2v2 Back Check

On-Ice, Passing, Skating, Systems

PURPOSE

This drill serves two primary purposes: skating conditioning and back checking with intent. Puck play/shooting is a side effect.

HOW TO

Players line up in all four corners. Two corners with pucks.
To start, 1 and 2 take off on a 2v0 to the opposite end, passing the puck back and forth. Ideally, they should make 3 passes before getting to the opposite end.
Once a shot is taken, 3 & 4 start the other way. 1 & 2 tag the goal line and then back check 3 & 4.
Once 3 & 4 get a shot off, the pattern starts again from this end with 3 & 4 back checking.

VARIATIONS

Add a 3rd forward to each end and have them weave to the far end, then all out back check.

TIPS & HINTS

Make sure players are picking up an offensive player, not just skating to the other end.
Make sure players play to the end. If the play is broken up in the neutral zone, have all players skate to the goal line to trigger the next line to go.
If players are going hard, they should be practically begging for a water break after 3 reps.