DEFENSE AT THE PUCK Defense at the puck refers to all the strategies used by a defending player when defending the puckcarrier. A defender should learn basic concepts, positioning, how to check, how to handle common 1-1 situations, and how to block shots. DEFENSE AT THE PUCK - CONCEPTS Introduction Discussed below are the defense at the puck concepts of ice awareness, counting numbers, reading through the play, identifying, and communicating Have Ice Awareness The defender at the puck must understand exactly what situation he is involved in. Is it a 1-1 or a 2-1? Does the attacking player have a trailer to pass to? Does a forechecker have back up support? To understand each situation, the defender at the puck must see the man with the puck and, also, see the rest of the ice surface. This is called ice awareness. Count Numbers Part of being "ice aware" involves counting numbers. The defender at the puck must count how many offensive players are in his area. He must know if he is facing a 1-1, a 2- 1, a 2-2, etc. The defender’s tactical decisions will depend on the number of offensive and defensive players in his area. Read Through the Play Being ice aware also involves reading through the play. The defender should see the puckcarrier, but also see "through" the puckcarrier to what is happening on the rest of the ice. For example, this would refer to a defender handling a 1-1 while skating backwards into his defensive zone. The defender must see through the puckcarrier into the neutral zone. By doing this he will understand whether the situation is a 1-1, or if the puckcarrier has pass options to a trailer making the situation a 2-1. Identify Players will be more ice aware if they practice identification. Identification means two things. First, it means the defenders "identify" what numerical situation they are facing. Secondly, it means each defender identifies which offensive player he is responsible for. Communicate In all the above instances, as is the case in all hockey, communication is critical. Defenders should be talking to each other constantly - yelling things like "2-2" or "switch". This makes playing defense much easier. POSITIONING Introduction Positioning is an important aspect of playing defense. Players can handle defensive situations better with good positioning. Establish Defensive Side Positioning The puckcarrier’s objective is to move the puck toward the net. Thus, a defender must position himself accordingly. Proper positioning places the defender between the puckcarrier and the net. This is called defensive side positioning. A defender should be aware of this as they play a puckcarrier. The defender should be saying to himself at all times, "I must stay on the defensive side." A defender can try to steal the puck or go for a big hit but not at the expense of staying on the defensive side. To stay on the defensive side, the defender should take an “inside out” alignment. This will force the puckcarrier toward the outside of the rink where the defender can close on him when ready. The defender can stay on the defensive side whether playing aggressively (finishing a check while forechecking) or while playing patiently (backing in handling a 2-1). Take Away Time and Space Time and space is a simple yet extremely important topic. The more time the puckcarrier has the better quality plays he will make. Likewise, the more space the puckcarrier has, the better quality plays he will

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make. Thus, it becomes the defender's responsibility to take away as much time and space as possible from the puckcarrier. This will rush the puckcarrier into bad decisions or force him into confined spaces where he will not be able to make good plays. When appropriate the defender must close on the puckcarrier to take away time and space. To close, the defender skates towards and then extends his stick towards the puckcarrier. Close and Keep a Tight Gap Closing the gap is one method of taking away time and space from the puckcarrier. The gap represents the distance between the puckcarrier and the defender. The defender wants to keep this gap as tight as possible. In even numbered situations, the defender should skate as quickly as possible toward the puckcarrier, then slow to gain control of his body and maintain good defensive side positioning. From here the defender must decide whether to continue with pressure (pressure checking - discussed below) or be more patient (containment checking - discussed below). Angle to the Boards Closing the gap takes away the puckcarrier's time. Angling takes away the puckcarrier’s space. A defender should always take away the middle of the rink and force the puckcarrier to the outside. By doing so the puckcarrier will eventually run out of space along the boards or in other critical areas of the ice. In these cases, the boards help the defender by limiting the space available to the puckcarrier. Shut Down the Critical Areas When angling, the defender should recognize critical areas on the ice. He will then know when to close on a man. For example, a defenseman carrying the puck will try to get to the blue line so he can pass the full length of the neutral zone and avoid a two line pass. The defender who can angle a puck carrying defenseman to the boards before the blue line has taken away critical space from the defenseman. Puck carrying forwards and defensemen will try to gain the red line to dump the puck in without taking an icing. The defender should angle the puckcarrier to the boards before the red line forcing him into a critical space situation. Puckcarriers entering the offensive zone will try to gain enough space to delay and use trailers. Defenders should try to quickly take away that space. Stay Square The defender, whether closing the gap or angling, should always stay square to the puckcarrier. This means the defender should never turn his back on, or circle away from the puckcarrier. This will require the defender to use stops and starts. The only exception to this rule is penalty killing where a defender’s skating motion should bring the defender back towards his own end of the ice. Know when to Pressure or Contain Once a defender understands defensive side positioning and knows how to take away time and space, he can decide whether to move forward and put instant pressure on the puckcarrier or back off, be patient and simply try to contain the puckhandler. A defender must decide whether to check aggressively or patiently. Pressure Checking/Aggressive Checking The defender should put instant pressure on the puckcarrier in the following situations: - the puckcarrier is in a dangerous scoring area like the front of the net or the slot - the defender is approaching a puckcarrier who has his back turned - the defender is approaching a puckcarrier who is having a difficult time controlling the puck - the defender has back up support as he is approaching the puckcarrier (the defenders outnumber the offensive players) - the defender has angled the puckcarrier into a critical area position Containment Checking/Patient Checking A defender will not be able, in all situations, to put quick pressure on the puckcarrier. He may, at times, have to be more patient. He may, in fact, have to retreat back toward his own end of the ice. A very obvious example of this would be an open ice 1-1 where the defender may have to retreat toward his own

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end. This process is called giving up ice. Containment means the defender is trying to control the puckcarrier’s decisions and movements without attacking him directly. This can be done by angling, giving up ice and deflecting. A defender should use containment checking in the following situations: - the defender has not established good gap control -the puckcarrier is coming with speed directly at the defender - the puckcarrier has full control of the puck with his head up - the defender is out numbered by the opposition. CHECKING Introduction Checking means many different things in hockey. Checking is too often narrowly defined as a defending player hitting an opposition player. Checking is much more than that. While playing the body is important, the main purpose of checking is to separate the puckcarrier from the puck. This allows the defending team to regain possession of the puck. The following are checking methods used to regain puck possession. Body Checking Here we will discuss checking fundamentals and the variety of body checks used in hockey. Stick checking Here we will discuss how the stick can be used to control the puckcarrier's ability to move the puck and to control the puckcarrier's hands, stick and body. Forechecking Here we will focus on defense at the puck tactics used by a single forechecker against a puckcarrier attempting to breakout the puck. Backchecking Backchecking is covering a man or an area while returning to your own end of the ice. Backchecking can be either at the puck or away from the puck. Here we will discuss backchecking at the puck. BODY CHECKING Introduction Body checking involves using the body to either hit an opposition player directly, rub or ride him off to the boards, or skate through the puckcarrier’s skating lane. Body checking is often called playing or taking the body. A good defender at the puck realizes it is his job to take the puckcarrier out of the play. It is the job of the closest “defender away from the puck" to pick up the loose puck. To be a good body checker players must know: Checking Fundamentals Here we will discuss how a defender should angle the play, decide a checking strategy, use good checking technique, finish the check, and control and pin. Variety of Body Checks Used Here we will discuss the full body check, the body check with arms, the shoulder check, and the hip check. CHECKING FUNDAMENTALS Introduction To body check, a defender must be a good skater. A defender needs to skate quickly enough to get into checking position and then have the agility and balance to finish the check. Additionally, the following checking fundamentals must be understood and applied. A defender should angle the play, decide a checking strategy, use good checking technique, finish the check, and control and pin. Angle the Play Occasionally a defender may catch the puckcarrier with his head down allowing the defender to approach straight on to deliver a hit. However, it is very difficult to contain a puckcarrier with his head up by approaching straight on. It is better for a defender to angle the puckcarrier toward the outside, to the

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boards, if possible, to complete the check. To angle, the skating speed of the defending player must be under control and match the skating speed of the puckcarrier. Choose Checking Strategy A player can choose to apply a fully body check, but has a number of additional options when deciding how to body check. These options are listed below. Take the Man Out of the Play - a defender does not always need to make a full body check. Occasionally, a defender can simply take his man out of the play. Taking a man out of the play along the boards is referred to as rubbing a man out. The defender takes his man out of the play by placing his body in the skating path of the puckcarrier and steering him to the boards. An example would be a defenseman skating backward handling a 1-1 near the boards or a backchecker catching the puckcarrier and riding him to the boards. Take Away the Skating Lane - another method of checking without body contact is to take away the skating lane of the puckcarrier. This will force the puckcarrier to give up the puck, skate toward the outside, of the rink or skate into the defender . Separate Hands From the Puck - when taking a man out along the boards the defender should separate the puckcarrier from the puck. To do this, the defender must get his hands and stick through the hands and stick of the puckcarrier. Then, the defender follows through with a body check. In this way the defender controls the ability of the puckcarrier to skate and the ability of the puckcarrier to pass the puck. This method of checking allows smaller players to be effective checkers without having to make big hits. Use Good Checking Technique Stay in Control - a defender must keep his body under control when checking. To do so, the defender should use his edges for balance and leverage when checking the puckcarrier. He must be able to check while skating forward, backwards or making turns. Maintain Athletic Stance - when preparing to body check the feet should be spread comfortably apart, legs slightly bent directly and butt down. The upper body should lean slightly forward, and, on contact, the defender’s body weight should be on the inside edge of the skates. Keep Stick and Elbows Down - a defender should keep his sticks and elbows down when checking. Using the sticks and elbows is much less effective than using the shoulders, body and hips to body check, and leads to penalties. Keep Eyes On Chest - The defender should keep his eyes on the puckcarrier’s chest when checking. In this way, the defender will not be beaten by a 1-1 move by the puckcarrier. Finish the Check Hockey rules dictate that a defender can only body check a player with the puck, or a player who has just passed a puck not yet received by a teammate. The latter situation is called: finishing a check, following through, or completing a check. In most situations, players should try to finish their checks. Control and Pin When a defender takes the puckcarrier out along the boards, he should try to control and pin the puckcarrier to the boards. To control and pin the puckcarrier can use three different methods. These methods will be discussed fully in the 1-1 situations against the boards section of this CD. TYPES OF BODY CHECKS Introduction Here we will discuss the full body check, the body check with arms, the shoulder check, and the hip check. Full Body Check The full body check is the most common check used by players at the NHL level. It involves getting the defender's body against the puckcarrier. To check the defender can use the following parts of his body; - his front (chest)

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- the side of his body anywhere from the knees to the shoulders (torso) - the back side of the body (butt) Body Check and Explode With Arms A checker can use his arms and hands to help check but must keep his arms and elbows down until after contact is made. The elbows must not be the first body part to make contact with the puckcarrier, especially in the head area. Shoulder Check The shoulder check can be used in many situations. It can be used by a forward forechecking and by a defenseman taking out an attacking forward. Timing is very important for the shoulder check. As the puckcarrier approaches, the defender watches the puckcarrier's chest - not the puck. Once the puckcarrier gets close enough, has committed himself to a certain move and has no chance to change direction, the defender can use his shoulder to check the puckcarrier. The defender should drive off his back foot for power, keep his elbows down, point his shoulder into the opponent’s chest. The moment contact is made the defender should turn slightly so he is checking with both his shoulder and body. The defender’s knees should be bent with the weight on the inside edges of the blade. He should keep his head up the whole time - looking the opponent in the chest as he hits him. If appropriate, the defender can keep his top hand on the stick and leave his bottom hand free and up to protect himself and control the puckcarrier. Hip Check The hip check is more difficult to execute than the shoulder check. It is very difficult to execute in open ice. Nonetheless, it remains a very useful check. The hip check can be used to check a puckcarrier in open ice, check a pass receiver just as the puck arrives, or check a puckcarrier trying to squeeze between a defender and the boards. Like the shoulder check, timing is very important. The attacking player must be committed to a certain move and must be within a stick’s length of the defender. The defender lines up with the attacker in the exact same way he would for a shoulder check. The hip check is used if the attacker tries to go around the defender. At the last moment, as the puckcarrier gets along side the defender, the defender drops his head and shoulders parallel to the ice, makes a thrusting backward C cut off his far leg, and aims his hip at the puckcarrier’s thighs. The defender then drives sideways and straightens up as contact is made. If the defender reads the situation and notices the puckcarrier has a lot of room to skate wide, he should change his strategy, pivot and skate with the puckcarrier rather then using the hip check. The hip check is a high risk check. The defender breaks some 1-1 fundamentals when making a hip check - he does not keep stick on puck and he does not keep his shoulders square to the puckcarrier. Missing a hip check leaves a defender out of position and very vulnerable. STICK CHECKING Introduction In all checking situations the defender should concentrate on the puckcarrier’s body. He should not stare at the puck. Nonetheless, while keying on the puckcarrier’s chest, the defender can use peripheral vision to locate the puck and then use his stick to knock the puck away from the puckcarrier or block the puckcarrier's ability to make a pass. In addition, the defender can use his stick to help control the puckcarrier's body. Control Puckcarrier's Ability to Move the Puck Here we will discuss how the defender uses his stick to control the puckcarrier’s ability to move or pass the puck. We will discuss the poke check, the stick on puck check, how to put the stick in passing lanes, the sweep check, and hook check. Control Puckcarrier's Hands, Stick and Body Here we will discuss how the defender can use his stick to control the puckcarrier's hands, stick and body. We will discuss the between the legs stick check, the press the hands or stick check, the lift the

