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Defend a 2-on-1

Take away the pass on a 2-on-1 and let your goalie take the shooter.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Two attackers come at you with the puck.

Core: Skates. Beat your own run of steady shadows.

Ages
11 and up
Time
12 min
Players
You and 2 partners
Space
Gym or court
Bring
Stick, pucks, net, 2 partners
Level · skill
Developing · Defense

The steps

How it works

  1. Two attackers come at you with the puck.
  2. Stay in the middle with your stick in the passing lane.
  3. Do not commit to the puck carrier.
  4. Defend 8 rushes.

Coaching point

Take the pass, trust the goalie.

Safety: Keep your stick down and make sure the area around you is clear.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Shadow skate: stay between your partner and the net with your stick on the ice, with no contact. Swap often.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (partner glides), Core (skates), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of steady shadows.

Story

You are a shadow that sticks to its owner.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own run of steady shadows. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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