Small Area Games

I’m a big believer in the small area games concept of practice. These games can be used by all age players to hone their hockey ability in ways that normal drills can’t. Even the US Developmental Program endorses Small Area games for their players.

Below you will find Small Area Games that you can begin to implement into your practice time. Believe me when I say, you will see the benefit after a few weeks of work. Small Area Games really allow the players to work on specific areas of their game while having fun doing it. Small Area Games takes us back to the days of pond hockey and having fun.

I have used most of these successfully.

Remember, learn and have fun doing so.

Read the Small Area Games Article

• 2 on 2 in the box
• Back Door 3 on 3
• 3 on 3 Safe Zone
• 2 on 2 Single Support
• 3 on 3 Score Anywhere
• 2 on 2 No Passing
• 3 on 3 Transition
• Tight Area 2 on 2
• 2 on 2 Two Touch
• Half Court 3 on 3
• Continuous 3 on 2
• 2 on 1 Rover
• 2 on 2 Double Support
• On The Dots 3 on 2
• 2 on 1 Transition
• Tight Area 2 on 1
• 3 on 3 Circle Shooter
• Four Corners 3 on 2
• Three Zones 3 on 3
• Bruin 3 on 2
• Progressive 3 on 3
• Even / Odd 1-2-3
• Continuous Mid-Ice 3 on 2
• Mid-Ice D Support
• 3×2 Down Low
• Pearl Small Area Game

Jim Johnson Games / Drills

2×2 Activation
2×3 From Corner
3×3 Passing
4×2 Quarter Ice
2×2 Confined Area
2×2 Offensive
3×2 Transition
3 Way 1×1

John Arena – Amherst College

4v4 Back-To-Back
4v4 Transition
Plattsburg 2v1
3v3 Forecheck/Breakout

 

Build Competitive Instincts

Crease Challenge
2v2 Below Goal Line
1v1 Battle