Overload Power Play System

The Overload Power Play system is designed to overload one area of the ice, keeping players in close formation for better passing options

As its name suggests, the purpose of the Overload Power Play formation is to “overload” one side of the ice with a 3-on-2 matchup. When applying this power play system in the attacking zone, it is advised that your power play units stick to one side of the ice every time in order for your players to become more familiar with each other working in this play’s formation. Different lines can work from the opposite side of the ice if they find it more comfortable.

The usual formation calls for a player to be positioned on the off wing, so they can pass to the forward close to the net or the player on defense who can then shoot or make another pass. The downside of the Overload Power Play is that one player sets up too low in the O zone to generate their own effective scoring chance.

Setup

A major consideration to make when running this play is which side your players shoot from. The reason being is that as the play unfolds in real time, you want the best possible angle shot from each position.

While the deepest player in the zone can really shoot either righty or lefty, if you are working the play on the left side of the ice (pictured), you ideally want the leftmost skaters to have a right-handed shot. The same goes for play on the right side of the ice, in which case you would want your players along the boards to shoot lefty.

Player 1 is drawing the defenders’ attention away from the other skaters in order to allow them to get in better position to be fed a pass. This forward should have good vision and passing skills, and the ability to work the puck out of a tie-up along the boards.

Player 2 should be one of your better-skilled players, with the ability to walk the puck in and make a play on net. They should also possess good vision and strong passing skills, but this position will also need a quick, accurate wrist shot.

Player 3 needs to be a big presence in front of the net, with the ability to hold their own and grab up rebounds. This play’s formation tends to result in a large number of outside shots on goal; Player 3 should be able to hold position, screen the goalie, redirect shots whenever possible, and make plays with rebounds.

In rec hockey especially, you want to make sure you have your strongest skaters and puck handlers on defense during Special Teams play. It is important that your defense running the play (4 and 5) can put the puck hard on net, but even more so that they can hold the zone and prevent odd-man rushes against.

Execution

• Players 1 and 2 can cycle the puck, trying to draw a defender away from the front of the net.
• Player 2 can advance the puck on net if a lane opens up in the defense.
• If left open, slide a hard pass to Player 3 for a quick shot on net. Look for Player 5 on the blueline to put the puck on net.

The principles of this system were sourced from Jeremy Weiss, owner/director of Weiss Tech Hockey Schools.  Weiss Tech Hockey Schools offer development camps, private lessons, team consulting, and coaching instruction to players of all levels. For more information visit his Hockey Drills and Skills blog, Weiss Tech Hockey.

Article previously published and updated with additionall information.