Player Development & Small Area Games

A simple guide to 3v3 in-zone

Earlier today, I had a conversation with colleague David St-Louis about a presentation he had put together for a player we both consult for.

David had done research on the importance of shoulder-checking and suggests that small-area games may be good ways to develop the player’s ability to scan his surroundings with frequency, while searching for specific cues to inform decision-making.

Small-area games create three distinct scenarios (1v1, 2v1, 1v2), not all of which are equally conducive to developing the scan/search habits that lead to better plays and smarter players.

Here are three case studies.

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1v1 Game: 3v3 Battle Down Low

A classic small-area game used by many coaches, from minor hockey to the NHL.

Players are split into two teams. The team in possession (blue) attempt to score while their opponents (gray) attempt to force a turnover and either clear the zone, or score themselves.

Does this game promote scan/search?

I would argue no, as the player in possession is much more worried about retaining possession and gaining body position on their check (playing man-on-man), rather than scanning the ice and searching for open teammates (which should not exist, given the 3x 1v1 nature of this game).

In the long run, an overuse of 3v3 (or 2v2, or 1v1) games may actually erode a player’s ability to scan/search, as that habit is not reinforced.

Is this game useful, in a broad sense?

Of course! Playing 3v3 down low is a great way to develop conditioning and competitiveness. However, it won’t make your best players smarter or your worst players better.

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2v1 Game: Battle Down Low + Designated Player