¶ Muffin Top (2-2-2 Open Water Formation)
Basic formation structure:
- 2 Forwards
- 2 Wings
- 2 Backs
¶ Overview
The Muffin Top is an approximate 2-2-2 formation designed to encourage play through the center of the pool rather than along the walls.
The formation focuses on:
- Moving play off the walls into open-water
- Maintaining possesion of the puck
- Developing individual and teamwork skills
Primarily used as a development and training formation, the Muffin Top helps players become more comfortable operating in the 3m–6m central area between trays.
¶ Main Goal
- Move play away from the walls
- Maintain layered support through the middle
- Create safer passing options in open water
- Improve tactical flexibility across other formations
¶ Playing Zones
¶ Open Water Play Zone
- Primary operating area of the formation
- Covers the central half of the court
- Focuses on open-water support and movement
- This Zone is where the Muffin Top formation differentiates most from other formations played
¶ Defend at All Costs Zone
- Defensive recovery and tray protection area
- The ¼ court near the goal we are defending
- Includes the sub-zone Defensive Keep Out Zone
¶ Crash the Goal Zone
- High-pressure offensive scoring area
- The ¼ court near the opponent’s goal
- Includes sub-zones:
- Offensive Keep Out Zones
- Full Attack Zone 3m circle around the tray
¶ Muffin Zone
- Preferred operating area of the formation
- Extends ~5m from each side of the centerline
- Encourages layered support and passing structure
- Players should always redirect play from the walls back to the heart of the formation
¶ Forward Roles
The Forward line consists of:
- FC — Controlling Forward
- FD — Disrupting Forward
Both roles work together to:
- Maintain forward pressure
- Support open-water progression
- Disrupt opponent structure
- Recycle possession safely
¶ Controlling Forward (FC)
Expand FC Summary
- Maintains controlled possession
- Provides safe forward passing option
- Supports offensive structure through the center
- Recycles possession under pressure
¶ Disrupting Forward (FD)
Expand FD Summary
- Disrupts passing lanes
- Pressures transitions
- Creates defensive chaos
- Supports offensive pushes when needed
¶ Wing Roles
The Wings provide the outside pressure and structure for the formation.
Their primary responsibilities are:
- Prevent the opposing team from advancing around the outside of the formation
- Funnel the puck toward the center or heart of formation towards the support
- Support offensive progression through controlled movement and pressure
- Maintain defensive balance during transitions
¶ Strong Wing
Expand Strong Wing Summary
- Primary offensive pressure player
- Attacks open-water lanes
- Maintains movement while in possession
- Drives offensive progression
¶ Weak Wing
Expand Weak Wing Summary
- Acts as Last Back
- Maintains defensive balance
- Protects recovery lanes
- Supports transitions safely
¶ Back Roles
The Backs:
- Maintain central structure
- Support Wings and Forwards
- Control offensive cycling
- Recycle possession safely
¶ Zig-Zag Cycling
Expand Zig-Zag Summary
- Shifts defensive pressure laterally
- Creates passing lanes
- Resets offensive structure
- Opens attacking opportunities
¶ Positioning and Shape
¶ Center Open-Water Positioning
¶ Standard Open-Water Positioning
¶ Wall Positioning
¶ Defend at All Costs Zone
Expand Defensive Systems
- Move play away from the tray
- Protect the center lane
- Maintain outside defensive coverage
- Prevent reverse movement and breakaways
¶ Crash the Goal Zone
Expand Offensive Systems
- Maintain offensive pressure near the tray
- Create high-quality scoring opportunities
- Recycle possession safely
- Prevent counterattacks during recovery
¶ Strike Plays