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stick check, the knock the stick down or away check, the push the elbow check, the pry between the stick and elbow check commonly known as the pop check. CONTROL THE PUCKCARRIER'S HANDS, STICK AND BODY Introduction Here we will discuss how the defender can use his stick to control the puckcarrier's hands, stick and body. We will discuss the between the legs stick check, the press the hands or stick check, the lift the stick check, the knock the stick down or away check, the push or tug the elbow check, the pry between the stick and elbow check commonly known as the pop check. Between the Legs Stick Check The between the legs check is used by a defender handling a 1-1 coming straight down the ice, handling a one on one in the corner, or working tight along the boards. The defender keeps his top hand on his stick, as he would in all 1-1 situations. The defender keeps his eyes on the puckcarrier’s chest, maintains defensive side positioning and body checks if appropriate. In addition, using peripheral vision, he slides his stick between the oncoming puckcarrier’s legs. Once the stick is between his legs, the puckcarrier will have limited mobility. The defender should put his free hand, using an open palm, into the puckcarrier’s chest to control the puckcarrier. The defender must not wrap his arm around the puckcarrier. This would lead to a holding penalty. The defender will not get called for tripping (depending on quality of refereeing) if he keeps one hand on his stick and his other hand free to push the puckcarrier. If the puckcarrier trips trying to step over or around a stick already in place a penalty should not be called. If the defender puts two hands on his stick and hooks or pulls at the puckcarrier’s legs, a penalty should be called. This technique is very effective for pinning a player against the boards. Press the Hands or Stick A defender can "press" the hands or stick of the puckcarrier to force a turnover. This is often done when a defender is approaching the offensive player, yet unable to make body to body contact. The defender pushes his stick against the puckcarrier's hands or stick disrupting his passing ability. In order to avoid a slashing penalty, defenders must be careful how hard they press the puckcarrier's hands. More aggressive contact is allowed when the contact is stick to stick, yet any slashing motion toward the puckcarrier can be called a penalty whether contact is made with the stick or hands, or whether any contact is made at all. This is also called stick to stick check. Lift the Stick Check The "lift the stick" check is generally used when the defender is close behind the puckcarrier and skating in the same direction. The defender completes the check by getting his stick under the puckcarrier's stick, lifting the stick off the ice and taking the puck. Knock the Stick Down or Away Check Similar to the lift the stick check the "knock the stick down" check is used when the defender is close behind the puckcarrier and skating in the same direction. Rather than lifting the opponents stick and stealing the puck the defender uses his stick in a very short, quick downward motion and knocks the opponents stick down and away from the puck. He then quickly steals the loose puck from the puckcarrier. Push the Elbow Check The "push the elbow" check is used when the defender is close behind the puckcarrier and skating in the same direction. Rather than lifting the puckcarrier’s stick and stealing the puck the defender uses his stick in a very short, quick downward motion and knocks the puckcarrier’s stick down and away from the puck. He then quickly steals the loose puck from the puckcarrier. The "push the elbow" check is performed when a defender is skating the same direction, but behind the puckcarrier about a stick length away. The defender reaches up with his stick, uses the bottom of his stick blade, and with a quick thrusting motion, pushes the elbow of the puckcarrier. If timed properly, the pushing motion will knock the unsuspecting puckcarrier’s arm forward causing him to lose control of the puck. Pop Check/Pry between the Stick and Body

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A defender, without losing focus on playing the body when approaching a puckcarrier from behind, can put the blade of the stick inside the puckcarrier's stick, rest the shaft of the stick against the puckcarrier’s leg and pry the puckcarrier’s stick to “pop” that stick off the puck. This is called a pop check. FORECHECKING Introduction Forechecking refers to pressure put on the offensive team while they are trying to break the puck out of their own end of the ice. Discussion of forechecking styles, where all players forecheck collectively using a set system, are located in the Defensive Systems section of this Interactive Instructional Series. Here we will focus on defense at the puck tactics used by a single forechecker against a puckcarrier attempting to breakout the puck. Forechecking Objectives The objective of the forechecker is to take time and space away from the puckcarrier and force him to make a bad play. To do this the forechecker must be a strong, fast skater capable of quick turns and stops and starts. He must also be willing to body check when appropriate and use his stick to limit the puckcarrier's ability to move or pass the puck. The forechecker must read the play and decide whether to put instant pressure on the puckcarrier or be more patient. He must maintain good body position staying on the defensive side of the puck and angling the puckcarrier to an unfavorable position against the boards or into another forechecker. Establish Positioning Defensive Side Positioning - the first thing a forechecker must do after his team loses the puck is to establish defensive side positioning. This eliminates the opportunity for the puckcarrier to move directly up the ice. Stay Square - while establishing defensive side positioning, the forechecker should always stay square to the puckcarrier. This means the forechecker should never turn his back on, or circle away from, the puckcarrier. This will require the forechecker to use stops and starts. This allows the forechecker to react instantly to any moves or passes made by the puckcarrier. Inside Out Positioning - as much as possible the first forechecker should take an inside out path to force the puckcarrier to the boards. Know When To Pressure or Contain Forecheck The forechecker must decide whether to put instant pressure on the puckcarrier or be more patient - the less time or space available to the puck carrier the more pressure should be applied. Pressure Checking/Aggressive Forechecking Factors - the forechecker should use aggressive/pressure forechecking when: - the opposition player's back is turned as he goes to retrieve a dumped puck - the forechecker is approaching a puckcarrier who is having a difficult time controlling the puck - the gap between the puckcarrier and the forechecker is within a stick’s length - the puck is in the corner of the rink - the forechecker has back up support (outnumbers) as he is approaching the puckcarrier - pressure the goaltender who is out playing the puck Containment Checking/Patient Forechecking Factors - if the puckcarrier has more time and space to make plays, the forechecker must be more cautious and must stay on the defensive side of the puck. If the forechecker "over forechecks" and runs at the puckcarrier trying to make a big hit, he could lose his defensive positioning. In the following cases the forechecker must be more patient and angle the play to the outside of the rink: - the puckcarrier has full control of the puck and is facing up ice with his head up - the forechecker has poor gap due to a line change or a delayed offsides or a puck cleared out of defensive zone - the puckcarrier is able to set up behind the net and has the puck fully under control

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- the forechecker is facing a puckcarrier coming at full speed in open ice - the forechecker is out numbered by the opposition Face and Asses - one old forechecking term is "faces and asses". The premise is that when a forechecker sees the “ass” of the player retrieving the puck he should forecheck aggressively. This is done because, at this point, the player retrieving the puck is looking into the corner of the rink trying to collect a dumped puck and is unaware of his up-ice pass options. On the other hand, when the forechecker sees the "face" of the player retrieving the puck he should forecheck more patiently. This is done because the offensive player already has collected the puck, turned up ice and is ready to pass the puck. Pressure Strategy Take Away Time/Attack - if the forechecker makes a decision to pressure he must work to do so quickly eliminating the time the puckcarrier has to make decisions and plays. The forechecker must get on the puckcarrier as quickly as possible. Shut Down the Critical Areas - the forechecker should recognize critical areas on the ice. He should try to close on a man before those areas. For example, a defenseman carrying the puck wants to get to the blue line so he can pass the full length of the neutral zone and avoid a two line pass. The forechecker should try to cut off the defenseman before the blue line. Puckcarrying forwards and defensemen will want to gain the red line to dump the puck in without taking an icing. The forechecker should try to cut off the puckcarrier before the red line. Pinch in the Offensive Zone - pinching refers to a situation where a defender starts at the offensive blue line and then aggressively forechecks towards an opponent who has just received a breakout pass. This is most commonly done by a defenseman closing on an opposition winger on the boards. The defenseman must read the play and arrive at the same time as the puck does. He must make sure, whether body checking the winger or not, that he does not give up defensive side positioning. When pinching, the defender must stop either the puck or the opposition player from getting by. It is preferred that the pinching defender take the body, but some defenseman squeeze their body against the boards to keep the puck in the zone. When pinching the defender should be prepared to use his hands to knock down a puck and keep it in the offensive zone. Before a defenseman pinches he should read the ice and make sure a forward is ready to fill in behind him. If the defenseman pinches without support, and the puck gets by, the opposition will get a 2-1 odd man attack. The pinching defenseman must not hesitate. The defenseman should pinch quick and hard once a decision is made to pinch. If the defenseman hesitates while pinching, he should stop and retreat quickly out of the zone. Body Check - as much as possible a forechecker should body check the puckcarrier. This will force the puckcarrier into bad passes and take away his initiative. If possible the forechecker should take the body of the puckcarrier and let his teammate help with the puck. A good rule of thumb is that the forechecker should finish every check when he is within one stick’s length of the puckcarrier. He should not finish any check when he is more than three strides from a puckcarrier who has passed the puck. By finishing his check in this case, he would be taking himself out of position. This is called running around. The forechecker can, on his own, decide whether to finish his check when he is one to three strides away from the puckcarrier when a pass is made. Containment Strategies Take Away Space/Seal the Middle or the Boards - if situations dictate that containment strategy has to be used, the forechecker should take away space from the puckcarrier. In most defensive situations, the most important space to take away from the offensive team is the middle of the rink. Occasionally, the forechecker, when tight to the boards can seal the boards and force the puckcarrier to carry or pass the puck into the dangerous area in front of his own net. Angle to the Boards/Critical Areas - if the forechecker needs to be patient against a puckcarrier who has time and space, he should approach that puckcarrier on an angle and force him into an unfavorable position on the ice. If he attacks straight on and the puckcarrier makes one good move, the forechecker

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will be beat and lose his defensive side positioning. The forechecker should patiently angle the puckcarrier towards the critical areas and then pressure aggressively as the puckcarrier nears those critical areas. The forechecker, while being patient, does not want to concede the blue line or red line to the puckcarrier. A team’s forechecking system will determine whether the forechecker should cut off the puckcarrier by the blue line or the red line. Steer the Attack - steering takes angling one step farther. Not only can the forechecker angle the offensive player toward the boards, he can choose which direction he wants to angle the puckcarrier. The defensive player does this by giving the puckcarrier open ice in the direction he wants him to go and then angles him in that direction. Close the Gap - as the forechecker angles or steers the puckcarrier one direction or the other, he should slowly start to close the gap. The gap is the distance between the forechecker and puckcarrier. The gap which may start as large as 20-25 feet at the start of the forecheck should be closed to no more stick’s length as the puckcarrier enters the critical areas along the boards. Body Check - once the forechecker has angled the play to the critical area at the boards he should body check the puckcarrier. Playing a Man Behind the Opposition Net When forechecking a puckcarrying defenseman, the forechecker must decide whether or not to chase that defenseman behind the net. If the forechecker can apply pressure to the puckcarrier he should, but he must know when and when not to pressure. A good rule of thumb is that if the forechecker can maintain stick contact on the defenseman, he can pressure him behind the net. If not, the forechecker should go to the front of the net. It is foolish to chase a puckcarrier behind the net, let him out of the other side and lose defensive side positioning. When the defenseman has the puck behind the net the forechecker should wait 10 to 15 feet in front of the net. When the defenseman does come out from behind the net, the forechecker should give him the outside of the rink and then angle him toward the boards. BACKCHECKING Introduction Backchecking is covering a man or an area while returning to your own end of the ice. Backchecking can be either at the puck or away from the puck. Here we will discuss backchecking at the puck. Backchecking should begin instantly when the offensive attack or forechecking system breaks down. The players who were on the attack or were forechecking, should stop instantly - not circle - and begin backchecking immediately. Backcheckers must skate hard, catch up with the play and assist their teammates defending against the other team’s attack. The backcheckers should pick up the opposition players who are with the puck and without the puck. Since this section deals with defense at the puck, we will concentrate here on a backchecker who is chasing the puckcarrier. Backchecking a Puckcarrier When backchecking a puckcarrier, the backchecker should remember that skating without a puck is quicker than skating with a puck. This means that a backchecker, through hard work, should be able to catch the puck carrier before the puckcarrier reaches the offensive zone. The backchecker should not be lazy and hook the puckcarrier’s body with his stick. When doing this, the backchecker's feet become locked on the ice and the backchecker loses his skating speed. In addition, the backchecker risks taking a penalty. Preferably, the backchecker will skate past the puckcarrier and then cut in front of the puckcarrier to body check and take him out of the play. If the backchecker cannot catch the puckcarrier by the defensive blue line, but is within a stick’s length of the puckcarrier, he can attempt to steal the puck by using a lift the stick check or a push or hook the elbow check. Backchecking a 1-1 The above situation assumes the puckcarrier is on a breakaway or in open ice. Backchecking is slightly different for a backchecker chasing a puckcarrier who is attacking 1-1 against a teammate of the

