The Box-and-One, also known as the 2-1-2, is a good power play system for spreading out the defense and generating scoring chances from in front of the net. As is the case in most power play formations, your right winger and right defenseman should ideally shoot lefty and your left winger and left defenseman should shoot from the right. Adhering to this rule of thumb will facilitate puck movement as you cycle through the zone.
The Box-and-One power play system is built around your center who plays the mid slot (1). This should be your best all-around player on the ice, someone who is able to catch and dish quick passes as well as place shots accurately on net. Keep in mind that because this system positions your center smack in between most defensive formations, he/she will probably take a lot of abuse regardless of what level of contact you play at. In this power play system, your center should try to keep position in the slot while your team has control of the puck.
Point players can shoot more liberally from this formation, because it allows for a greater defensive presence along the blue line. When one of your point players shoots, the other should immediately assume a defensive position in case the shot is deflected by the opposition or they gain possession off a rebound. The shooting player should hold the zone, looking for high deflections and be ready to thwart the opposition from developing a play.
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This spread 2-1-2 Power Play set up is very common on a 5-3 pp. The D move up to the top of the circle instead of stay back at the blue line. It is also effective in a 5-4.
I coached in Europe and a few teams used this 2-1-2 but the forwards set up below the goal line. I think I also saw the USA Olympic Women’s Team setting up like that. The low forwards cause the defenders to turn their back and lose track of the point men and there can be lots of one timer shots. The forwards can pass behind the goal to each other and then walk out and decide whether to back door, pass high or across for a one times or pass to the player in the middle of the box.
Lots of options and very difficult to defend.