A twist on the classic 3 v 3, this works the small game angle and keeps the players and goalie guessing.  It can also simulate a short breakout as the attack doesn't begin until the puck goes behind the net and comes out.

SET UP:

With the goalie and net set in the crease, each team of three sets up on opposite sides of the zone.

Once in place, the players turn their backs to the center and face the boards.

RUN IT:

The coach passes the puck into the "face off" or drops it in.

On the whistle, the centers turn around and battle for the puck.  Whichever team wins the "face off" takes possession as offense.  They must then take the puck behind the net before they can begin their attack on the goal.

This drill can be altered to use 2 nets in the neutral zone, with 2 goalies, set at the rear of each face off circle.