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backchecker. In this case, the backchecker must decide whether to continue the backcheck or look around to pick up a trailing opposition player. These situations demand communication between the defenseman and the backchecker. Red Line Rule/Blue Line Rule Many teams follow either the "red line rule" or the "blue line rule". The red line rule states that a backchecker should pursue the puckcarrier hard until the red line. If the backchecker catches the puckcarrier by the red line he should take him out of the play. If not, the backchecker should "hand off" the puckcarrier to one of his defenseman and look to pick up opposition trailers . The blue line rule states that a backchecker should pursue the puckcarrier hard until the blue line at the defending team's end of the ice. After the blue line, the backchecker should hand off the puckcarrier to one of his defenseman and look to pick up opposition trailers. Obviously, the red line rule and the blue line rule apply only when a backchecker is backchecking a 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3. If the backchecker is backchecking a 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, or 4-3 he will have to backcheck all the way to the slot/house or crease in his own end to help break up a play. 1-1 SITUATIONS Introduction The following are common "at the puck" 1-1 situations that happen during a game. 1-1’s in Open Ice Here we will focus on situations where the puckcarrier is attacking through the neutral zone into the offensive zone and the defender is backing up into his own end of the ice defending the play. We will discuss how to maintain gap control and not back way in, line up, stay square, keep eye’s on the puckcarrier’s check, play body on body, keep the stick on puck or between the puckcarrier’s legs, not swing the stick and keep the bottom hand free and up to control the puckcarrier. 1-1’s in the Corners Here we will discuss how to use the three C’s of checking, take away time and space, keep good positioning, use proper checking technique, know when and how to pressure and when and how to contain. 1-1’s Along the Boards Here we will discuss how to pin with a stick wrap, with the knee between the legs, with the stick between the legs, with legs on one side and the upper body on the other side. We will then discuss how to keep the center of gravity low and head up, how to separate the puckcarrier from the puck. Plays Behind the Net Here we will discuss how to defender when the puckcarrier stops behind the net. DEFENDING 1-1 IN OPEN ICE Introduction Many times a defenseman, or a forward who has filled in for a defenseman, will face an opposition puckcarrier in open ice. Here we will focus on situations where the puckcarrier is attacking through the neutral zone into the offensive zone and the defender is backing up into his own end of the ice defending the play. In these situations a defender should learn the following techniques. Technique for Handling a 1-1 Maintain Gap Control/Do Not Back Way In - the first thing a defender should do is establish proper gap between himself and the puckcarrier. The defender should have no more than a two stick length gap at the red line and no more than a one stick length gap at the defending blue line. The defender should try to force the puckcarrier to make a play before, at or shortly after reaching the blue line. He should not back in too far. This will give the puckcarrier too much time and create a screen situation for the goalie. Line Up/Proper Alignment - the defender must line up with the puckcarrier similar to the way a goaltender lines up to be in the middle of an angle. The defender should be just slightly inside a line

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directly between the puckcarrier and the net. A defender takes this "inside" position to help force the puckcarrier to the outside of the rink. Another way to describe this is that the defender should line up with his outside shoulder in line with the inside shoulder of the puckcarrier. This will keep the defender in good position slightly to the inside of the rink. Stay Square - while defending the 1-1, the defender should stay square to the puckcarrier. This means the defender should never turn his back on the puckcarrier. Nor should he let himself get turned sideways to the puckcarrier. He should try to stay chest to chest and shoulder to shoulder with the puckcarrier. Keep Eyes on Chest - the defender should keep his eyes on the chest of the attacking layer. That area of the puckcarrier's body gives the best indication of where the puckcarrier is moving. Play Body on Body - when playing the puckcarrier, the defender should play his body against the body of the puckcarrier rather than be too concerned about the puck. Keep Stick on Puck or Between Puckcarrier's Legs - while doing all of the above, the defender should use his peripheral vision to locate the puck and keep his stick on the puck to limit the puckcarrier's ability to make 1-1 moves or pass the puck. Another option for the defender is to let his stick slide between the legs of the puckcarrier to help control the puckcarrier. Don’t Swing the Stick - the defender should keep his stick in front of his body and should be held with the top hand only. The elbow should be at the defender's side (not extended too far out in front) allowing him to pokecheck. The defender should not put the stick at the side of his body and then wave at or try to swing at the puck. This would knock the defender off balance and make him vulnerable to a shift by the puckcarrier. Keep Bottom Hand Free and Up to Control Puckcarrier - the defender should keep his bottom hand free of his stick and use it to control the puckcarrier's body as the defender takes the puckcarrier out of the play. The hand should be held up with the palm of the glove facing the puckcarrier. This hand should "push" to control the puckcarrier. Any pulling or holding motion with the hand is considered illegal and a penalty will be called. Defending Against Various Moves Defending Against a Move to Beat the Defenseman - once properly positioned, the defender can play the 1-1. When doing so, he should look at the opponent’s chest and not at the puck. This is the most common mistake made by a defender during a 1-1 move. Defending Against an Outside Attack/Drive Skate - the defender should give the puckcarrier the outside of the rink forcing him to a bad angle. If the puckcarrier goes to the outside of the rink (which the defender wants), the defender, depending on his and the puckcarrier’s speed, can continue to skate backward, or can pivot and skate forward toward the puckcarrier. If the defender is beat to the outside he should pivot, turn and skate in a straight line to the near post to cut the puckcarrier off at the net. Defending against a Delay Move - many times a puckcarrier will drive toward the net but then escape toward the boards, return back toward the blue line, and look for trailers to pass the puck to. The defender should maintain positioning on the defensive side, maintain tight gap control, and then jump up quickly to close the gap when the puckcarrier delays toward the boards. This will prevent the puckcarrier from gaining time and space to make passes. It is absolutely critical that the defender communicates with his backchecking teammates so they pick up trailers. The backchecking forwards should let defensemen pick up the puckcarrier. Obviously, a defender can only step and close on a delay move in an even numbered situation (1-1, 2-2, 3-3). He will have to stay more patient and hold his ground in the middle in an outnumbered attack situation (2-1, 3-2, 4-3). It is imperative that a defender encourages the attacking forward to skate to the out side of the rink. The puck carrier will not be able to enter the critical scoring area in the middle of the defensive zone. Additionally, the defenders will not become involved in confusing switches if the puckcarrier stays to the outside. To accomplish this defender should line up slightly towards the middle rink, giving the puckcarrier the outside of the rink. A good rule of

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thumb the defending player's outside shoulder should line up the the attacking player's inside shoulder. The defender must also maintain tight gap control and good defensive side positioning. This will prevent the puckcarrier from having enough space in front of the defender to cut to the middle. The defender should be particularly aware of players on their off wing who can cut to the middle easier. If the defender does not have good gap control and the puckcarrier is able to cut to the middle, the defender must do one of two things. If the puckcarrier cuts across high in the zone and is not a scoring threat, then a switch can be made between defensive partners. If the puckcarrier cuts across low in the zone and is a scoring threat, the defender should stay with the puckcarrier and eliminate his time and space. Defending Against a Cut Back to the Middle - if the puckcarrier tries to cut back toward the middle of the rink the defender should play the body - not the puck. A defender should maintain good defensive side positioning and force the puckcarrier to a bad angle. The defender should not lunge forward at a puckcarrier more than one stick’s length from the defender. This would make the defender vulnerable to a 1-1 move by the puckcarrier. Defending Against a Cut Back to the Middle - if the puckcarrier tries to cut back toward the middle of the rink the defender should play the body - not the puck. A defender should maintain good defensive side positioning and force the puckcarrier to a bad angle. The defender should not lunge forward at a puckcarrier more than one stick’s length from the defender. This would make the defender vulnerable to a 1-1 move by the puckcarrier. Defending Against a Puckcarrier Attacking on the Off Wing - in all cases, the defender must line up according to the position of the puckcarrier’s body and not the position of the puck. A common mistake made by a young defender is to line up with the puck when the puckcarrier is attacking on his off wing. Defending Against a Puckcarrier Driving Behind the Net - if the puckcarrier drives behind the net, the defender must decide whether to go with him or not. A good rule of thumb is that the defender should stay with the puckcarrier if he can maintain stick contact. If not, the defender should cut in front of the net. He can then pick the player up on the other side, switch off with his defensive partner, or play the puckcarrier if he stops behind the net. Defending against the Cross to the Inside Move - the attacking player may try to beat the defender 1-1, may try to drive wide to the net, or may try to delay to the boards. Other times the puckcarrier will cut back to the middle of the ice. He does this to cause confusion for the defending team who may have to switch assignments between the two defensemen and the backchecking forwards. This is where defensive mistakes are made. DEFENDING 1-1 IN CORNERS Introduction The main objective of a defender when going to play a man one on one in the corner is to not let that player get to the net with the puck. The defender should play the body, but not go for a "big hit" at the expense of losing his defensive side positioning. To properly play a one on one in the corner the defender should understand the following concepts. Use the Three C's of Checking The defender can and should make a full body check if he has tight gap and good positioning. If he has less favorable positioning, he should not try to apply a full body check. Instead, he should simply try to tie up or "contain" the puckcarrier. If the defender is late to the corner he will have to play the puckcarrier in a similar fashion to that used in "Defending 1-1 in Open Ice" situations. The above is sometimes referred to as the 3 C's of playing a one on one in the corner. The 3 C's stand for Contain, Contact and Control. In other words the defender must contain the puckcarrier by keeping him in the corner, then make Contact and finally, and most importantly Control the puckcarrier against the boards.

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Take Away Time and Space The defender should get to the puckcarrier as quickly as possible to eliminate the time the puckcarrier has to make plays. He must do this under control to not get beat by the puckcarrier's moves. Keep Good Positioning As mentioned above the defender must first take away time and space from the puckcarrier in the corner. Then the defender must get in good position to defend the play. Good positioning includes placing the body between the opponent and the goal (defensive side positioning), establishing an angle which forces the opponent down below the goal line or up along the boards, and staying square to the shooter by using stops and starts. Use Proper Technique The defender should follow the same checking techniques used in 1-1’s in open ice. He should maintain gap control, stay square, keep his eyes on the puckcarrier's chest, have one hand on the stick, stick on puck or stick between the legs, keep the bottom hand free to control puckcarrier and play the body. In certain cases, two hands on the stick can be used to contain the puckcarrier, however, in most cases; one hand should be on the stick. Know When and How to Use Pressure Checking The defender may be able to move quickly to the puckcarrier and follow through with a body check. This is pressure checking. This will happen if: - the puckcarrier's back is turned (the defender must avoid hitting from behind penalties) - if the puck is loose or the puckcarrier is fumbling with the puck - the puckcarrier is retrieving for a rimmed puck - if the defender gets to the puckcarrier just as the pass arrives. When checking in these situations the defender should pin the puckcarrier to the boards and let a teammate worry about the puck. He should hold the player against the pads momentarily and be sure to stay on the defensive side of that player when releasing him. Know When and How to Use Containment Checking At other times the defender will have to use containment checking rather than pressure checking. The following situations require containment checking: - the puckcarrier has full control of the puck and is facing up the net with his head up - the defender has poor gap when approaching the corner - the puckcarrier is able to set up behind the net and has the puck fully under control - the defender is facing a puckcarrier and attacking toward the net with good speed. In these cases, the defender should move quickly toward the puckcarrier to close the gap, but then get under control as he starts to body check. The defender may have to stop and start retreating backward to the net playing a 1-1. This will happen if the opposition player has a lot of space, has the puck in full control, or has received a pass long before the defender can move to the corner. This can also happen if the defending player has to "side step" a pick before playing the one on one. The defender should approach quickly, slow down to get in control, stop and square up. If the puckcarrier is turned facing the front of the net, the defender should play the same as he would a one on one in open ice - one hand on the stick, free hand on the opponent's chest. If the puckcarrier passes the puck, the defender should finish his check and pin the player against the boards. If this is not possible, the defender should at least maintain good defensive side positioning on the player who just passed the puck. DEFENDING 1-1 ALONG THE BOARDS Introduction Once a defender has forced the puckcarrier to a bad angle along the boards, he should finish the play by body checking the player against the boards. This should be done if the puckcarrier has the puck or has just passed the puck. Some defenders try to make a dramatic hit. A big hit is possible but not necessary,

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and sometimes even dangerous. More importantly, the defender must hit and pin the puckcarrier to the boards, and maintain good defensive side positioning. Pin Techniques Pin with Stick Wrap - to pin along the boards, the defender should have his stick on the ice, held by the top hand only, with the bottom hand free. On contact the defender wraps his stick around the puckcarrier to limit his movement in one direction while using his free hand to limit the puckcarrier’s movement in the other direction. Pin With Knee Between the Legs - this method of pinning a man against the boards is used when the puckcarrier is facing the boards with his back to the front of the net. The defender closes on the puckcarrier, angles him to the boards and then contain him by wrapping his stick around the puckcarrier, and forces him into the boards. At this point, the defender pins the puckcarrier against the boards by placing one knee between his legs. When doing this the defender uses a T-glide/T-push, so his lead skate is straight ahead into the boards and his back skate is planted firmly on its inside edge. This allows the defender to then push his upper body into the puckcarrier on the side opposite the defender's stick. Pin With Stick Between the Leg - a defender can pin the puckcarrier against the boards by placing his stick between the legs of the puckcarrier. This is an extremely effective way to pin a man against the boards. As the defender approaches, he watches the puckcarrier's body and, at the same time, places his stick between the puckcarrier's leg. Only the top hand of the defender should be on the stick. The free hand is used to control the puckcarrier. The stick between the legs will control the puckcarrier's lower body and the free hand will control the puckcarrier's upper body. This will make it nearly impossible for the puckcarrier to move. Pin With Legs on One Side/Upper Body on Other - to pin with legs on one side and upper body on the other, the defender closes on the puckcarrier, angles him to the boards and pins him by putting his upper body on one side and lower body on the other side of the puckcarrier. This check is generally completed with the defender keeping both hands on the stick. Keep Center of Gravity Low and Head Up A common mistake made by defending players in the corner is that they try to body check the offensive player too high on his body. This limits the defender’s leverage and ability to contain the puckcarrier. A defender should keep his knees bent and his head up. This will help him keep his balance should the puckcarrier make 1-1 move in either direction (similar to a tackler in football). Separate from the Puck A defender who is strong on his feet and becomes good at these techniques will be able to pin a puckcarrier against the boards with enough force to separate that player from the puck, creating a loose puck for a teammate. This is called separating from the puck. Pin for an Extra Second Once a defender has the puckcarrier pinned against the boards, he should sustain that pin as long as is legal. This will allow a teammate to come and pick up the loose puck. When releasing the puckcarrier, the defender must stay on the defensive side. DEFENDING WHEN THE PUCKCARRIER IS BEHIND THE NET A puckcarrier may try to take advantage of the net to gain time and space to make plays. It is rare that any one defender will be responsible for the player standing alone behind the net. Rather, the puckcarrier will be defended by some combination of a two or more defenders. If the defender can maintain stick contact as the puckcarrier goes behind the net, he should stay with him. If not, the defender should cut in front of the net. When the puckcarrier stops behind the net the defender should work with his teammates and goaltender to minimize the puckcarrier’s options.

