PowerplayHockeyLike the Pros

1-3-1 Powerplay

Manipulate the penalty kill, create space, and generate high-danger scoring chances.

Play breakdown video

The system

The 1-3-1 power play is a formation that aims to manipulate the defending team’s structure to put players in scoring positions. Movement, quick passes, and rotations force defenders to react — opening up passing and shooting lanes. Good shooters on the flanks can be one-timer threats. Another option is working the puck down low to create outnumbered situations against a diamond penalty kill.

Player responsibilities

  • F1, D2 — Flank: A constant shooting threat who can roll high to attack the net with speed, or stay low for a backdoor option.
  • F2 — Bumper: Force defenders to cover by finding open ice in the slot, and pulling them out of position to create other passing options.
  • F3 — Net Front: Disrupt the goaltender by screening and deflecting shots. Also rotates below the goal line as a low passing option to feed the bumper and flank.
  • D1 — Quarterback: Distributor feeding the flanks or taking shots for tips. Must walk the line to create shooting and passing lanes.

PP - 1-3-1

Key teaching points

Constant movement and passes

Especially in the bumper spot to create coverage hand-offs and open up space for the flanks by bringing defenders to the middle.

Deceptive passing and scanning

Keeps defenders guessing and utilizes open passing lanes for scoring chances from different levels of the ice.

Rotations

Fill positions as players move in and out of their spots, to cause confusion and create new looks for the penalty kill to defend.

Install the 1-3-1 at practice

Use this practice plan to install the 1-3-1 powerplay with your team. Covers setup, shooting lanes, net-front battles, and full 5-on-4 reps.

Quick answers

What is the 1-3-1 powerplay in hockey?
The 1-3-1 is a powerplay formation where one player sets up at the point, three players spread across the middle layer (two flanks and a slot bumper), and one player works the net front. The shape stresses the penalty kill by attacking multiple layers at once.
What does the 1-3-1 powerplay try to create?
The formation aims to generate one-timer opportunities for shooters on the flanks, open ice in the slot for the bumper, and low-zone outnumbered situations when the puck moves below the dots. Constant movement is the engine — the more the penalty kill has to hand off coverage, the more likely a lane opens.
What penalty kill does the 1-3-1 attack best?
The 1-3-1 is particularly effective against a diamond penalty kill. It stretches the diamond both horizontally and vertically, forcing the kill to choose which threat to take away.
How do I add this system to GAME4?
Click the “Add” button to copy the board into your library, then add the drill and system to your practice plan and share it with your team.