The Role of the Bumper in the 1-3-1 Power Play: The Engine of Modern Offense

In today’s game, special teams often determine who wins tight matchups. At the youth, junior, college, and pro levels, teams that consistently create high-danger chances on the power play are usually the teams that score more, win more, and control momentum. And in nearly every elite power-play structure, one formation dominates: the 1-3-1.

Inside this formation, no position is more misunderstood—or more valuable—than the bumper. While the flank shooters and the net-front presence tend to get the spotlight, the bumper is the true engine of the modern power play. When executed properly, the bumper transforms the 1-3-1 from a static setup into a dynamic scoring machine.

Below is a deep dive into why the bumper matters, what elite bumpers do, and how teams can train players to excel in that role.

What Is the Bumper Position?

In the 1-3-1 formation, the setup typically looks like this:

• 1 player at the top (the point)

• 3 players across the middle:

  • Left flank

  • Middle bumper

  • Right flank

• 1 player net-front

The bumper stands in the high slot—between the penalty-kill forwards but above the net-front layer. This positioning makes the bumper a pivot point between all four teammates:

• The point

• The two flank shooters

• The net-front player

Think of the bumper as the hub in a wheel. If the hub works efficiently, the wheel spins. If it breaks down, everything becomes jammed.

Why the Bumper Matters in the 1-3-1

Most penalty kills are designed to eliminate plays in the middle of the ice. They will allow low-percentage plays on the outside but try to pressure or deny anything that cuts into the slot.

The bumper sits directly in the middle of that pressure — which means:

• If the bumper is a threat, the PK collapses and passing lanes open everywhere.

• If the bumper is not a threat, the PK can stretch out, pressure flanks, and make your PP predictable.

A strong bumper forces the PK to constantly “choose wrong.” Here’s how:

1. The Bumper Creates the Best Scoring Lane on the Ice

Shots from the flanks look great on highlight reels, but statistically, the slot is where goals are created:

• Higher shooting percentage

• Better screens

• More rebounds

• Easier redirections

A bumper who can catch, shoot, and release under pressure creates immediate danger the moment the puck touches their stick.

Elite bumpers understand how to find soft space, angle their body for quick release, and shoot through layers.

2. The Bumper Unlocks the Flanks

Most PPs rely heavily on flank shooters—your Ovechkin, Stamkos, Pastrňák, Kaprizov types. But if the PK cheats too hard to the flank, the shot is taken away.

A smart bumper punishes that cheat by:

• Sliding into the slot for a quick catch-and-release

• Opening the one-timer lane off the half-wall

• Serving as the quick-touch outlet on pressured plays

When the bumper is active, penalty killers can’t overplay your best shooter. That alone makes the flanks far more dangerous.

3. The Bumper Breaks Pressure

Modern penalty kills are far more aggressive. They push flanks, take away time, and try to force rim-outs or bad decisions.

The bumper is the pressure-release valve.

When a flank is under pressure, a quick one-touch to the bumper resets everything. A good bumper can then:

• Immediately redirect to the weak-side flank

• Hit the point for a reset

• Spin and shoot

• Slide into space for a second layer attack

Without a strong bumper, pressured power plays panic. With a strong bumper, they stay calm and attack openings.

4. The Bumper Connects the Power Play Structure

The bumper keeps the 1-3-1 moving. They serve as the connector between every position:

• Point → Bumper → Flank

• Flank → Bumper → Net-front

• Bumper → Bumper (finding space for second options)

• Bumper → Point (resetting structure)

• Bumper → Weak-side Flank (the most dangerous seam in hockey)

The best bumpers play “three steps ahead,” always anticipating the next opening or rotation.

Key Skills Every Bumper Must Have

Elite bumpers share a core set of abilities. Here’s what coaches should train and players should master:

1. Elite Hockey IQ

The bumper must:

• Recognize PK pressure patterns

• Anticipate rotations

• Find soft ice

• Read defender sticks

• React instantly off puck movement

Their decisions often have to be made in less than a second.

2. Quick One-Touch Passing

The bumper doesn’t hold pucks long. Their job is to:

• Redirect passes

• Change angles quickly

• Move pucks back into dangerous space before the PK can adjust

A high-skill bumper uses one-touch passes as a weapon.

3. Catch-and-Release Shooting

The bumper doesn’t have time to dust off the puck. Most scoring chances come from:

• Misdirections

• Broken plays

• Quick catch-and-shoot opportunities

The ability to receive the puck in traffic and fire it off the stick blade instantly separates average bumpers from elite ones.

4. Spatial Awareness & Constant Movement

The bumper can’t stand still. They must:

• Shift into passing lanes

• Slide away from pressure

• Create short support for flanks

• Step into shooting lanes when the PK collapses

A moving bumper is impossible to defend. A static bumper is easy to eliminate.

5. Physical Toughness

The high slot is crowded. Sticks are everywhere. The bumper is constantly:

• Battling for position

• Absorbing cross-checks

• Getting bumped off soft ice

• Shooting under heavy coverage

Great bumpers embrace that physical traffic and thrive in it.

How Coaches Should Train the Bumper Position

At Cutting Edge, this is where you can separate players with high-level offensive talent. Here are some training priorities:

1. Small-Area Triangles

Put three players in tight space (flank, point, bumper) and work:

• One-touch exchanges

• Quick supports

• Strong-side / weak-side reads

This builds chemistry and speed.

2. Bumper Shock-Release Drills

Have the bumper:

• Catch passes under pressure

• Release instantly

• Shoot from different foot positions

• Adjust to varying pass speeds

This recreates real power-play chaos.

3. High-Slot Repositioning Drills

Teach the bumper to:

• Slide laterally into soft space

• Time their movements with puck swings

• Open their body to the puck

Movement equals opportunity.

4. PK Pressure Simulation

Run drills where your PK pressures aggressively. Teach the bumper how to:

• Serve as the outlet

• Redirect away from pressure

• Hit the weak-side flank

This builds poise and read-react instincts.

Conclusion: The Bumper Is the Key to Unlocking the 1-3-1

If the 1-3-1 is the most effective modern power-play system, the bumper is the position that makes it work. They unlock every option:

• The slot shot

• The weak-side seam

• The flank one-timer

• The net-front tip

• The pressure relief play

When the bumper is skilled, active, and trusted, the entire structure becomes unpredictable and dangerous.

Every elite team needs a high-end bumper—and every youth player with offensive talent should learn this role early. It can turn a good power play into a dominant one.