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BLOCKING SHOTS Introduction Blocking shots is an important part of the responsibilities of the defensive player at the puck. A shot can be blocked by a defenseman handling a one on one. It can be blocked by a forward covering the point. It can be blocked by any defender during a scramble in front of the net or when the goaltender is caught out of position. The following techniques can be used to block shots. Blocking Techniques Stay in the Shooting Lane - this is the most conservative method of blocking shots because the defender stays on his feet to minimize the danger of a fake shot. This method is used by defensemen backing in playing a 1-1 or by a forward going out to cover a point man. When done correctly the puck will be blocked by the defender's shin pads. To block a shot using this method the defender must stay aligned in the shooting lane between the puck and the net. To play a 1-1 a defender lines up with the puckcarrier’s body, but to block a shot the defender must line up with the puck. When going out to cover the point, a forward should first, get into the shooting lane and then, move out towards the point second. The defender’s stick should not be tight to his skates (like a goaltender) but extended out in front eliminating time and space from the shooter and blocking the puck from getting to the net. Extend the Stick - extending the stick into the shooting lane of the puckcarrier is a conservative but effective method of blocking shots because the defender stays on his feet and is less vulnerable to a fake shot. The difference between the "stay in the shooting lane” block and the "stick extension" block, is that, in the stick extension block, the defender lines up on the shooter's body and extends his stick into the shooting lane, blocking the puck from getting to the net. Drop to One or Both Knees - the one and two knee block is generally used by a defenseman when handling a 1-1, though it can be used in scrambles in front of the net. The one knee block is more conservative than the two knee drop because the defending player can recover quicker in case of a fake, though the two knee block covers a larger blocking area. In either case, the player should drop in a compact body position, with his head and shoulders up, his arms tight to his body and his gloves facing the shooter. The defender's stick should be off to his side and flat on the ice in case the shooter fakes the shot and tries to pass or deke around the defender. Sliding Block - the sliding block is another effective shot blocking method. It is more risky than other blocking techniques because the defender leaves his feet. It is generally used by a forward covering the point or a defenseman during a scramble in front of the net. When not in the shooting lane, the defender should lead with stacked legs, feet toward the shooting lane, and his head up away from the shooting lane. The stick should be extended flat along the ice to make the defender as wide as possible and make faking and walking around the defender more difficult. When sliding laterally, the defender is vulnerable to a fake shot. A defender must be ready to recover to his feet quickly in the event of a fake shot. As a defender slides to block a shot he should turn his head to protect it from getting hit by the shot. If the defender is in the shooting lane, then feet should be stacked toward the middle of the rink. Blocking Concepts Get Big Low - to consistently block shots a defender must cover the ice low. This requires getting as much of the body into the shooting lane as possible. In addition, it requires the defender to get some part of his body low to the ice. This can be done with a full body slide, the one or two knee drop, or simply by getting the stick blade or both feet in the shooting lane. Use Proper Timing - the timing of the block is critical. If the defender goes down too soon, the shooter will fake a shot, go around the defender and have a free path to the net. The defender must go down to block the shot at a time when the shooter is starting to shoot and has no other alternative. It is safer for the defender to be fairly close to the shooter when going down to block a shot. This takes away space for the shooter to fake and go around the blocker, and also minimizes the chances of a shot rising up and injuring the defender.

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Blocking is for Defender At the Puck/Not the Defenders Away from the Puck - blocking is for a defender at the puck. Defenders away from the puck should generally not try to block shots. A defender away from the puck while moving onto position to block a shot will often screen the goaltender. In addition, because defenders away from the puck are closer to the goalie, a shot that is not blocked cleanly may inadvertently deflect into their own net. Stick blocks can be made above the tops of the circles but are dangerous when made below the tops of the circles for the reason mentioned above. DEFENSE AWAY FROM THE PUCK Introduction Defense away from the puck includes all strategies used by a defending player against an offensive player who does not have the puck. Covering a man in front of the net, covering the point, supporting a loose puck, being the second man on the puck are examples of defense away from the puck tactics. Concepts Here we will discuss a defender away from the puck concepts of ice awareness, counting numbers, facing the puck, covering but ready to support, proper positioning and taking away time and space. Situations Here we will discuss defending away from the puck in the defensive zone in front of the net, in the slot at the point, and behind the net. We will also discuss defending away from the puck in the neutral zone while backchecking behind the opposition or while backchecking ahead of the opposition. DEFENSE AWAY FROM THE PUCK - CONCEPTS Introduction Below we will discuss the defense away from the puck concepts of ice awareness, counting numbers, reading through the play, identifying, and communicating. Have Ice Awareness The defender away from the puck must understand exactly what situation he is involved in. Is the situation a 2-2 or 2-1? Does the puckcarrier have a trailer to pass to? The defender away from the puck must know whether he is responsible for an area or for a specific opposition player. To do so he must see the man with the puck and also see the rest of the ice surface. This is called ice awareness. Count Numbers Part of being ice aware involves counting numbers. The defender at the puck and the defenders away from the puck must count and know how many offensive players they have to handle. They must know if they are facing a 2-2, a 3-2, a 3-3, etc. The defenders’ tactical decisions will depend on the amount of both offensive and defensive players in their area. Read Through the Play Additionally, being ice aware involves reading through the play. The defenders must see the puckcarrier along with all options available to the puckcarrier. Identify Players will be more ice aware if they practice identification. Identification means two things. First, it means the defenders "identify" what numerical situation they are facing. Second, it means each defender identifies which offensive player he is responsible for. Communicate In all the above instances, as is the case in all of hockey, communication is critical. Defending players should be talking to each other constantly - yelling things like "2-2" or "switch". This makes playing defense much easier. FACE THE PUCK/NEVER TURN YOUR BACK/HEAD ON A SWIVEL Head on a Swivel To have good ice awareness the defender away from the puck must have his head on a swivel. In other words he must find his man and then find the puck. His head and eyes should move from his man, to the puck, back to his man, back to the puck and so forth. By doing this the defensive player away from the

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puck will always know where his man is and will always know what is going on with the puck. This is called keeping your head on a swivel. Face the Puck/Never Turn Your Back To be able to see both his man and the puck, the defender away from the puck must never turn his back on the puck. He must be facing the man he is covering and the puck at the same time. This is not always easy, but nonetheless very important. If the defender is covering a man in the slot and the puck is in the corner, the defender should be close to his man, facing both the puck and his man at the same time. In this way, the defender can turn and take his man if a pass is made in that direction, or he can turn and go help in the corner if a loose puck is created. COVER BUT BE READY TO SUPPORT Introduction Understand How to Cover/Coverage Coverage refers to the responsibilities of a defensive player away from the puck to cover an area or a man. The defender away from the puck must understand which area or which opposition player he is responsible for. Area Coverage - defenders away from the puck should position themselves in "areas" where they can be the most helpful defending the opposition's attack. Examples of these areas include: - the front of the defensive zone net - the defensive zone slot/house - the defensive zone points - the middle of the rink through the neutral zone - the outside lanes of the neutral zone - the top of a defensive triangle - and the passing lanes. Defenders should move to these areas when they do not know which opposition player they are responsible for covering. Once they get to these areas, they can look for the specific players they are responsible for covering. Man to Man Coverage - another method of coverage is man to man coverage. In man to man coverage, a defender away from the puck covers a specific opposition player. Passing Lane Coverage - passing lanes represent lanes of ice between the puckcarrier and a potential pass receiver. An example would be a 2-1 situation. In a 2-1, the defender should stay in the passing lane between the two attacking players. These passing lanes exist all over the ice and if a defender away from the puck is responsible for more than one opposition player (2-1, 3-2) then he should stay in the passing lanes between the offensive players. Inside-Out Coverage - when taking away certain areas of the ice, the defender away from the puck should take away the middle of the rink forcing the offensive player away from the puck to skate to the outside. For example, this can be done by a winger covering his man at the point. It can be done by a winger backchecking through the neutral zone picking up an opposition forward in the outside lane. The defender away from the puck should always deny the middle to the player he is covering forcing that player to the outside. Understand How to Support Support the Puck - support refers to the need for a defender away from the puck to help the defender at the puck. If the defender at the puck does his job a loose puck will be created. It is the responsibility of the nearest defender away from the puck to retrieve that loose puck. Second Man to the Puck - a good defensive team should have two defenders near the puck. The first player should pressure the puckcarrier and play the body. The second player should be ready to jump in and help with the loose puck. This is called having the second man to the puck and is needed in the offensive zone to sustain a good forecheck and is needed to get out of the defensive zone after creating a turnover.

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Back Up Support - the above concept is often called "back up support". For example, the first forechecker can play the body of the puckcarrier and create a loose puck, and the second forechecker (defender away from the puck) can retrieve the loose puck. Anytime a player without the puck moves to help a teammate it is called backing up, outnumbering or overloading. Covering for a Pinch - another example of support is when a defender away from the puck covers for a pinching defenseman. If a defender away from the puck does not cover, the offensive team will get a 2-1 if the puck gets past the pinching defenseman. Collapsing - collapsing is a support tactic that occurs in the defensive zone. Specifically, it involves defenders away from the puck “collapsing” to the net to support a defender who has been beat 1-1 out of the corner. When a player collapses to the net he should play a 2-1 between the man he was originally covering and the puckcarrier. For example, suppose the defender away from the puck is “covering” his point man and the defenseman in the corner gets beat cleanly and the puckcarrier starts toward the net. If the defender stays out at the point, the puckcarrier gets a breakaway to the net. If the defender runs down into the corner to cover just the puckcarrier a pass will be made to the point for a free shot. So, the defender covering the point must play a 2-1 between the puckcarrier and the point man. Weakside Help - weakside help is another defense away from the puck tactic. If the defender away from the puck is covering on the weak side of the ice and notices that the defenders on the strong side of the ice are either out numbered, have been beaten, or have created a loose puck, the defender away from the puck moves from the weakside to the strong side of the ice to support. Switching - if the defender at the puck is "picked" and the puckcarrier is free, it is the responsibility of a defender away from the puck to pick up the puckcarrier. As this happens, the original defender, who was picked, will cover for the defender picking up the puckcarrier. Cover But Be Ready to Support/Cover Support Cover/Support means a defender away from the puck is ready to cover his man or area and, at the same time, is ready to support the defender at the puck. For example, if the defender at the puck takes his man out, the defender without the puck must go over and pick up the loose puck that has been created. In this instance, the defender without the puck is responsible for coverage first (he must have his man) and support second (he must go help his partner by picking up a loose puck). On the other hand, the defender at the puck may get beat by the puckcarrier. This would force the defender away from the puck to play a 2-1 between the man he was covering and the puckcarrier. In this instance, if the defender away from the puck only "covered" his own man and did not "support" his teammate, the puckcarrier would have a breakaway. So, the defender away from the puck must "cover" his own man but also look to "support" his teammate at the puck. MAINTAIN PROPER POSITIONING Introduction As mentioned in the positioning overview of defense, positioning is an important aspect of playing defense. Players can better handle all defensive situations by learning how to position themselves. Keep Defensive Side and Puck Side Positioning Defenders away from the puck should maintain defensive side and puck side positioning. Defensive side positioning (sometimes called net side positioning) means the defender away from the puck is closer to the net than the man he is covering. This insures that the offensive player will never get to the front of the net alone to receive a pass and have a free shot on net. At the same time, the defender away from the puck must maintain puck side positioning. That means the defender should be closer to the puck than the man he is covering. This will allow the defender to get to a loose puck before the player he is covering. The defender away from the puck is in perfect position if he is closer to the net and closer to the puck than the man he is covering.

