Power Play: The Pyramid Shape

There are many possible power-play shapes, but among them the pyramid is one of the most common, to the point that it is used very frequently even in top-level categories.

At the same time, although it is an extremely attacking shape, the distances to the defenders are very short, so even a small mistake can easily lead to conceding. In that sense, it is a double-edged shape.

This article explains the tactics behind the pyramid power-play shape.

Overview

Positioning and body orientation

• The shape is 1-2-2 (the deepest player must stay in front of the second penalty mark)
• All five players occupy different lanes
• Players are on the opposite side from their stronger foot (ideally, the deepest player can strike with both feet)
• Think of creating two 3-on-line structures, one on each side