Small Area Games

Gravy on the Side

The players play 2 vs. 2 with goalies cross ice in the neutral zone. There are two players on each team who are kitty corner (on opposite sides and on opposite ends) standing on the blue lines. (the gravy on the side!) There is a total of 10 players, including the 2 goalies, in the game. Off the face off or every time there is a change of possession, including off a rebound, the players playing 2 vs. 2 must pass the puck to a teammate on the blue line and get it back from that player before they can score. In addition they can use their teammates on the blueline (their gravy on the side) any time for a quick pass. The players on the blueline can move along their half of the blueline until they get the puck and then they must stay in one place. No one can check the players on the side. The players on the blueline (the gravy) can't score. The Gravy on the side can pass to any teammate, including their teammate on the other blueline! Switch the players playing 2 v. 2 and the players who are gravy on the side periodically!

Reference: http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockeynightincanada/thinkhockey/gravyontheside.html

Gretzky Game

3v3 with a support player (Gretzky) below the goal-line on their attacking net. You must pass to your Gretzky before you can attempt to score. Defending players may not defend Gretzky, you must pick up an offensive player instead. Offensive players must move feet to get open for a scoring chance. Gretzky may skate laterally below the goal line. Concepts: Offensive zone play, defensive zone play, power play, penalty kill, transition, puck support

Gretzky & Coffey 3 vs 3 Game

CONCEPTS

Offensive Zone Play, Defensive Zone Play, Cycling, Transition

FOCUS IS ON DEFENSIVE SIDE OF DRILL

The game is played 3 vs. 3 with both teams trying to score on the same net. One team has a player behind the net (Gretzky) who can skate side to side but can’t cross the goal line. The other team has a defenseman (Coffey) on the blue line that can skate side to side but can’t enter the play. Players cannot attack Gretzky or Coffey; they must pick up a player in front of the net. Half way through, switch which team has Coffee and which team has Gretzky.

Re-group Game:

The game is played 3 vs. 3 with one extra player on both teams behind their own nets. Before you can go on offense, you must pass the puck to your regroup player behind the net. The regroup player can skate side to side before making a pass but cannot cross the goal line. Players must move to get open on the regroup then they can proceed on offense. It’s a continuous 3 vs. 3.

Breakout 3 vs 3

The game is played 3 vs. 3. Before the offensive team can go on the attack, it must make a pass behind its own net. The team without the puck must forecheck them, emphasizing good angles while reading and reacting to the play. The game is a continuous 3 vs. 3.

Progressive 1 on 1:

Coach dumps puck into playing area and can shout out 1 vs 1 or 2 vs 2. Players try and score on either net and can also pass the puck to any teammate on the line. Once pass is made, the teammate joins the game.

Up to 3 players can be added to the game. IF player scores, spot new pucks and play each game for 45-60 sec

2 on 1 Canada Down Low

Line players up at top of circles. Coach dumps in puck and F1 retrieves the puck. F2 looks to get open and support F1. D tries to play the 2 on 1 down low and prevent forwards from scoring. Once shot is taken or D gets puck out, whistle goes and a puck in dumped in opposite corner to start next round.

More Small Area Games from Hockey USA: http://www.usahockey.com/smallareagames