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Get in the Skating Lane/Checking without Body Contact Skating lane coverage is a mixture of area coverage and covering a man. A defender stays in the skating lane between the offensive player he is covering and the net. The defender is responsible for an offensive player but does so by taking an area. The defender does not body check (this would be an interference penalty). Instead he gets in the skating lane of the pass receiver. Specifically, the defender stays on the defensive side and takes away the skating lane to the net of the offensive player. Other terms for this include shadowing, checking without body contact, neutralizing. Split the Ice in Half Another example of good defensive positioning is splitting the ice in half. Splitting the ice in half should be done instantly whenever a defenseman loses his defensive partner, to a pinch or a line change. The defenseman away from the puck skates to the center of the rink. By doing this, he instantly covers the most important area of the ice. In addition, by being positioned in the middle of the rink, the defender minimizes the distance he has to travel in either direction to break up a play. Offensive Side Positioning On rare occasions, the defender away from the puck may want to cover his man on the offensive side. This would happen only if the defending team is losing late in a game and needs to create offensive opportunities. The defender away from the puck would cover his man but on the offensive side. He would hope the defending player at the puck could stop the puckcarrier and create a loose puck. The defending player away from the puck would then make a quick transition to offense in an attempt to create an odd man attack. TAKE AWAY TIME AND SPACE Introduction It is important for defenders at and away from the puck to understand the concept o time and space. The more time the offensive team has, the better plays they will be able to make. The more space the offensive team has, the better plays they will be able to make. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of the defenders at and away from the puck to take away as much time and space as possible from the opposition. A defender away from the puck can take away time and space by skating to or standing in the areas the offensive team is trying to enter. Take Away Passing Lanes An effective way for a defender away from the puck to take away space from the offensive team is to skate in the lane between the puckcarrier and the pass receiver. This is called taking away passing lanes. The most effective weapon the defender away from the puck uses to take away passing lanes is his stick. This is why a defender away from the puck should always have his stick on the ice. A defenseman staying between two forwards on a 2-1 is covering a passing lane. Two defensemen staying between three forwards on a 3-2 are covering passing lanes. Good penalty killers know how to stay in passing lanes. Whenever a player is in an outnumbered situation he needs to stay in the passing lanes of the opposition players. Keep Stick in Passing Lane One of the best ways for a defender away from the puck to stop the offensive team is to keep his stick on the ice and in the potential passing lanes of the offensive players. The defender should know who he is responsible for covering and, at the same time, keep is stick in the passing lanes. This will help the defender intercept passes intended for the player he is covering. This tactic is especially important when a team is penalty killing. Since the defenders are outnumbered and must play between the offensive players, it is important the defenders keep their sticks in the passing lane of the offensive players. This will allow the defenders to break up passing plays and clear the puck out of the zone. Close the Gap A defender away from the puck should not give the player he is responsible for too much room. This would allow the player he is responsible for, time to receive a pass and get a shot off to the net. Or it would

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allow the player he is responsible for space to cut back to the middle of the ice where he would become more dangerous. In addition, it may allow the player he is responsible for time to set a pick causing confusion. Whenever possible, the defender away from the puck should stay as close as possible to the man he is responsible for covering. This is called tight gap or closing on a man. This is important when covering a man in front of the net. It is also important when picking up an opposition player while backchecking in the outside lane in the neutral zone. Hold the Blue Line This is sometimes called standing up or standing a player up in the neutral zone. Standing a player up in the neutral zone is a matter of taking away critical space from he attacker. Mostly players at the puck do it, but players away from the puck can assist here also. If the defender away from the puck keeps a tight gap on the man he is covering he may force that player to cut one way or the other to avoid going offside. If the defender away from the puck denies that skating lane through good positioning, he can force the offensive player offside. This is called holding the blue line. Deny the Critical Areas The offensive team will try to gain certain areas of the ice giving them more room to work. For example, once the offensive team gets over the attack blue line, they open up many more opportunities because they no longer have to worry about off sides. This is why holding the blue line is so important. Another critical area a defender can take away is the passing area just before the red line. For instance, an opposition defenseman is breaking out, but will be checked before he can reach the blue line. Because of this, he will only be able to pass to someone on his side of the red line (if there is a two line pass rule). The defender away from the puck can take this area away, and thus make it very difficult for the opposition defenseman to complete a pass. SITUATIONS Introduction The following defense away from the puck situations are discussed in this section. Defensive Zone Here we will discuss covering the front of the net, the slot, the point, and behind the net. Neutral Zone Here we will discuss backchecking when behind the offensive players and backchecking when ahead of the offensive players. COVERING A MAN IN FRONT Introduction This is the most important area for a defender away from the puck to cover. Most goals are scored in the area directly in front of the net. Keep Proper Positioning The most important part of covering a man in front of the net is positioning. The defender should have net side positioning denying the offensive player the chance to get freely to the net. He should have puck side positioning enabling him to be first to a loose puck. He should have inside-out positioning enabling him to force the player in front away from the net. Face the Play but Have Stick Contact The defender should not have to turn his back on the puck. Instead the defender should try to position himself so he can see both the puck and the player he is covering. When doing this, the defender should maintain stick contact with the player he is defending. This will allow him the opportunity to keep track of the puck, and maintain a “feel” for the man he is covering. The defender must stay active to accomplish this. Box Out To box out an offensive player the defender should maintain good defensive positioning. The box out process should start with a finished check in the corner or back wall and continue back to the front of

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the net. Additionally, it is important for the defender to establish positioning before the offensive player gets to the front of the goaltender. If possible, boxing out (gaining good positioning) should start in the corner. If the defender has not established good body position, before the offensive player is firmly planted in front of the goalie, boxing out will be too difficult or the defender will take a penalty trying to move the player away from the front of the net. Time the Battle/Neutralize the Stick The defender should not continually battle the player he is covering. In fact, he should only tie up with his man when the puck is shot on net or a pass is attempted. When the shot or pass is made, the defender should neutralize the stick of the man he is covering. This will keep the offensive player from deflecting the puck into the net. Know How to Move a Man From the Front of the Net To move an opposition player away from the front of the net, the defender should unbalance the man he is covering. This will make it easier to move him. To do this the defender can: - put his stick between the legs of the man he is covering and twist - slightly push one leg or skate from behind the player he is covering without tripping that player - lift the player's stick forcing him off balance - lift up the seat of the other player's pants tipping him forward - put his stick between the arms of the man he is covering and twist Once the defender has unbalanced the offensive player, he can drive him to the side of the net. Know How to Play Rebound Situations A defender in front of the net should be able to cover his man and still see the puck. To do so the defender must face the puck and stay square to the man he is covering at the same time. In a rebound situation, the defender should take his man and let the goaltender worry about the rebound. If the defender’s man is not an immediate threat to score and the defender has adequate time, he can play the puck and clear it from the dangerous area in front of the net. Know How to Front a Man There are certain situations where covering the area in front of the net is more important than covering a specific opposition player. Penalty killing is one such situation. The defender in front of the net may be responsible for more than just the man in front of the net. In this case, a defender in front of the net may have to "front" the opposition player in front of the net. This means the defender moves in front of the man at the net. This gives the defender room and freedom to move and cover an area, which may be more important than covering the opposition player at the net. When fronting a man, it is very important that the defender block any shots coming on net. This will prevent the opposition player, who is standing uncovered in front, from capitalizing on any rebounds. COVERING A MAN IN THE SLOT/HOUSE Introduction Covering a man in the slot/house is very important. The house is defined as the area formed by imaginary lines running from the goal posts to the end zone face-off dots, then straight toward the blue line five feet past the top of the circles and then horizontally across the rink. Most goals are scored by players directly in front of the net or by players located in the slot/house. Offensive players in the slot generally score by receiving a pass and shooting, one timing a shot off the pass, or deflecting (redirecting) a shot on net. Defenders must be prepared to protect this area. Keep Defensive Side Positioning When covering a player away from the puck in the slot area, the defender should always try to maintain defensive side positioning. Occasionally, the defender will be unable to gain defensive side positioning. For example, a backchecker may not be able to catch an opposition player approaching the net. In these cases, the defender should at least try to disrupt the offensive player’s stick disrupting his shot on net.

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Keep A Tight Gap The defender should keep the gap as tight as possible on the player he is covering, especially as the puck is passed into the slot. Be Ready to Collapse to Crease and Help The defender in the slot should collapse to the crease on any breakdowns at the net. POINT COVERAGE - COVERING THE POINTS Introduction If the net area and slot area are covered, a defender away from the puck can move to the point area and cover the point. This is commonly called covering the point or point coverage. Strong Side Point Strong Side Wing Covers Point - a defender may be responsible to cover the strong side point or maybe responsible to cover the weak side point. Generally, the strong side winger covers the strong side point, and the weak side winger helps in the slot while covering the weak side point. Inside Out and Defensive Side Positioning - when covering the strong side point, the defender should maintain inside out positioning and defensive side positioning. Help Cover Passing Lanes to Slot - the defender covering the point has to be responsible first for his point coverage, but also ready to collapse to the net or slot if there are any problems in that area. He should use his stick to cut off passes to the point, but at the same time should be ready to swing his stick into passing lanes toward the slot if an opposition player is wide open in that area. He should anticipate when a pass is going to be made to the point and close the gap between him and the point in these cases. If there is no danger of a pass being made to his point, he can drop down slightly toward the slot to help congest that more dangerous area. Help on Walk Out to Slot - if the puckcarrier is coming out of the corner, around the face-off circle and into the slot; and if the defenseman covering that man is beat, the defender covering the point must "collapse" toward the net and help the defenseman without completely abandoning his point coverage responsibilities. Block Shots - when a pass goes to the point man and the defensive player moves to cover that area, he should either block the point shot or finish the check at the point. The defender at the point should block any puck from getting past him toward the scoring area in front of the net. The opposition point man must understand that they will be hit when handling the puck at the point. This will make them more likely to dump the puck back in the corner rather than putting it on net. Weak Side Point When covering the weakside point the defensive player should maintain tight gap control only if a pass to the weakside point is imminent. In most situations though, the defender should slide down toward the slot and help congest that more dangerous area, then return to the weakside point as required. While helping cover the slot, the defender should have one shoulder facing the puck and one shoulder facing the point. The defender should watch the puck, watch the slot and watch his point man all at once. While doing this puck must not mesmerize him and let his point man slide down to the back door. Collapsing Defenders away from the puck should "collapse" to the front of the net if they sense trouble in that area or if they do not know their specific checking assignment. COVERING A MAN BEHIND THE NET Introduction Here we discuss coverage in the defensive zone when an offensive player without the puck moves to the area behind the net. Offensive players like to move behind the defending team’s net to create time and space to make plays. An offensive player who receives a pass behind the net becomes very dangerous and must be defended properly.

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Pressure Checking - Do Not Let Them Set Up If a defender anticipates a pass going to his man behind the net he should try to get behind the net to cut off the pass or at least arrive at the same time as the puck and take the body of the offensive player behind the net. Stay in Front to Start A defender must not chase the offensive player behind the net when the offensive player does not have the puck. The defender should instead protect the area in front of the net, while keeping an eye on the player behind the net. Containment Checking If pressure checking is not possible and the offensive player gets possession of the puck behind the net, the defenders and the goaltender must work together collectively to minimize the opposition team’s scoring chances. Work Off the Posts The defensemen should work off each post. They should have their skates right on the goal line extended and their top hand only on their sticks. They should not attack the puckcarrier but rather should pressure him with fake pokechecks. If they do decide to pressure, it must be done in a coordinated way which forces the puckcarrier out from behind the net to his backhand. A player on his backhand will generally have a harder time making a good pass. A defenseman should only pressure the puckcarrier when his defensive partner is ready to pick up the puckcarrier at the other side of the net. Forwards Must Collapse Forwards should collapse to the front of the net and slot congesting that area and forcing the puck to the outside of the rink. Cut Off the Passing Lanes If the defenseman sees the puckcarrier move the puck to his forehand and, thus, prepare to pass, he must cut off the passing lanes to the front of the net. He can do this by extending his stick toward the puckcarrier or dropping down onto one knee to block passing lane. Goaltender Should Help The goaltender can communicate, be prepared for wrap-arounds and help cut off passing lanes to the front of the net. BACKCHECKING - WHEN AHEAD OF AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER Introduction The defensive team will allow very few goals against if they can take away the middle of the rink and force the offensive players into poor ice position on the outside of the rink. Here we will discuss backchecking through the neutral zone when the backchecker has gained defensive side positioning on his "check". As in all tactical defensive situations away from the puck, the defender backchecking through the neutral zone should maintain good defensive side positioning and good inside out positioning on the player he is covering. In other words he should try to deny the player he is covering easy access to the net or to the middle of the rink. Maintain Proper Fundamentals Maintain Proper Positioning - a good rule of thumb is that the backchecker should position himself one full stick length ahead and to the inside of the player he is covering. Cover But Be Ready to Support - the defender's main responsibility is the player he is covering, but he must keep his eyes moving and locate the puck. By doing this he will know when support is needed at the puck and when the opposition is trying to pass to the player he is covering. Stay in the Skating Path - the defensive player should try to use his body and stick to legally impede his opponents. The closer the offensive player gets to the goal area, the more the defensive player should use his stick and body to prevent the offensive player from receiving a pass, deflecting in a shot or screening the goaltender.

