Elevate Your Team’s Game with the Two Versus Two Continuous Back Check Drill
Hockey is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that demands not only skill and speed but also a relentless work ethic, especially when it comes to defensive play. One of the most critical yet often under-practiced aspects of hockey is back checking—the art of hustling back to defend after a turnover or offensive rush. To help coaches and players master this essential skill, Jeremy Weiss of Weiss Tech Hockey introduces a dynamic and engaging drill: the Two Versus Two Continuous Back Check Drill.
This drill is designed to simulate real-game scenarios in a confined space, pushing players to their limits while making the learning process enjoyable. Let’s break down the setup, execution, and benefits of this high-tempo drill, and explore how it can transform your team’s approach to back checking and overall defensive play.
The Importance of Back Checking in Hockey
Why Back Checking Matters
Back checking is the backbone of effective team defense. It’s the effort players put in to recover after losing possession, racing back to disrupt the opposition’s attack. Strong back checking can be the difference between a scoring chance against and a successful defensive stand. It requires speed, awareness, and a commitment to team play.
Common Challenges
Many teams struggle with consistent back checking, especially in youth and amateur hockey. Players may not fully grasp its importance, or they may lack the conditioning to execute it effectively throughout a game. Drills that emphasize back checking in a fun, competitive environment can help bridge this gap.
Drill Overview: Two Versus Two Continuous Back Check
Drill Concept
The Two Versus Two Continuous Back Check Drill is a confined-space, high-intensity exercise that combines offensive rushes with immediate defensive transitions. It’s designed to keep players moving at full speed, simulating the quick changes of possession that occur in real games.
Key Features
- Confined Space: The drill is set up between the two blue lines, creating a condensed area that forces players to make quick decisions and stay engaged.
- Continuous Action: The drill flows without long pauses, ensuring players are constantly transitioning between offense and defense.
- High Tempo: Players sprint both ways, maximizing conditioning and replicating game-like intensity.
- Fun and Competitive: The drill’s structure encourages battling and competition, making hard work enjoyable.
Setting Up the Drill
Rink Layout
- Nets: Place one net on each blue line, facing each other.
- Teams: Divide players into two teams, with each team forming two lines. For clarity, let’s call them the Black Team and the Blue Team.
- Goalies: Position a goalie in each net.
- Coach: Stand at the red line with a pile of pucks.
Player Positioning
- Lines: Each team has two lines, one on each side of the rink. The Black Team’s lines are on one side, and the Blue Team’s lines are on the other.
- Starting Point: The first player from each line is ready to jump into the drill at the coach’s signal.
Description
- 2v0 from the blue line (just to start the drill)
- Coach passes to either attacker
- As soon as the shot is taken two players from the opposite blue line attack, with the original shooters backchecking
- Coach passes to either attacker
- Drill repeats
Running the Drill: Step-by-Step
1. Initiating the Drill
- On the coach’s whistle, the first player from each Black Team line sprints onto the ice, attacking two-on-zero toward the Blue Team’s net.
- The coach selects one of the two attackers and passes them the puck to start the rush.
2. Offensive Attack
- The two Black Team players drive hard to the net, executing a quick attack. This could involve a pass across for a one-timer, a backdoor play, or a direct shot.
- The focus is on speed, creativity, and finishing the play quickly.
3. Transition to Defense
- As soon as the first shot is taken (or, if the coach prefers, after a rebound opportunity), the two Blue Team players from the opposite lines sprint out.
- The Black Team players who just attacked must immediately transition to defense, turning and back checking at full speed.
4. Blue Team’s Offensive Rush
- The coach passes a puck to one of the Blue Team attackers, who now rush two-on-zero toward the Black Team’s net.
- The former Black Team attackers are now back checkers, hustling to disrupt the play and prevent a goal.
5. Continuous Flow
- After the Blue Team’s shot (or rebound), the next two Black Team players jump in, and the cycle repeats.
- The drill continues in this back-and-forth manner, with each team alternating between attacking and back checking.
Coaching Tips and Variations
Adjusting the Drill
- Space: If the drill feels too cramped, move the nets further apart to give players more room. Conversely, keep it tight for more intense battles.
- Transition Timing: The coach can control when the next group goes—immediately after the shot, after a rebound, or on a whistle. This allows for flexibility based on the team’s needs.
- Rebound Opportunities: Allowing for rebounds can add realism and force defenders to stay engaged longer.
Emphasizing Key Skills
- Full-Speed Sprints: Encourage players to go all out in both directions. The drill is as much about conditioning as it is about skill.
- Quick Transitions: Stress the importance of turning from offense to defense instantly. This simulates the urgency required in real games.
- Communication: Players should talk to each other, calling out assignments and supporting their teammates.
Keeping It Fun
- Competition: Track goals or successful defensive stops to add a competitive edge.
- Short Shifts: Keep groups moving quickly to maintain high energy and engagement.
Benefits of the Two Versus Two Continuous Back Check Drill
Game-Like Intensity
The drill’s confined space and rapid transitions closely mimic the pace and pressure of actual games. Players learn to make decisions under duress and adapt quickly to changing situations.
