can pass to each other or keep the puck as they try to attack the 2 defenders and score a goal.
• The 2 defenders work on defending while skating forwards by closing the gap and angling the forwards into the boards with their sticks on the ice. 
• A 2 vs. 2 takes place in the zone, where the forwards try to score a goal, and the defenders work to pass the puck to the next forwards in line. 
• When the defenders pass the puck to the next forwards in line, the original forwards (The Red X's) play defense, and the original defenders move to the back of the line.
• The drill transitions to the next group with a breakout pass from the defenders, a goal from the forwards, or a whistle from the coach.
• The drill is continuous!

Coaching Points:

• Defense:
  • Communicate with your partner so you can close the gap quickly.
  • Defend skating forwards - angle the forwards to the boards with your body and a good stick on the ice (do not let them cut back into the middle of the ice).
  • Play through sticks and work to get the puck to the next players in line.
• Offense:
  • Communicate with your partner.
  • Keep your head up to see where the open ice is.
  • After the play transitions work to get to the blue line to defend the next group in line.

The Neutral Zone Angle 2 V 2 to 3 V 2 forces players to step up and make a play in the neutral zone! The drill is a valuable exercise to help defenders practice angling techniques in the neutral zone while offensive players can practice making plays instead of dumping the puck.

Setup

• Goal: Forwards can not dump the puck and are trying to score. Defenders are trying to angle, make a play and stop the forwards before the blue line. 
• Split up the team and at each blue line there will be a line of forwards and a line of defensemen.
• On the whistle, 2 forwards and 2 defensemen skate out into the neutral zone. 
• The forwards receive a pass from a coach and begin the 2 on 2.
• Forwards try to score while the defense tries to create a turnover at the blueline.
• Coaches should give players reps at both sides of the ice.
• This drill is continuous and can progress to a 3 V 2.
• Coaches can keep score by giving the defense a point if they take the puck away before the blue line and forwards get a point if they score a goal.

Coaching Points

• Defense: 
  • Always keep the stick on the ice.
  • Try to match the speed of the players you are defending against.
  • Do not let them cut back in the middle of the ice.
  • Try to angle the players into the boards & go stick on stick to take the puck away.
• Offense:
  • Try to create space between you and the defenders.
  • Cut back into center ice if they commit too far.
  • Communicate and use your partner as an outlet.
  • Create give & go situations!

Variations

• Can make this drill 1 v 1, 2 v 2, or 3 v 3.
• Coaches can change up where they are passing from.
• Can make this a half ice drill if you do not have access to full ice (see half-ice setup below).

63 Drills to Work on Angling

Angling in Hockey to Dictate Play