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Backcheck Option 1 - Take Away the Middle Backcheck the Middle - if a backchecker sees an opposition attack move through the neutral zone he can skate toward the middle of the rink and form a defensive triangle with the two defensemen who are handling the attack. Form a Defensive Triangle - the two defensemen would represent the bottom of that triangle and the backchecker would represent the top of that triangle. This defensive triangle will force the opposition to the outside of the rink. Follow the Red Line/Blue Line Rule - occasionally, a 2-2 will move through the neutral zone. A backchecker should pursue the puck, but follow the red line or blue line rule for backchecking. This rule states that in even numbered situations a backchecker should pursue the puckcarrier hard until the red line or blue line (depending on which rule a team is using). After the red line or blue line, the backchecker should "hand off" the puckcarrier to the defenseman and look to pick up opposition trailers. While helping the defenseman do this, the backchecker must realize his main responsibility is the trailer. Backcheck Option 2 - Picking Up the Outside Lane Backchecker Covers the Outside Lane - defending players often divide the neutral zone into three lanes. The backchecker should, in certain situations, move to the outside lane away from the puck and take responsibility for the opposition player that comes into that area. This is commonly called covering the lane or lane coverage. Defensemen Cover the Strong Side and Middle Lane - if the backchecker away from the puck covers an outside lane in the neutral zone, the defensemen then cover the middle and strong side lane. If the defensemen are confident the outside lanes in the neutral zone are covered, they can stand up and deny the blue line. This will force a dump in or an offside and give the defending team an opportunity to regain possession of the puck. This technique of covering the outside lanes is often called picking up the wings. Communicate - good communication is critical in the above situations. The backchecker and the defenseman must communicate. They must let each other know what the opposition players are doing and who is going to cover each offensive player. Keep Good Gap - if the offensive player slows down in the lane, the backchecker (unless his support is needed at the puck) should also slow down to keep the gap tight. The backchecker continues to hold his defensive side positioning. With good gap the defenders can force the attacking team offside or can force the attacking team to dump the puck. Backchecker Stay in Lane if His Man Cuts in Front of Defenseman - if the backchecker is covering a player away from the puck who cuts to the middle in front of the defenseman, the backchecker should stay with him to the inside edge of the outside lane but then let him go. The defenseman would then be responsible for him, and the backchecker would stay in the outside lane and pick up whichever offensive player came into that lane (area coverage). Backchecker Stays With His Man if His Man Cuts Behind the Defenseman - if the offensive player cuts to the middle but behind the defensemen, the backchecker must stay with him. If the backchecker did not stay with his man and the pass got through, his man would have a breakaway. Backchecker Can Force Offside with a Push - occasionally the backchecker will be covering a man in the outside lane of the neutral zone, and he will cut to the middle to avoid going offside. If the offensive player cuts into the skating lane of the backchecker, the backchecker can bump the offensive player slightly forcing him to go offside. The backchecker must have minimal contact or an interference penalty will be called. TEAM DEFENSIVE CONCEPTS Introduction The objective of team defense is to limit the time and space of the offensive players, take away the middle of the rink, force to a poor ice position and create a turnover. Before knowing how to handle

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specific team defensive situations it is important for each player to understand important team defensive tactics concepts. Concepts In Team Defensive Concepts we will discuss gap control, denying the line, counting numbers, switching, pressure or contain, forming triangles and sealing the boards or middle. COUNT NUMBERS/ OUTNUMBER Introduction The defending team must understand how many defenders are available in each situation and where those defenders are located on the ice. They must also understand how many offensive players are involved in every situation and where they are located on the ice. This will help determine whether the defenders attack immediately (pressure checking), or back off, retreat, and delay (containment checking) the offensive team until help arrives. Examples Offensive Players Outnumber Defenders - a common example is when a defenseman is playing a 2-1. The offensive team outnumbers the defensive team. The defender must retreat (containment checking), delay the play as long as possible, and wait for backchecking help. Defenders Outnumber Offensive Players - another example would be when two defending wingers pick up the outside lanes of the neutral zone and two defensemen face an opposition two man attack through the neutral zone. This would be a 2-4. The defending team outnumbers the attacking team. In this case, the two defensemen should stand up in the neutral zone (pressure checking) and force a dump in, offsides or turnover. Whenever the defenders outnumber the offensive players, the defender at the net can play more aggressively. Even Numbered Situations - if the defensive team and an offensive team have the same amount of players in a given area (2-2 in the corner for example), the defenders must use their judgment to decide whether to pressure or contain. These decisions would be made based on gap control, degree of puck control by the puckcarrier, direction the offensive players are facing, etc. As soon as defensive players recognize a situation they should communicate (2-2, 3-2, 2-4, etc.). PRESSURE VS CONTAINMENT CHECKING Introduction Individual defenders, as well as two or three defenders working together, must decide whether to attack the offensive team (pressure checking) to instantly create a turnover, or be patient, delay and slowly angle the opposition toward a poor ice position (containment checking) where the defending team can then force the offensive team into a turnover. Pressure Example The following is an example of when a defending team should use pressure. An offensive player has the puck alone in front of the defensive team's goalie. This would be an obvious pressure situation. The defensive team must attack instantly and pressure the offensive player - rushing his scoring opportunity. Containment Example An example of the opposite situation would be a 3-1. The defensive player must be patient, retreat and keep the offensive team to the outside of the rink. This is containment checking. If the defender attacked (pressure checking), the puckcarrier would simply pass the puck by him for a breakaway. Pressure vs. Containment Factors There are many factors (visual cues) which tell the defenders whether to attack or be patient. Pressure Checking should be applied if: - the offensive player is in a good scoring area like the front of the net or the slot - the puckcarrier is in the middle of the ice and becoming a scoring threat - the defensive team out numbers the offensive team in the vicinity of the puck - the puckcarrier has his back turned

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- the puckcarrier has poor puck control - the defender at the puck has back up support (out numbering) Pressure checking is done most effectively by having the defender at the puck play the body and have the nearest defender away from the puck provide back up support for the loose pucks that are created. Containment Checking should be applied if: - there is no immediate goal scoring threat - the offensive team out numbers the defensive team - the puckcarrier is attacking straight at the defender - the puckcarrier has great control of the puck and his head up - the defender has no back up support Containment checking is done mostly by skating and stick checking. Skating backward is used most often. Sometimes defenders skate forward but at an angle that forces the puckcarrier toward the boards. Sometimes the defenders skate forward or backward in the skating lanes of the attacking players. The stick is used to check or cut off the passing lanes. Pressure Forechecking First Forechecker - pressure forechecking involves committing at least two players to the puck (out numbering). The first forechecker aggressively pressures the puckcarrier toward the boards into poor ice position and into traffic where he will make a bad pass. He does not need to try to intercept the pass. The first forechecker should finish his checks, to eliminate the opportunity for a defenseman to jump in the rush. Second Forechecker - the second forechecker must coordinate his efforts with the first forechecker - anticipating a pass or a loose puck based on the pressure the first forechecker has applied on the opposition defenseman. Containment Forechecking When there is the need to contain rather than pressure forecheck the first forechecker should angle the puckcarrier toward the boards, close the gap to take away his skating space, and force him to pass or skate into an area that will limit the breakout options of the breakout team. This will delay the offensive team's attack until they run out of room in the neutral zone. Pressure/Containment Combined While forechecking - the first forechecker angles the puckcarrier to contain him towards the boards where the second forward can apply pressure. While in defensive zone coverage - the first defender in the corner pressures the puckcarrier while the second stays patient and contains the play in the corner. GAP CONTROL Introduction Gap is the distance between the offensive players and the defenders. Gap control is the ability of the defenders to keep the gap as small as possible. By doing so the defenders minimize the time and space available for the offensive team to complete plays. Benefits of Gap Control Take Away Time and Space/Force Turnovers - good gap control takes away time and space from the opposition and forces turnovers. With good gap control the puckcarrier has limited room to skate and limited time to pass. With good gap control between the offensive players away from the puck and the defenders away from the puck, the puckcarrier will have limited passing options. In these cases the puckcarrier will often force a play and turn the puck over to the defenders. Force the Opposition Offsides - good gap control can often force the opposition offsides. When defending an attack, good gap control forces the puckcarrier to move laterally. If the puckcarrier moves lateral and his teammates continue forward, an offsides will often occur.

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Force the Opposition into an Icing - if, with good gap control, a defender can deny the puckcarrier the red line while the defenders away from the puck deny the puckcarrier a pass, the puckcarrier will often be forced to ice the puck. DENYING THE LINES - STANDING UP IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE Introduction There are three critical spaces on the ice where the defenders should close in on the puckcarrier and force him toward the boards. Deny the Offensive Blue Line A forechecking triangle will angle the puckcarrier to the boards and out of room just before he gets to his own blue line. If the two line pass rule is in effect, the puckcarrier is thus limited to passing to his half of the neutral zone only. This greatly limits the space of the offensive team. The puckcarrier can pass the puck the entire length of the neutral zone if he gains the blue line. The defenders should try to close on the puckcarrier just before he reaches that point. This is a technique used by three forwards forechecking. To do this the first forechecker angles the puckcarrier to the boards and the second player holds his ground five feet before the blue line. The puckcarrier is then trapped in that confined area. Deny the Red Line Forcing the puckcarrier to the boards just before the red line is another effective use of a defensive triangle. If the puckcarrier gets to the red line, he can dump the puck in to begin his team's forecheck. Preferably the forecheckers, using forechecking triangle, will deny the red line. The first forechecker angles the play to the boards. The second forechecker holds his ground just before the red line. The third forechecker moves to the middle of the ice. The puckcarrier is thus trapped just before the red line. This is commonly referred to as denying the red line. This can also be done by defensemen. If the defenseman reads the ice and sees his team has a numerical advantage at the puck, he can deny the red line to the puckcarrier. Deny the Defensive Blue Line/Stand Up The previous two situations referred to the use of forming triangles by three forecheckers. The next two situations refer to triangles used by two defensemen and a backchecking forward. Forming triangles is used to force an opposition attack toward the boards - preferably before the blue line. This will force a dump, on offsides or a turnover. This is called "standing up in the neutral zone" or "denying the blue line" and is much more effective than backing in, giving up the defensive zone and opening up scoring opportunities to the offensive team. Force to a Bad Angle If the defensive triangle cannot deny the offensive blue line, the red line or the defensive blue line, then it will at least force the opposition to the outside where shots on net can be more easily handled by the goaltender. FORM TRIANGLES Introduction Forming triangles is an effective method of steering the opposition attack to the outside of the rink and thus minimizing their effectiveness. Backchecking Triangle If a backchecker sees an opposition attack move through the neutral zone, he should skate toward the middle of the rink and form a defensive triangle with the two defensemen who are handling the attack. The two defensemen would represent the bottom of the triangle and the backchecker would represent the top of that triangle. This defensive triangle will force the opposition to the outside of the rink. Forechecking Triangle In this team defensive strategy, the first forechecker forms the top of the forechecking triangle and the next two forecheckers form the base. The first forechecker angles the play to the boards. The

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second forechecker holds his ground just before the red line if the play is in the neutral zone. The third forechecker moves to the middle of the ice. This can be done deep in the offensive zone, or higher up in the neutral zone. SWITCHING Introduction Switching occurs when two defensive players switch assignments with each other on the offensive players they are covering. The Need for Switching Switching is needed when two offensive players crisscross on an attack or carry the puck behind the net in the offensive zone. It is better for defenders to cover areas and the offensive players that enter those areas. Defenders are vulnerable to getting picked if they chase the player they are covering across the ice. Inevitably, a defender will occasionally get picked and a switch will be needed. Defender Away From Puck is Responsible It is the responsibility of the defender away from the puck to recognize the potential need for a switch. The defender at the puck is often focused on playing the puckcarrier that he does not see a pick coming. It becomes the responsibility of the defender away from the puck, to see the pick coming, communicate as soon as possible and prepare to switch assignments. Stay Home/Switch Assignments If opposition forwards crisscross defenders are better off staying in their own areas. This is called staying home. Switching does not mean a defender changes positions with his teammate. Instead switching means a defender stays in his own area and switches with his teammate the opposition player he is responsible for covering. TEAM DEFENSIVE SITUATIONS Introduction Specific situations recur in games where defensive players have to combine their efforts to stop the opposition. One Defender Situations Here we will discuss 2-1's and 3-1's. Two Defender Situations Here we will discuss 1-2's, 2-2's, and 3-2's . Three Defender Situations Here we will discuss 3-3's. Four Defender Situations Here we will discuss 3-4's. Plays From Behind the Net Here we will discuss how to defend when the offensive team sets up behind the net. 1-2 Anytime the defending team outnumbers the offensive team in the vicinity of the puck, the defending team should instantly pressure the puck. For example, an offensive player receives a breakout pass and attacks two defensemen alone through the neutral zone. The weak side defenseman should recognize that his team outnumbers the opposition and immediately pressure the puckcarrier; using fundamental techniques to take away time and space. The other defenseman should handle the attack as a normal waiting for 1-1 his defensive partner to come and support the play by pressuring the puckcarrier. 2-1 Introduction Here we will discuss a seven step technique to break up a 2-1, three methods of denying a pass during a 2-1, as well as some addition 2-1 concepts.

