peter wrote:
I'm coaching a PeeWee ( U-12) Rep hockey team this year, and our main topic this year is Support in all areas. Thanks to Tom I came across my favorite all time drill, The Attack Defend Rest drill, I run this drill at almost every practice, mostly 3 on 3 from behind the red line. Players must carry the puck over the blue line and make a pass to the next group.I have one coach that is focused on the defensive side, and another coach is focused on the players offensive play. With the main teaching point being Close Support in the Defensive Zone and the Offensive Zone. I my opinion this is the best breakout drill you can run. Players are moving their feet, and getting into the proper spots to be an option.
During the drill you can even hear some of the players yelling out " Support Support "
Peter it is a great way to teach support on both offense and defense. Sometimes I have tournaments during practice and there is only enough players for two games of 2 on 2. A short video with a U18 girl's team I coached two years ago is here. 4 teams of 4 and they play each team once.
https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/videos/watch/dt-400-perry-pearn-rotation/
In a 2-2 you have all three game situations 0-loose puck, 1-offense, 2- defense. The players also end up in all 4 game playing roles.
Offense – 1-puck carrier, 2-support the puck carrier.
Defense – 3-check the puck carrier, 4-cover away from the puck.
Like you stated it is a great game because the defenders must defend then breakout of the zone and the attackers have to use puck handling, puck protection, passing, shooting, cycling etc. to score a goal. Playing 3-3 adds triangles and more communication and team work.
Another transition game with the same attack-defend-rest that I picked up coaching in Austria is a game of 'Quick Transition'. The players pass right away to teammates who attack right away and players have to quickly switch from offense to defense and defense to offense.
Here is a link to my last seasons U!5 team playing a game at each end. I like my asst. coaches to participate and model good technique.
https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/videos/watch/dt400-quick-transition-game-u15/
'The Game is the Greatest Coach'
'Enjoy the Game'