3v3 Below the Tops of the circles
Last Updated: 2026-07-02
Age Group: 12U, 14U, 16U and older
Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Equipment Needed: None
Space Required: Whole Zone
Drill Information
3v3 designated offense and defense.
- Play 3v3 below the tops of the circles with one team designated on offense and one team designated on defense.
- Offense is trying to score goals.
- Defense is trying to skate the puck out above the tops of the circles.
- If the defense skates the puck out, the whistle blows, the offense goes to defense, and the coach dumps a new puck in with 3 new offensive players.
- This drill is continuous.
Coaching Focus Points
- Break up passes with stick.
- Recognize passing options.
- Seal posts on net drives.
Shooter Focus Points
- Maintain possession carrying the puck up the ice.
- Make clean passes.
- Communicate with teammates.
Skills Focus
Fundamental Skills:
- Skating
- Positioning
- Stance
- Save Selection
- Rebound Control
- Recovery
Skating Skills:
- Shuffle
- T Push
- C Cut
- Butterfly
- Power Push
Game Situations:
- Small Sided Game
This drill and the website on which it is hosted were developed as part of USA Hockey's Goaltending Gold certification program. For more drills and goaltending content, visit GoalieGen.com. All drills created and organized in CoachThem.
