Defenders are constantly trying to limit your space and time out on the ice, so working on drills that enable smooth puck movement in tight areas increases your chances for success. The physical nature and speed of the game of hockey means that decisions must be made quickly. Small area games and drills in practice give you a heightened awareness on the ice you can use to your advantage when game time comes.
Effectiveness
Small area drills are effective for several reasons. The limited space used to perform the drills allows players to mimic a real game, which usually consists of short bursts of activity and not long skating sessions. The drills also help players to develop puck handling skills in tight situations, which will help their team keep possession of the puck longer during a game. Incorporating several players into small area drills also keeps more players moving during practice and not standing around watching teammates skate.
Skills Worked
You can work on virtually every important hockey skill with the help of small area drills. Quick skating starts and stops, passing, shooting and puck control all receive attention. Small area drills also teach players to be strong on the puck, making it difficult for opponents to take the puck back.
Two-on-One
A goalie, one defender and two forwards create the classic two on one drill. The defender must try to prevent the forwards from getting a quality shot on net, and the forwards try to exploit the defenseman and score. Performing two-on-ones using only small portions of ice force the forwards to get creative with their playmaking and stickhandling skills.
Cross Rink Games
A cross rink game is basically a game of hockey played on half the rink, from side boards to side boards. Place a net against the boards in the middle of either the center line and the end boards or the blue line and the end boards. You can play the game with a full five players per side, or reduce the number to four or even three per side. The reduced space forces faster puck movement and decision making.
Puck Touches
To help increase puck control in close quarters, try setting a minimum number of passes or puck touches before a team is able to shoot during small area drills. This type of rule helps the offense create time and space in the offensive zone, as well as make and receive sharp, quick passes.
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