Offensive Tactics

In order for players to be successful in hockey, they need to have strategies in place to handle many different situations they will face during a hockey game. A tactic = strategy. Players need to utilize many tactics during the course of a hockey game in order to create advantages over their opponents.

There are 2 kinds of Offensive Tactics: Individual and Team.

Here is a summary of the Hockey Canada DVD set dealing with Offensive Tactics. In order to play at higher levels, players need to be comfortable performing these tactics when on offense.

1.1 Skating Fakes
1.1.1 Body Fakes
- shift body inside or outside, drop shoulder, head movement
- a body fake should take place BEFORE the range of an opponent's stick

1.1.2 Stick Fakes
- buys time and space
- performed by moving stick laterally across the body
- can be successful by just by taking hand off your stick

1.1.3 Fake inside/Go outside
- using a combination of head, body and stick fakes
- fake inside, so defender protects the middle of the ice, and then quickly try and beat him on the outside lane - > creates SPACE to the outside

1.1.4 Fake outside/Go inside
- very good tactic as many defenseman know that forwards are taught to drive wide, in the outside lane, so as a forward you do the opposite
- fake your attack on the outside (wide), and then cut into the inside and attack the net hard and quickly - > creates SPACE to the inside

1.1.5 Change of Pace
- creates time and space for the puck carrier
- puck carrier controls the battle
- very effective when going in on a one on one

1.2 Passing Fakes
1.2.1 Fake Pass
- example on a 2 on 1, fake pass to team mate and shoot on net
- another example is to fake the pass and turn back for more support to come
- this often freezes the defender which creates TIME and SPACE for you

1.2.2 Look Away
- Great deceptive tactic, look in one direction and pass to a team-mate in another direction

1.2.3 Fake Pass - toe drag
- normally done when puck carrier is on his forehand
- often done on a 2 on 1, as you approach the defender you fake the pass, drag your toe and get around defender by bringing puck across your body

1.2.4 Fake drop pass
- this often causes the defender to lunge or move laterally (which is good for you)
- normally puck carrier is on his forehand
- once the "fake" drop pass is done, accelerate quickly around your defender

1.2.5 Fake pass - shoot
- this tactic often confuses the goaltender, often performed on a 2 on 1, or 3 on 1

1.3 Shooting Fakes
1.3.1 Fake shot - deke
- used to freeze defender (shot blocking mode)
- often done on 1 on 1 situations, or a defenseman on the point on the PP uses this tactic as defender goes down in order to block a shot (can move around him)
- this tactic should be done behind the range of the defenders reach

1.3.2 Fake wrist shot
- normally done at the top of the face-off circles
- freezes defender which gives attacker space to move laterally around defender

1.3.3 Fake slapshot
- normally done at attacking blue line
- after faking a slapshot, attacker moves puck wide and accelerates around defender

1.3.4 Fake shot - pass
- deceptive tactic, freezes defender
- goaltender often commits to fake shot, key is for the puck carrier to "sell" the shot

1.3.5 Fake shot - shoot
- often done on breakways
- after initial fake shot, move in , get a better angle, and then shoot, in this tactic you try to make the goaltender commit and catch him out of position

1.4 Puck Protection
1.4.1 Puck protection basics
- use body to build a wall between you and defender
- extend your stick and puck out of reach from your opponent
- always keep your feet moving

1.4.2 Puck protection - turnbacks
- this tactic is normally used when you are being pressured (no support options)
- 180 degrees change of direction, perform a tight turn while you protect the puck
- use your body as a wall or shield

1.4.3 Puck protection - loose puck
- this happens along boards or in the open ice, use your stick, skates to hold off defenders
- players need good balance to perform this tactic

1.5 One on One Puck Moves
1.5.1 Attack Triangle - puck under stick
- a triangle is formed by your opponent's skates and hockey stick
- forward can take advantage of this triangle, by moving puck between opponent's skates or stick

1.5.2 Attack Triangle - puck between legs
- draw puck wide outside reach of defender, and then slide through defenders legs
1.5.3 Puck back through legs
- deceptive move, pull puck back between your legs, use toe of stick, defender thinks you will pass

1.5.4 Toe Drag

1.5.5 Body/Puck - opposite
- this is performed by keeping puck out wide (away from your body)
- confuses defender
- should be performed outside range of defenders reach

1.5.6 Double Fake
- use series of head, body, stick fakes

1.5.7 Slider
- very deceptive tactic because defenders rarely see this move performed on them, causes confusion
- draw puck on back of blade and move laterally, then attack

1.5.8 Spin-O-Rama
- protect puck with body and perform a 270 degree turn

1.5.9 360 Move
- opens up space behind defender, normally done at the top of the blue line

1.5.10 Drop puck in skates
- drop the puck from your stick blade to your skates, and kick back out to your stick blade

1.5.11 Puck Outside Defenseman - Body Inside
- Key is to carry the puck wide with only 1 hand on the stick, defender often lunges for the puck, when opening arises bring puck back to your body and attack

1.5.12 Toe Drag - puck off skate

1.5.13 Leave Puck - Go Around
- when defender plays the body, a good offensive tactic is to leave the puck, go around the defender with a big burst of speed, and pick up the loose puck

1.5.14 Miss Puck with Deke - often freezes defender

1.5.15 Flip puck over stick (lateral flip over defenders stick)

1.5.16 Defender as Screen
- keep puck on "outside" of defenders midline, shoot between legs (or side) of defender if you see an opening
- hard for goaltenders to see/read your shot release, very good tactic to use

