Adult hockeyBeer League Tips

Hockey 101

Hockey 101: Basic Power Play Formations

2 min read

This is part of our Hockey 101 series: positioning and team systems for beginner and intermediate players, and for teams that never get a practice.

Power play basics

A power play is your chance to set up shop in the offensive zone and really own the puck. Three things matter most:

  • Keep control of the puck.
  • Wait for a quality scoring chance.
  • Move the puck often to pull defenders out of position.

Small edge: some teams flip their wingers and defensemen so every stick faces the middle of the ice. That sets up better shots and one-timers (the diagrams below show it this way).

Basic: Box+1 (2-1-2)

Box+1 (2-1-2) power play: puck moves around the outside in red, passes into C in the slot in green

The simplest power play is the Box+1, also called the 2-1-2. Players stay in the spots they already know, so it is easy to run with any line.

  • Move the puck around the outside (in red) to drag defenders out of position.
  • Shoot from the outside or drive the seams.
  • Look for passes into C in the slot (in green).
  • Put your best scorer at C.
  • The weak side winger can slip in back door.
  • Use the defensemen as outlets to keep the puck moving.

Intermediate: Overload

Overload power play: C and LW play catch on the half wall to draw defenders, passes to the net front in green

The Overload can be your whole power play or a tweak to the Box+1. The idea is to pull defenders toward one corner and open up shooting lanes. Run it on either side (or both), depending on your team and the situation.

  • Best passers at C and LW. They play catch to quarterback the play and draw defenders (in red).
  • LD is the outlet when C and LW get pressured.
  • Look for passes to players in front (in green).
  • Scorer at RW digs in front and keeps one defender busy.
  • RD needs a strong, accurate shot, ideally a one-timer.
  • LD is the defensive safety; a big shot helps.

Moving between the two

You can switch between these systems on the fly. Two easy triggers: the puck goes below the goal line, or pressure pushes the winger (LW in the diagram) back to the half-boards.

Quick checklist

  • Possession first. No hope passes.
  • Be patient and wait for a quality chance.
  • Move the puck to move the penalty killers.
  • Sticks facing the middle if you can.
  • Start in the Box+1; shift to the Overload when the puck or pressure takes you there.

Bottom line

Your beer league power play does not need anything fancy. Keep the puck, move it, and wait for a real chance. Learn the Box+1 first, then add the Overload when your unit is ready.

Power play units work best when the same players show up every week. If figuring out who is in still happens in a group text, that is what RosterFX is for.

Keep reading: Hockey 101: Offensive Zone Structure · Hockey 101: Offensive Zone Entry · More Hockey 101

Keep reading

Hockey 101