Protect the puck and support the puck better with this surprisingly fun and effective drill.

Divide your players into teams of 3. Two teams of 3 play team keep-away in the zone. They are not trying to score but to complete 5 consecutive passes to a teammate without turning the puck over.

If the defensive team gains control they try to complete 5 passes. Each time there is a turnover the pass count goes back to zero. The coach counts the number of completed passes.

When one team completes 5 passes they win. Losing team must do 10 pushups. If neither team completes 5 passes all players do 10 pushups. Depending on how many players are part of the drill, either the winning team stays in to play the team resting on the blue line or two new teams start the drill.

Player with the puck must work to protect it until a teammate can make himself available for a pass. Players without the puck must work hard to support the puck carrier. Defensive players need to maintain close gap and active sticks to take away options and passing lanes.

Show players how to use offensive zone puck support options. Remind players think one step ahead and anticipate their next move before they get the puck.

Puck protection and puck support are so important at higher levels of the game. This is a great drill to get players to use the required skills and tactics under game-like conditions. Players have fun because of the competition and you can see them making better decisions by the end of the drill.

FYI: No goalies required for this drill. Goalies can work at the opposite end on goalie-specific training with coaches. Or split the team to work in stations and include the goalies in another station.