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2-1 Technique Stay in the Middle - a defender should stay in the middle. This means two things. First the defender should stay in the middle of the rink. Secondly, the defender should stay in the middle of the passing lane between the two offensive players. More specifically, once the puckcarrier crosses the blue line, the defender should be lined up on a path heading toward the middle of the net slightly favoring the strong side post. Lining up on the weak side half of the ice gives the puckcarrier too much to shoot. Lining up on the strong side of the ice (too close to the puckcarrier) gives too much room for a pass to the offensive player without the puck. Delay the Play - a defending player (anywhere on the ice) should delay the play by holding the middle of the ice between the offensive players until support (in the form of forechecking or backchecking) arrives from teammates. Do not attack the puck carrier. Carry an Extended Stick/Play Big - the defender’s stick, when on the ice in the passing lane between the attackers, is a physical obstacle and deters the attackers from passing. Occasionally a defender inappropriately carries his stick with two hands and uses it only when he attempts to poke the puck. The defender should keep his stick down on the ice and extended into the passing lane at all times. The stick extended prevents the forwards from passing and keeps the puck to the outside. Force the Puckcarrier to a Bad Angle - the defender should force the puckcarrier to carry the puck as wide on the rink as possible. The defender’s skating path should be in line to the middle of the net slightly favoring the strong side post. While doing so, the defender can make little fakes at the puckcarrier to force the puckcarrier wider and disrupt his stickhandling and thought process. After making these little fakes the defender must quickly return in line with the strong side post and continue to deny the pass across the ice. Deny the Pass/Cut Off the Passing Lane - at this point, the puckcarrier becomes the goaltender's main responsibility. The defenseman must hold his ground between the two forwards and back in no further than the top of the crease. He must face the puck but be aware of the offensive player without the puck and prevent any pass across. The defenseman must stay in line with the middle of net and not fade to the weak side and thus, give the puckcarrier a breakaway. Rather he should keep the puckcarrier to a bad angle while denying any pass to the offensive player without the puck. Face the Play - when defending a 2-1 attack situation, the defender should not turn his back to the puckcarrier. While his main job is to deny a pass to the offensive player away from the puck, he cannot turn his back on the puckcarrier to do this. Doing so would give the puckcarrier a breakaway. Methods of Breaking Up a 2-1 Pass Get Big Low - preventing the pass across is critical. There are three techniques that a defender can use to block the passing lane in a 2-1 situation. In each of these three methods of stopping a pass the defender should "get big low". This means the defender takes away the passing lanes low to the ice, forcing the puckcarrier to pass the puck over some part of the defender. This makes the pass much more difficult to complete. Stick in Passing Lane - the defender can place either the blade of his stick or can lay the shaft of the stick flat on the ice to deny the passing lane between the attacking players. One Knee Drop - this is another method of cutting off the passing lane. Suppose the puckcarrier is to the defender’s left. The defender, while backing up in line with the middle of the net, turns and faces the puckcarrier, drops his right knee to the ice, lays his stick flat on the ice in front of him, and uses his hands to cover the area between his legs. This blocks the lower part of the passing lane between the attacking forwards. The defender’s stick is placed flat on the ice to cover the area in front of the defender. Full Body Slide - the defender lays flat on the ice with his feet toward the goaltender and his stick facing the center ice face-off dot. This would force the puckcarrier to pass over the defender's body - which is a nearly impossible pass to complete. This slide should be back towards the net but also into the puckcarrier to eliminate the time and space the puckcarrier has to make a play. The great danger in a defenseman laying flat to block a passing lane is that the puckcarrier may stop or delay and then cut

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back to the middle as the defenseman slides into the goaltender or corner. This sliding move should not be used when the puckcarrier is on his off wing. A puckcarrier on his off wing can delay and cut back to the middle of the rink around a sliding defender. This would give the puckcarrier the puck right in the middle of the slot. Additionally the defender should not slide above the top of the circles. This would give the offensive players too much room to maneuver around the sliding defender and move to the net. Determine Whether Attackers are on On Wing or Off Wing If the puckcarrier is on his off wing he is a more dangerous shooter. Similarly, if the offensive player without the puck is on his off wing he is in position to one time a pass and thus, very dangerous. These types of factors help determine which offensive player is more dangerous and allow a defender to position himself accordingly. Defend the Rebound The defender should stop in front of the net and be ready for the rebound. If the rebound is at the goaltenders feet, the defender should let the goaltender freeze the puck. The defender should box the opposition player away from the front of the net. If the rebound deflects away from the goalie into the vicinity of the defender, the defender should clear the rebound to the corner. He should clear the puck with poise and be careful not to "whack" the puck directly to the opposition players. Introduction Here we will discuss the defending a 2-2 concepts of read the rush and talk, keep a tight gap, line up with the man in his area, carry an extended stick, and know how to handle an opposition criss-cross and when to start thinking about a 3-2. Read the Rush and Talk The defenders should know the numbers on the attack that the defenseman and his partner are facing and communicate this to each other. Keep a Tight Gap The defenders should hold the offensive blue line as long as they can. As the opposition breaks out, the defensemen should hold their position inside the offensive zone until the forwards advance past the top of the face-off circles. In this way, the defenseman can maintain proper gap as the offensive players move through the neutral zone and approach the defensive blue line. The tighter the gap, the more difficult it is for the offensive players to gain the offensive zone and make plays. Often times a tight gap will force the offensive players offside. Line Up With the Man in Your Area As soon as the defensemen can identify a 2-2 attack, they should communicate with each other and line up with the man in their own area. The defenders must be aware that the offensive players may try to attack 2-1 against one of the defenders. A good line up will prevent this. Line up means a defender keeps a position between the offensive player and the net. To do so, a defender may have to "slide" laterally on the ice. Defenders should work hard to maintain a good line up. This helps the defenders maintain defensive side positioning and makes it difficult for the offensive players to get to the front of the net. Carry an Extended Stick The defensemen should carry extended sticks. It will give them an advantage over the attacking forwards. The sticks will be an obstacle for the opposition. As a defenseman closes on the puckcarrier, he should keep his stick on the puck. Know How to Handle An Opposition Crisscross The offensive players may crisscross to create time and space and cause confusion for the defenders. If the defenders keep a tight gap, most crisscrossing will be prevented. Nonetheless, the defenders must have a strategy to defend a 2-2 crisscross. If the offensive players crisscross outside of the house, the defenders should stay in their own area and switch assignments. If the crisscross occurs after the offensive players have entered the house, the defensemen should stay with their own player. Because an opposition crisscross can be difficult to cover, the defender should give the puckcarrier room to the

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outside. This will keep the puckcarrier to the outside and keep the puck away from the more dangerous area in the middle of the rink. When Do You Have to Think About a 3-2? The defenders can play a situation like a 2-2 until a third attacker becomes a threat. While defending a 2-2 the defenders must read through the rush and look for a third offensive player. Once the third offensive player joins the attack the defender must back off to the middle of the rink between the dots and play the situation like a 3-2. Defensemen often can break up a 2-2 before the play becomes a 3-2. If the first two offensive players have crossed into the offensive zone and the third offensive player trails a half zone behind the play and has not yet gained the offensive blue line, the defenders should play the 2-2 with a tight gap and try to break up the play before the third offensive player can get into the offensive zone. 3-1 Introduction A defenseman should play a 3-1 in a very similar fashion to how he plays a 2-1. Keep the Play to a Bad Angle The defender should hold his ground in the middle of the rink and keep the play to the outside. Defensemen’s Path is to Middle The defenseman should, if possible, force the puckcarrier to a bad angle, and skate backward towards the middle of the net, slightly favoring the strong side post. The defenseman should consider the first two attacking players the most dangerous, and play those two players as he would play a regular 2-1. Prevent the Pass Across Like a 2-1, the defenseman must prevent the pass across. Don’t Be Concerned About the Pass Back The offensive team has the option of passing back to the third player in the attack. The defenseman should not concern himself with this pass. Such a pass will delay the play allowing time for backchecking support to arrive. Additionally, if a pass is made back to the third player in the attack the offensive team often runs out of space to make plays. Thus, the defenseman should be aware of the trailer option, but concern himself mostly with the first two attacking players. If a pass is made to the trailing player the defender should hold his ground in the middle of the rink and in the shooting lane forcing the trailer to pass back to the outside of the rink. The defender should not rush out at the trailer. 3-2 Introduction To play a 3-2, the defenders should use the following defensive tactics: read through the play and see the entire ice, communicate, delay the play until backchecking support arrives, stop the play before it becomes a 3-2, take away the middle of the ice by staying between the dots, keep the play to the outside and deny a slot shot, cut off the passing lanes by playing big, playing a 2-1 and 1-1, and stay patient but pressure a puck in the house. Read Through the Play/See the Entire Ice/Communicate As defensemen back up through the neutral zone, they must read through the play. They must see past the puckcarrier, read the entire ice surface, and determine the situation. Is the situation a 3-3 or a 2-2 or a 3-2? If the situation is a 3-2, how far back is the opposition's third forward trailing the play? How close is the backchecking help? These situations require communicated between the two defensemen. Delay the Play Until Backchecking Support Arrives The defensemen can sometimes delay the play long enough for backchecking help to arrive. They can do this by staying in the skating lanes of the offensive teams players, forcing the offensive players to move laterally, and giving the backcheckers time to catch up. Or, the defensemen can take away the middle of the rink and force the offensive team to pass laterally. This will help give the backchecker time to catch up.

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Stop the Play Before It Becomes a 3-2 The defenders can play a situation like a 2-2 until a third attacker becomes a threat. While defending a 2-2 the defenders must read through the rush and look for a third offensive player. Once the third offensive player joins the attack the defender must back off to the middle of the rink between the dots and play the situation like a 3-2. Defensemen often can break up a 2-2 before the play becomes a 3-2. If the first two offensive players have crossed into the offensive zone and the third offensive player trails a half zone behind the play and has not yet gained the offensive blue line, the defenders should play the 2-2 with a tight gap and try to break up the play before the third offensive player can get into the offensive zone. Take Away the Middle/Stay Between Dots If the defensemen can not shut down the play in the neutral zone and do not have immediate backchecking help, they must minimize the quality of the opposition's scoring chance. Similar to all defensive situations, the two defensemen should first take away the middle of the rink and force the puck to the outside of the rink where it becomes less dangerous. A good rule of thumb is that the defensemen should be spaced just far enough apart so their sticks would touch if the defenseman reached for his partner with their sticks. They should continue to protect the middle as the play develops. They should try to eliminate a shot from the slot. They should not wonder wider on the rink than the width of the face-off dots. Keep the Play to the Outside/Deny the Slot Shot By taking away the middle, the defenseman forces the opposition to skate or pass the puck to the outside of the rink. Keeping the play to the outside is preferred. At this point the defensemen should keep the play to the outside. If the play starts with an offensive player carrying the puck wide, the defenseman should let him stay there. The hope is for the puckcarrier to take a bad angle shot or carry the puck deep into the corner. The defenseman on the strong side should give the outside of the ice to the puckcarrier without letting him drive to the net. He should deny a pass to the trailer. If a pass is made to a trailer in good shooting position in the slot, the strong side defenseman should line up in that shooting lane and attempt to force the puck back to the outside. Play a 2-1 and a 1-1 If the play can not be broken up in the neutral zone the defensemen must have a strategy for playing the 3-2. A general rule is the strong side defenseman plays a 2-1 while the weak side defenseman collapses toward the net playing a 1-1 in that area. Cut Off the Passing Lanes/Play Big When the play is forced to the outside, the puckcarrier will often shoot from a bad angle. If the puckcarrier tries to pass, the defensemen must cut off as many of the passing lanes as possible. They must "make themselves big." They can use their sticks, the one knee drop, or the sliding block to cut off the passing lanes. Stay Patient but Pressure a Puck in the House The defender should patiently take away the middle and force the opposition to the outside. If the offensive players are able to pass to the middle and that pass is made to an offensive player in the house, then one of the defender's must pressure the puck. Remember, defenders should pressure any puckcarrier in the house-slot-crease area. 3-3 Introduction There are three different 3-3 situations: a 3-2 with a tight backchecker, a 3-3 with the backchecker picking up the outside lane, and a 3-3 using a defensive triangle. Each of these involves the first backchecker working with the defensemen to negate an opposition's three man attack. 3-2 with a Tight Backchecker This situation involves a backchecker chasing a 3-2 toward his own end while slightly behind the play. A 3-2 with a backchecker is played by the defensemen identical to the way they play a three on two - 1) read

