Many players and coaches are interested in improving their competitive edge and small area games are perfect to develop the battling spirit in hockey players. In these games, players are forced to think and move quickly, and they must do so in a confined space. These type of games/drills keep players moving, working on their conditioning, developing important skills and having FUN while they’re at it. Below you will find four drills that emphasize competition in a 1-on-1 situation. We use these drills at our Battle and Compete Camps as well as with the Victoria Royals (WHL).

SWEDISH 1 ON 1 PUCK PROTECTION BATTLES #1
Puck is placed on dot, whistle, players 1 and 2 race and compete for the puck. Player with the puck works to protect it, staying in the circle.
When the second whistle goes, the player with the puck races to the net to try to score. |
The player without the puck checks the player with the puck to try to prevent him from scoring. Players rotate.

KEY TEACHING POINTS:
Use body to create shield between puck and opponent
Be quick
Be first 

SWEDISH 1 ON 1 PUCK PROTECTION BATTLES #2
Puck is placed on dot, whistle, players 1 and 2 race and compete for the puck.
Player with the puck works to protect it, staying in the circle. 
This time there are jokers that the puckcarrier can pass to. In this case #2 passes to 5, to 3, 2 works to get the pass back. 
On whistle, puckcarrier goes to net. 
Alternate circles. 

THE CREASE GAME
Net is removed
Boundary is below the dots 
Puck is spotted by coach 
Player with puck tries to enter the paint with possession 
Full possession in the paint earns 1 point 
Players switch from O to D as possession changes

KEY TEACHING POINTS:
Be quick
Be first 
Protect puck
Tight turn escapes
Battle

THREE PUCK BATTLE

3 PUCKS ON THE BLUELINE, 2 LINES IN EACH CORNER

1) Whistle, 1 picks up puck 1, drives the net, 2 angles and battles 1

2) Whistle, 2 picks up puck 2, drives net, 1 angles and battles

3) Whistle, 1 and 2 race for the puck 3, battle to score.

KEY TEACHING POINTS:
Be quick
Be first
Stick on puck
Net-you-man 
Angles