1v1 Transitional Zone
PURPOSE
Working on 1v1 battles down low to work the puck back out to the front of the net while retaining the triangle. Also works on the front (home) side defense staying heels to net to monitor behind net play and cut off passing lanes to front forwards.
SKILLS
- 1v1 low battles to gain possession
- Containing net front presence
- Defense not getting puck-focused – heels to the net to find the open body, attacking to puck
- Forwards using the space given to create a quick scoring opportunity – not dangling to make it pretty
HOW TO
- Forward A1 and defense B1 start with puck behind the net. they must battle for the puck and remain below the goal line. A1’s objective is to move the puck to either A2 or A3 in the face off circles.
- Defense B2 must play the passing angles above the goal line and outside the circles, only crossing into the circles while the puck is in the circles. This is the transitional zone as they go from playing a zone, to 1v1/2v1. They are also the outlet for B1 to clear the zone.
- A2 and A3 must move within their circles to create space, receive a pass and either take a quick shot or move the puck back to A1 or A3/A2.
- Cycle A1 to A2 spot. A3 to A1 spot. Or Line to A1, A1 to A2, A3 to line. D rotate low (behind net) to high to line.
VARIATION
- Instead of one D in front of net playing a transitional zone, add one player to each circle for 3 1v1 battles.
- Add a second net near the blue line so if the D gets possession then can have a 2v0 the other way.