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through the play, be aware of the entire ice surface, and communicate, 2) delay the play as long as possible giving the backcheckers time to catch up, 3) stop the play before it gets into the defensive zone and becomes a 3-2, 4) take away the middle of the rink, 5) keep the play to the outside denying a slot shot, 6) cut off the passing lanes/get big and 7) play a 2-1 and a 1-1. The backchecker goes to the slot. The defensemen should read that they have backchecking help and keep the play to the outside of the rink. The backchecker skates hard to the slot, and crease if necessary, picking up the trailing forward. He should not chase the puckcarrier or try to get to an outside lane. He should form a defensive triangle with the two defenseman. That means he must backcheck directly to the slot, communicate with the defense, pick up the trailer and turn the play into a 3-3. 3-2 where Backchecker Picks Up Outside Lane Backchecker Covers the Outside Lane - defending players often divide the neutral zone into three lanes. The backchecker should, in certain situations, move to the outside lane away from the puck and take responsibility for the opposition player that comes into that area. This is commonly called covering the lane or lane coverage. Defensemen Cover the Strong Side and Middle Lane - if the backchecker away from the puck covers an outside lane in the neutral zone, the defensemen then cover the middle and strong side lane. If the defensemen are confident the outside lanes in the neutral zone are covered, they can stand up and deny the blue line. This will force a dump in or an offside and give the defending team an opportunity to regain possession of the puck. This technique of covering the outside lanes is often called picking up the wings. Communicate - good communication is critical in the above situations. The backchecker and the defenseman must communicate. They must let each other know what the opposition players are doing and who is going to cover each offensive player. Keep Good Gap - if the offensive player slows down in the lane, the backchecker (unless his support is needed at the puck) should also slow down to keep the gap tight. The backchecker continues to hold his defensive side positioning. With good gap the defenders can force the attacking team offside or can force the attacking team to dump the puck. Backchecker Stay in Lane if His Man Cuts in Front of Defenseman - if the backchecker is covering a player away from the puck who cuts to the middle in front of the defenseman, the backchecker should stay with him to the inside edge of the outside lane but then let him go. The defenseman would then be responsible for him, and the backchecker would stay in the outside lane and pick up whichever offensive player came into that lane (area coverage). Backchecker Stays With His Man if His Man Cuts Behind the Defenseman - if the offensive player cuts to the middle but behind the defensemen, the backchecker must stay with him. If the backchecker did not stay with his man and the pass got through, his man would have a breakaway. Backchecker Can Force Offside with a Push - occasionally the backchecker will be covering a man in the outside lane of the neutral zone, and he will cut to the middle to avoid going offside. If the offensive player cuts into the skating lane of the backchecker, the backchecker can bump the offensive player slightly forcing him to go offside. The backchecker must have minimal contact or an interference penalty will be called. 3-3 Using a Defensive Triangle Backcheck the Middle - if a backchecker sees an opposition attack move through the neutral zone he can skate toward the middle of the rink and form a defensive triangle with the two defensemen who are handling the attack. Form a Defensive Triangle - the two defensemen would represent the bottom of that triangle and the backchecker would represent the top of that triangle. This defensive triangle will force the opposition to the outside of the rink. Follow the Red Line/Blue Line Rule - occasionally, a 2-2 will move through the neutral zone. A backchecker should pursue the puck, but follow the red line or blue line rule for backchecking. This rule

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states that in even numbered situations a backchecker should pursue the puckcarrier hard until the red line or blue line (depending on which rule a team is using). After the red line or blue line, the backchecker should "hand off" the puckcarrier to the defenseman and look to pick up opposition trailers. While helping the defenseman do this, the backchecker must realize his main responsibility is the trailer. 3-4 Introduction Many times the defensive team will have both wingers back covering the outside lanes of the neutral zone and two defensemen taking away the middle of the rink. If the offensive players try to carry the puck through this formation into the attacking zone, the defensemen should stand up, deny the blue line and force a dump, turnover or offsides. Winger Take Outside Lanes The winger's job is to take responsibility for the offensive teams' players that skate through the outside lanes of the neutral zone. They are also responsible for any loose pucks created behind the defensemen as they stand up in the neutral zone. Defenseman Stand Up in the Middle The defensemen's job is to recognize the 3-4 situation, trust the wingers to control the outside lanes, maintain tight gap, and close on the puckcarrier before he reaches the blue line. This is called standing up in the neutral zone, or denying the blue line. Turn the 3-4 into a 1-2 There is another, yet identical way to look at this situation. If the opposition is attacking three across and the two defenders have picked up two offensive players in the outside lanes, the situation has been reduced from a 3-4 to a 1-2. The two defensemen should play the one remaining offensive player 1-2 – COVERING A MAN BEHIND THE NET Introduction Here we discuss coverage in the defensive zone when an offensive player without the puck moves to the area behind the net. Offensive players like to move behind the defending team’s net to create time and space to make plays. An offensive player who receives a pass behind the net becomes very dangerous and must be defended properly. Offensive Zone As taught in Defense At the Puck/Checking/Forechecking, a forechecker should chase a puckcarrier behind the net only if he can maintain stick contact with the puckcarrier. If the defender is not positioned to chase the puckcarrier behind the net, he should stop 10 to 15 feet in front of the opposition net. From here the three defending forwards should form a triangle (see Team Defensive Tactics/Concepts/Form Triangles) to angle the play to the outside as the offensive team advances up ice. The defenders should angle the play to the boards and cut off the puckcarrier before the red line. This will limit the space available to the offensive team. Defensive Zone Offensive players like to use the defending teams net and the area behind that net to create time and space to make plays. An offensive player who can pass well becomes very dangerous with the puck behind the net and must be defended properly. Pressure Checking - Do Not Let Them Set Up - if a defender anticipates a pass going to his man behind the net he should try to get behind the net to cut off the pass or at least arrive at the same time as the puck and take the body of the offensive player behind the net. Stay in Front to Start - a defender must not chase the offensive player behind the net when the offensive player does not have the puck. The defender should instead protect the area in front of the net, while keeping an eye on the player behind the net.

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Containment Checking - if pressure checking is not possible and the offensive player gets possession of the puck behind the net, the defenders and the goaltender must work together collectively to minimize the opposition team’s scoring chances. Work Off the Posts - the defensemen should work off each post. They should have their skates right on the goal line extended and their top hand only on their sticks. They should not attack the puckcarrier but rather should pressure him with fake pokechecks. If they do decide to pressure, it must be done in a coordinated way which forces the puckcarrier out from behind the net to his backhand. A player on his backhand will generally have a harder time making a good pass. A defenseman should only pressure the puckcarrier when his defensive partner is ready to pick up the puckcarrier at the other side of the net. Cut Off the Passing Lanes - if the defenseman sees the puckcarrier move the puck to his forehand and, thus, prepare to pass, he must cut off the passing lanes to the front of the net. He can do this by extending his stick toward the puckcarrier or dropping down onto one knee to block passing lane. Goaltender Should Help - the goaltender can communicate, be prepared for wraparounds and help cut off passing lanes to the front of the net. Forwards Must Collapse - forwards should collapse to the front of the net and slot congesting that area and forcing the puck to the outside of the rink. CONTROL THE PUCKCARRIER'S ABILITY TO MOVE THE PUCK Introduction Here we will discuss how the defender uses his stick to control the puckcarrier’s ability to move or pass the puck. We will discuss the poke check, the stick on puck check, how to put the stick in passing lanes, the sweep check, and hook check. Stick on Puck Check The stick on puck check is an important part of stick checking. The stick on puck check is sometimes referred to as blade on blade checking. The stick on puck check is completed by placing the stick as close to the puck as possible as the defender plays the puckcarrier. By placing stick near the puck, the defender eliminates the passing lane and stickhandling space available. A defender should be able to watch the puckcarrier’s chest, keep his eyes on his body, play the body and at the same time keep stick on the puck to stop the puckcarrier from stickhandling, passing, or shooting. If the defender checks without placing his stick near the puck, passing lanes open for the puckcarrier, which can be especially dangerous anywhere near the defending team's net. Pokecheck The pokecheck is commonly used by a defenseman backing in playing a 1-1, but can be used by any defender approaching the puckcarrier. The defender, when skating backward and using the pokecheck, should have the top hand on his stick. He should keep his elbow at his side disguising his pokechecking range and then thrust the blade of the stick forward to knock the puck away from the puckcarrier. He should not stop, or lunge forward with his body. This would force the defender off balance and vulnerable to a 1-1 move. If missing with the pokecheck, the defender should make body contact with the puckcarrier. Stick in Passing Lanes In certain forechecking situations the player at the puck can put his stick in the potential passing lane of the puckcarrier. This will make it difficult for the puckcarrier to pass the puck and will help create turnovers. Hook Check The hook check is generally used by a backchecking player who is beside and skating in the same direction as the puckcarrier. The hook check is very difficult to perform unless the puckcarrier is on the top hand side of the defender. To complete the hook check, the defender bends down, lays his stick shaft flat on the ice under the puckcarrier’s stick and around the puck and then hooks the puck away from the puckcarrier.

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Sweep Check The sweep check is used as a backchecking player catches the puckcarrier, by a penalty killer who is angle forechecking, and by a defenseman angling a player toward the boards while playing a 1-1 in the corner of the defensive zone. The sweep check should be used when the defender is behind, beside or angling the puckcarrier and should be avoided if the defender is facing the puckcarrier straight on. The sweep check does have disadvantages. Possession of the puck is not always gained. The sweeping motion can knock the defender off balance, and the check takes a long time to complete giving the puckcarrier time to react. When performing the sweep check the defender needs to bend down, with the knee closest to the puck on the ice and his weight on the other leg. This allows the defender to pokecheck and still pivot after the puck has been knocked off the puckcarrier’s stick. The stick motion is a sweep in either direction with the stick flat, knocking the puck off the opponents stick in the direction the defender wants the puck to go. BACKCHECKING - WHEN BEHIND THE OFFENSIVE PLAYERS Introduction The defensive team will allow very few goals against if they can take away the middle of the rink and force the offensive players into poor ice position on the outside of the rink. Here we will discuss backchecking when the defender is trying to catch the attacking players. Backcheck the Middle The first area of the ice the defenders away from the puck should move to, while backchecking, is the middle of the ice. Protecting the middle of the ice is critical. All offensive plays should be steered, angled and deflected toward the outside of the rink to a bad angle where the chances of the opposition team scoring are greatly reduced. Get Stick in Passing Lane The defender, while backchecking the middle of the rink, should keep his stick on the ice, covering the passing lanes available to the offensive team. Keep Head on Swivel The backchecker must work to get back and help the defensemen but must keep his head on a swivel to keep track of trailers joining the rush. Face the Puck The defender should backcheck the middle, get his stick in passing lanes and always face the puck. As discussed in defensive concepts, defending players should never turn their back to the puck. Red Line Rule/Blue Line Rule Many teams follow either the "red line rule" or the "blue line rule". The red line rule states that a backchecker should pursue the puckcarrier hard until the red line. If the backchecker catches the puckcarrier by the red line he should take him out of the play. If not, the backchecker should "hand off" the puckcarrier to one of his defenseman and look to pick up opposition trailers. The blue line rule states that a backchecker should pursue the puckcarrier hard until the blue line at the defending team's end of the ice. After the blue line, the backchecker should hand off the puckcarrier to one of his defenseman and look to pick up opposition trailers. Obviously, the red line rule and the blue line rule apply only when a backchecker is backchecking a 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3. If the backchecker is backchecking a 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, or 4-3 he will have to backcheck all the way to the slot/house or crease in his own end to help break up a play. Backcheck to the House/Crease Backcheckers often have to backcheck all the way to the house to break up the offensive team's attack. Occasionally, they will have to backcheck all the way to the net/crease to cover opposition players in this area. Backchecking players must discipline themselves to stop and face the puck when the offensive team maintains puck possession on the attack. Undisciplined defensive players will backcheck to the slot/crease, but then circle away. This is a critical mistake. Remember nearly all goals scored are scored in the direct vicinity of the net. Defenders away from the puck should backcheck to this area, stop, face

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the play, intercept any pass made to this area, or clear any rebound in this area. Only when the front of the net is secure and a turnover has been created should the defenders transition to offense. 3-2 With Tight Backchecker This situation involves a defending forward leaving the offensive zone to backcheck with the attacking team’s three forwards already attacking through the neutral zone. The backchecker is slightly behind the play. A 3-2 with a backchecker is played by the defensemen identical to the way they play a three on two - 1) read through the play, be aware of the entire ice surface, and communicate, 2) delay the play as long as possible giving the backcheckers time to catch up, 3) stop the play before it gets into the defensive zone and becomes a 3-2, 4) take away the middle of the rink, 5) keep the play to the outside denying a slot shot , 6) cut off the passing lanes/get big and 7) play a 2-1 and a 1-1.The backchecker goes to the slot. The defensemen should read that they have backchecking help and keep the play to the outside of the rink. The backchecker skates hard to the slot, and crease if necessary, picking up the trailing forward. He should not chase the puckcarrier or try to get to an outside lane. He should form a defensive triangle with the two defenseman. That means he must backcheck directly to the slot, communicate with the defense, pick up the trailer and turn the play into a 3-3. Lock On Once a backchecker is on the defensive side of the attack, and has identified his man he must lock onto that man. Lock on means the defender away from the puck denies his man the skating lane to the net. If the backchecker catches the puckcarrier he can body check, yet should understand that the purpose of a body check is to block the progress of the puckcarrier by getting in his skating path. A backchecker can hit hard but not at the expense of losing defensive side positioning. Thus, if the puckcarrier, in open ice, passes as the defender approaches, the defender must lock onto that player and not let him skate by. The worst situation is for the defender to allow both the pass and the puckcarrier by him. SEAL THE BOARDS/SEAL THE MIDDLE Seal the Boards Sealing the boards is a tactic when forechecking. The first forechecker, or more commonly, the second forechecker squeezes his body against the boards to eliminate the offensive team from passing along the boards to break out the puck. If a pass is made up the boards the forechecker intercepts the puck with his body. This forces the offensive team to break out through the more dangerous area in the middle. Seal the Middle It is important secure the middle of the ice. While Forechecking - by doing so when forechecking, the defenders force the offensive team to the outside of the rink into the critical areas. If the offensive team tries to pass through the middle the defenders can intercept these passes and create scoring opportunities in transition. While Handling the Attack Through the Neutral Zone - on line rushes against it is the responsibility of the weak side defenseman to seal the middle lane. This will prevent any offensive player from penetrating this critical area. While the weakside defenseman protects the middle, the backchecking forwards work through the middle to add additional support in this area. In the Defensive Zone - in the defensive zone it is the responsibility of the weak side defenseman and the slot forward to protect the middle of the ice. Most goals are scored from this area and thus defenders must take responsibility to cover this area.