SMALL AREA GAMES
Small-area games (SAGs) are an incredibly effective tool for developing ice hockey players, offering numerous advantages that can elevate both individual skills and team dynamics. Here’s a summary of their key benefits:
1. Enhanced Skill Development: Small-area games place players in tighter spaces, forcing them to improve their skating, puck control, passing, and shooting under pressure. This encourages faster decision-making and helps players develop technical skills in real-game situations.
2. Increased Puck Touches: By playing in smaller spaces, players touch the puck more frequently, which accelerates skill acquisition and improves overall puck handling. This helps them become more comfortable with the puck, increasing their confidence and ability to execute plays.
3. Improved Hockey IQ: SAGs promote quicker thinking and better decision-making. Players learn how to read the game, anticipate opponents’ moves, and make strategic decisions within a fast-paced environment, all of which are crucial for high-level play.
SAG
4. Conditioning & Agility: The high-intensity nature of small-area games improves players’ conditioning, agility, and endurance. Since the game is played at a fast pace with quick transitions, players become more agile and better prepared for the demands of competitive hockey.
5. Teamwork and Communication: These games foster collaboration and communication among teammates, as players need to work closely to create scoring opportunities and defend. This improves their understanding of team dynamics and how to function cohesively on the ice.
6. Mental Toughness: The intensity and competitive nature of small-area games build mental resilience. Players learn how to stay focused and remain calm under pressure, making them better equipped to handle the challenges of higher-level competition.
Incorporating small-area games into training routines not only makes hockey fun but also provides a comprehensive approach to developing all aspects of a player’s game, from individual skills to team strategy.
EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE SAG'S:
“Coach Tap” - 3v3
- Offensive Zone Play, Defensive Zone Play, Quick Transition of Position
“Gretzky” – 3v3 (+1)
- Offensive Zone Play, Defensive Zone Play, Quick Transition of Position -
“Point Blank” - 3v2
- Net Front Presence, Shooting for Sticks, Redirecting, Shots for Rebounds, Off-Puck Offense, Rebound Control, Off-Puck Defense
“Grouper” – 3v3 (+1)
- Puck Support, Breakout, Regrouping Tactics, Forecheck, Defensive Angling -
“Cross-Ice” (Traditional) - 3v3
- Quick Transitions of Position, Creating Space, Creativity, Body Positioning, Quick Decision Making
“Double Stack” - 3v3
- Creativity, Identifying and Creating Space,
“Back-To-Back” – 4v4
- Even Strength, Offensive Zone Attack, Body Positioning,
“Designated Shooter” - 4v2
- Powerplay, Penalty Kill, Offensive Zone Puck Control, Defensive Zone Coverage, Quick Transitions of Position, Isolating and Attacking on Offense -
“Side-By-Side” - 3v2, 4v3
- Powerplay, Penalty Kill, Offensive Zone Puck Control, Isolating and Attacking on Offense, Defensive Coverage, Odd-Man Defensive Coverage, Quick Transitions
“Oreo” - 3v3
- Offensive Zone Control, Forechecking, Defensive Zone Coverage, Clean Outlet Passing from Defensive Position.
“Tetris” - 4v2
- Powerplay, Penalty Kill, Offensive Zone Puck Control, Offensive Zone Isolation and Attack, Defensive Zone Coverage, Odd-Man Defensive Zone Coverage
“Nobles” – 3v3
- Body Position, Defensive Zone Coverage, Puck Possession (Inside Scoring Area) -
“Flank” – 4v4
- Powerplay, Offensive Zone play, Off-Puck Defensive Coverage -
“Goal Line” – 2v2
- Offensive Skills, Defensive Skills, Play Around Net, Quick Transitions -
“Mancini” – 2v2
- Transition
“Jump Man” (3rd Guy High)
- Offensive Zone Play, Defensive Zone Coverage, Transition
SPRING BREAK 2025 -SAG -13U
SPRING BREAK SMALL AREA GAMES (SAG)
APRIL 1-3, TUES, WED, THURS
GARNER ICEHOUSE
On-ice - 5:15 pm-6:45 pm (4.5 hours of ice time)
ALL THREE DAYS - $150
TWO DAYS - $100
ONE DAY $50
GOALIES FREE
4 GOALIES MAX
BIRTHYEARS - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
LEAD INSTRUCTOR - Devin Warfield, Austin Finch
Jake Wilkerson, Bobby Gram, Glen Farmer
** extra savings with a KODIAK membership. Check the registration button for details
RegisterSPRING BREAK 2025-SAG-U16/U14
SPRING BREAK SMALL AREA GAMES (SAG)
APRIL 1-3, TUES, WED, THURS
GARNER ICEHOUSE
On-ice - 7:00-8:30 pm (4.5 hours of ice time)
ALL THREE DAYS - $150
TWO DAYS - $100
ONE DAY $50
GOALIES FREE
4 GOALIES MAX
BIRTHYEARS - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
LEAD INSTRUCTOR - Devin Warfield
Matt Strand, Austin Finch
Jake Wilkerson, Bobby Gram
** extra savings with a KODIAK membership. Check the registration button for details
Register