Improved Conditioning
With constant sprints and minimal rest, players build endurance and explosiveness. This translates directly to better performance in games, especially late in periods when fatigue sets in.
Enhanced Defensive Awareness
By repeatedly transitioning from offense to defense, players develop a stronger sense of responsibility and anticipation. They learn to recognize when to back check and how to position themselves to disrupt the opposition.
Offensive Creativity
The two-on-zero rushes give players opportunities to practice quick passes, creative plays, and finishing skills—all under the pressure of back checkers closing in.
Team Cohesion
The drill fosters communication and teamwork, as players must work together on both sides of the puck. It also builds a culture of accountability, where everyone is expected to contribute defensively.
Implementing the Drill in Your Practice
Preparation
- Printouts: Having a diagram or printout of the drill can help players visualize the setup and flow. Resources are available at Weiss Tech Hockey’s website.
- Explanation: Take time to walk players through the drill before starting. Emphasize the objectives and key teaching points.
Execution
- Start Slow: Run the drill at a moderate pace initially, ensuring everyone understands their roles.
- Increase Tempo: Gradually ramp up the speed and intensity as players become more comfortable.
- Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback during and after the drill. Highlight strong back checking efforts and areas for improvement.
Integration
- Regular Use: Incorporate the drill into your practice routine regularly to reinforce habits.
- Combine with Other Drills: Pair the back check drill with other defensive or transition drills for a comprehensive practice session.
Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls
Players Not Back Checking Hard
If players are coasting on the back check, remind them that the drill’s purpose is to simulate game-speed transitions. Consider adding incentives or consequences to encourage maximum effort.
Confusion on Transitions
Ensure players know when to switch from offense to defense. Use clear signals (whistle, verbal cue) and reinforce the timing during walkthroughs.
Fatigue Setting In
The drill is demanding. Monitor players for signs of excessive fatigue and adjust rest periods as needed. Rotate groups to keep everyone fresh and engaged.
Expanding the Drill: Advanced Variations
Adding a Third Attacker or Defender
For older or more advanced teams, consider making it a three-on-two or three-on-three drill. This increases complexity and further challenges players’ decision-making and communication.
Incorporating Special Teams
Modify the drill to simulate power play or penalty kill situations, giving players experience in different game scenarios.
Tracking Stats
Keep track of goals, successful back checks, or turnovers to add a statistical element. This can motivate players and provide measurable benchmarks for improvement.
Making Practice Fun and Effective
One of the standout features of the Two Versus Two Continuous Back Check Drill is its ability to blend hard work with enjoyment. Players are pushed to their limits, but the competitive, fast-paced nature of the drill keeps them engaged and motivated. When players are having fun, they’re more likely to give maximum effort and retain what they learn.
Resources for Coaches
For those looking to implement this drill and others like it, Weiss Tech Hockey offers a wealth of resources:
- Drill Printouts: Visual aids to help with setup and explanation.
- Video Demonstrations: Step-by-step breakdowns of drills and tactics.
- Comprehensive Coaching Material: Strategies, skills, and practice plans for all levels.
Visit Weiss Tech Hockey for more information and to access these valuable tools.
Conclusion
The Two Versus Two Continuous Back Check Drill is a powerful addition to any coach’s toolkit. By emphasizing high-tempo transitions, defensive responsibility, and offensive creativity, it prepares players for the demands of real-game situations. Its confined space and continuous flow ensure that every participant is engaged, challenged, and improving with each repetition.
Whether you’re coaching youth hockey or working with advanced players, this drill can help instill the habits and skills necessary for success. Make it a regular part of your practice routine, and watch your team’s back checking—and overall game—reach new heights.
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Jeremy Weiss (with his translator) presenting at a hockey coaching symposium for the Russian Federation in Moscow—2018.
Who is Jeremy Weiss?
Hockey coach and international consultant, Jeremy Weiss, has worked with thousands of coaches worldwide since 2008 to help produce championship teams at every age and skill level.
He is known internationally through the work he has done online. In 2008 he invented “digital chalktalks” which combined screen sharing with drill diagramming software, to produce a training experience nobody had ever seen before. His YouTube following quickly grew to over 19,000 subscribers, and he has produced over 130 training videos.
Jeremy runs a development blog for coaches, which has over 280 posts. He is the author of 10 hockey books for coaches, and is the editor of Hockey Development Magazine.
He was trained in the Eastern European style as a pre-teen, by his Czechoslovakian skills coach, and competed internationally as a “Wexford Raider” among the top youth hockey programs in the world including Russia, Czechoslovakia, Finland, and top teams in his home province Ontario, Canada.
He majored in Exercise Sciences at Brigham Young University, and subsequently worked as a Personal Trainer, where he continued to study and develop ideal training methods for hockey.
He has incorporated the very best pieces from the various training styles he has been involved in, and has built a world-class off-ice strength and conditioning program that fits the specific needs of hockey players.
