Here's a few setups to try.

Five-on-three hockey is probably the most passive part of the game, as both teams are waiting to see what the opponent does next.

Coaches often use a timeout when they get a 5v3 advantage, but why not have a plan and force the opponent to take their timeout instead?

Does your setup start low or high? There are plenty of options.

Here’s a breakdown of five different setups for the 5v3 power play.

1. Low play for high switch

When you have the puck on the goal line, the strong side defenceman jumps off the point, driving inside the penalty killers after making the pass.

At the same time, the weak side defenceman comes across for a one-timer. This will create a situation with five players in the house. With so many players moving, the defenders don’t have the chance to read and defend the play properly.

With the same pattern, we can have a secondary option, the box + 1, cross-ice play.

After making a pass from the goal line to the strong D, the defenceman will pass the puck cross-ice to the weak side forward, in a back-door play. If the player fakes a shot, that will open up that passing lane.

2. The MacKinnon play

This one is by far my favourite because you can do it every time. It’s not even really a “setup,” especially if you have two good shooters on top.

Both top players must be on their weak side. When you start switching, you need to have the puck in a threat position. For the penalty killers, they will follow the puck carrier and create a double or triple screen for the goalie. If not, your net-front player has to do a great job.

3. The release

Here’s the most common play now in 2020.

For the penalty killers, the only option is to wait and cross your fingers. When the player releases on the goal line, moving from the goal line to the point with the puck, he/she has many options.

He is a threat in the middle, can use the left or right side for a one-timer, and he can even use both players beside the net.

If you know how to defend the release, let me know.

In the next video, it’s the same setup, but instead of starting the release on the goal line, we start higher. Starting from a 1-3-1 setup, the most significant difference is you can attack quicker instead of waiting on the player to carry the puck all around the zone.

4. Below the goal line

This setup begins below the goal line, with two forwards passing back and forth behind the net. Eventually, a high pass to a defenceman for a one-timer will open up. Most of the time, the one-timer will be inside the circle on the dot lane.

Some CSSHL teams are starting to use this setup now.

5. The 4 one-timer

With four right-shooting players, the Ottawa Senators tried this unusual setup, with four players on the ice ready for a one-timer.

For the puck carrier, it’s all about timing and reading where the opponent puts their sticks.