Equipment Needed

A bulk bag of practice pucks keeps a fast-paced 3-on-3 simulation flowing without a stoppage.

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Setup

Set up two teams of three skaters each with goalies at both ends, using the full ice surface.
Start with a faceoff or live puck drop at center ice.

Play live, up-tempo 3-on-3 hockey, emphasizing quick transitions and wide-open ice.
Defensively, prioritize preventing odd-man rushes over aggressive pinching, given the open space.
Offensively, look to attack with speed and use the extra space to create one-on-one or two-on-one advantages.
Play to a specific score or time limit, then reset with fresh personnel.

Coaching Points

Risk management changes completely in 3-on-3 — a turnover deep in the offensive zone can very quickly become a breakaway the other way.
Conserve energy during longer shifts; the open ice makes 3-on-3 far more physically demanding per shift than a normal game.
Reward smart, simple plays (protecting a lead, avoiding unnecessary risk) as much as flashy offensive ones.
This format is also a great conditioning and decision-making tool even outside of specific overtime preparation.

Adjust to 4-on-4 for a slightly less open version, or set specific game-situation scenarios (protecting a lead, needing a goal) to add context.