Objective:Introduce the 2-3-1 formation and teach players how to maintain width, depth, and support shape during live play.
Delivery: This block may take 1–3 sessions depending on group ability. Focus on visible structure before increasing game speed.
¶ Exit Standard
By the end of Block 5, players should be able to demonstrate the following in short game play:
- Holds basic 2-3-1 shape.
- Understands forward and back defensive roles.
- Maintains width and depth in attack and defense.
- Forms a visible support triangle around the puck.
- Understanding 2 forwards, 3 mids, 1 back structure
- Width and spacing
- Depth in defense and attack
- Support triangle around puck carrier
- Maintaining shape during transitions
- Full half court space marked clearly
- Markers placed to visually show width positions
- Whiteboard or poolside diagram for dry explanation
- Minimum 1 puck for structured play
- Explain 2 forwards, 3 mids (center and 2 wings), 1 full back.
- Show spacing between lines.
- Clarify basic defensive and attacking roles.
- Players position themselves without movement.
- Coach adjusts spacing manually.
- Ensure width and depth are visible.
- Puck moved slowly across court.
- Players adjust while maintaining formation.
- Coach freezes play to correct spacing.
- Increase tempo gradually.
- Introduce light contest.
- Reinforce triangle support around puck.
- Short structured game.
- Stop play when shape collapses.
- Reset to correct 2-3-1 alignment.
- Hold your line
- Width
- Depth
- Triangle around puck
- Stop immediately when shape collapses.
- Reposition players physically if needed.
- Keep tempo slow enough to maintain structure.
- Increase game tempo.
- Add transition immediately after turnover.
- Reduce verbal prompts from coach.
- Return to static positioning.
- Slow ball movement.
- Reduce number of active players temporarily.
- All players collapsing on puck → Cue: “Hold shape.”
- No width → Cue: “Use the wings.”
- Back too high → Cue: “Protect depth.”
- Forwards drifting too deep → Cue: “Stay high.”
Finish each session with short game play.