Low Cycle 2-3 Offense

Objective: Grind offense: three forwards cycle the strong-side wall while two D hold the line — possession wears the coverage down until the slot opens. Setup: Three forwards in a low triangle on the strong side, two D at the points. Coverage defends the cycle. Execution: The puck-carrier attacks up the wall; feeling pressure, he chips it back down the boards behind him — the trailing forward exchanges underneath and picks it up clean. Third forward holds net-front, screening and waiting — he only leaves the blue paint area for a puck he can win. Trigger to strike: a defender chases the cycle above the goal line = the carrier spins off to the newly-empty slot, or the net-front pops to the bumper for the quick shot. Coaching points: Use it when: you're the heavier team, protecting a lead on the road, or the coverage collapses poorly — the cycle manufactures shifts that end in icings and tired defenders. What beats it: a D who stays between the cycle and the net and refuses to chase — then use the point shot with the net-front screen instead of forcing the wall. Chips go back DOWN the wall to space, hip-height off the boards — hard rims skip past your own exchange.