How to Play 3 on 2 Defense in Ice Hockey

During an ice hockey game the defensive players are faced with many different scenarios. One of these scenarios is a 3 on 2 defense. For a defender to do his job he must be able to evaluate and solve the different situations that come up during the game. A 3 on 2 defense is when there are three offensive players and two defensive players on the ice.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have the players stand at the blue line to prevent and delay the attack made by the offensive players. By protecting the blue line the defensive players force the offensive players into a better scenario.

    • 2

      Send the weak side defender to take on one attacker. In this situation the weak side offender forces the offensive player to play 1 on 1 with him. This keeps one player from joining the other two and makes it harder for them to make a play.

    • 3

      Setup the strong side defender to play 2 on 1. Force the third player to pass through the middle if the weak side defender cannot get one of the offensive players to play him 1 on 1. This 2 on 1 scenario allows the defender to control where the puck is going.

    • 4

      Move in close to the offensive players and attack their sticks as much as possible, especially the puck carrier. This blocks any pass and often forces the puck carrier into making a bad shot.