1.5.17 Heel to Heel Move
- puck is along boards but you do not have much room to maneuver, turn both skates outwards 180 degrees and use momentum to glide on inside edges

1.5.18 Back Pass off Boards - Behind Net
- pass to board behind you (key is to make defender over play the puck)

1.5.19 Bounce puck off net
- same as previous tactic, but use back of the net as a bank pass instead

1.6 Non Puck Roles
1.6.1 Close/Available Support
- players without the puck should always be thinking and moving to an open area - SUPPORT PUCK CARRYER

1.6.2 Picks and Screens
- read and react to play, Step in front of defender to give your team mate more time and space, be careful that you do not get called for interference

1.6.3 Decoy Skate
- pretend that you are about to receive a pass as you are driving to the net, works well on a 2 on 2

1.6.4 Defense Stagger
- done on a D to D pass, when supporting your defensive partner stay behind him as you skate up ice (I like having the D puck carrier skate on his side of the ice and the support D skating up ice in the middle lane, a few strides behind - always SUPPORT your partner)

1.6.5 Flat Skating
- cutting across the blue line, then skating laterally across offensive zone

1.6.6 Control Skating
- non puck carrier should change speeds - confuses defenders (give better passing options)

1.6.7 Facing the Puck Carrier
- this needs to be MASTERED, open pivots, turning properly

1.6.8 Saving Ice
- be able to "NOT" go offside. by skating across the blue line, or opening up on a 2 on 1

Offensive Tactics - Defensive Zone
Once you get possession of the puck in your own end (create turnover, opponent dump in, winning face-off), it is now crucial that all players work together in order to successfully maintain possession of the puck while entering the neutral zone.

2.1 Puck Retrieval
2.1.1 Escape Moves
- puck carrier creates Time and Space by Faking and then performing a tight turn around defender (example Defenseman going into corner to retrieve a puck with a forechecker coming in hard)
- Defenseman should give a head and/or shoulder fake, can skate up ice with puck or pass to a team mate

2.1.2 Puck Retrieval basics
- effective retrieval is essential for initiating breakouts. Need proper execution
- Facing up ice, retriever needs to identify where puck is located, and then pivot to begin retrieval. As he is skating towards the puck, retriever needs to check over shoulder to see where checking pressure is coming from. Make a good fake before picking up the puck.

2.1.3 Puck Retrieval - Quick Up
- if forechecking pressure is coming from the inside, you should perform a tight turn AWAY from the pressure (skate up ice or pass to a team mate)

2.1.4 Puck Retrieval - Wheel
- if forechecking pressure is coming from the outside, and pursuit continues behind the goal, defenseman should quickly round net and turn up ice

2.1.5 Puck Retrieval - Turnback
- if forechecking pressure is coming from the outside, another option is to come to a complete stop, turn, and skate the other way (often done behind the net, when forechecker is in front of the net)

2.1.6 Puck Retrieval - OVERPASS
- non puck carrier Defenseman has responsibilities, must read pressure, offer support
- if pressure is coming straight on, non puck carrying defenseman should communicate and tell partner to pass puck over and away from the oncoming pressure

2.1.7 Puck Retrieval - Reverse Pass
- if checking pressure is coming from the outside, and pressure continues behind the net, call a reverse to your partner (non puck carrier, he must be able to read this and come and support you)

2.2 First Puck Options/Pass Receptions
2.2.1 Direct Pass - Wall
- when defenseman gains control of the puck in the defensive zone, strong side forward needs to provide immediate support along boards (normally a winger, try to get as low as the hashmarks)
- important for forwards to perform a reverse pivot, as they set up for the pass reception, always facing the play, keeping your feet moving and being ready to skate up ice with the puck or pass to a team mate immediately
- Low risk passing option!!

2.2.2 Direct Pass - Midlane
- If wall is not an option, defenseman can choose to pass the puck to the midlane (normally your centerman)
- Important for Center - you need to skate mirroring the flow of the puck staying one stride behind (Timing is Key)

2.2.3 Rim Pass
- when puck carrier (defenseman) does not have any options (to pass or skate up ice) shoot puck along boards

2.2.4 Direct Pass - Relay
- normally occurs when Defenseman passes to forward along wall, who then passes immediately to center in the midlane

2.2.5 - Direct Pass - Punchback
- if winger on the wall receives pass but is under pressure, he has the option to pass back to the defenseman

2.2.6 Direct Pass - Slash
- offside skating winger "slashes" cuts into midlane in order to receive a pass
- strong side winger skates hard along boards to draw defenseman with him

2.2.7 Chip Pass
- sometimes during a breakout you need a second or third pass
- utilize boards to chip to yourself or a teammate (when under heavy pressure do not be scared to chip puck into neutral zone)
Offensive Tactics - Neutral Zone
When the breakout is successful, your team needs to maintain speed and possession through the neutral zone to effectively penetrate the offensive zone

3.1 Two Player Attacks
3.1.1 Cross & Drop
- the cross can be initiated by the puck carrier or the non puck carrier, use drop pass and attack with speed
- criss crosses are a great tactic because they force the defenders to move laterally
3.1.2 Pass & Follow
- puck carrier passes to team mate, they both change lane (confuses defender)

3.1.3 Cross and Carry
- same tactic like cross and drop, but in this case puck carrier retains possession of the puck

3.1.4 Cross & Lateral Pass
- puck carrier and non puck carrier perform a cross in the neutral zone, defender moves laterally with puck carrier, who passes to team mate laterally

3.1.5 Give & Go
- this tactic can be used anywhere in the ice, very effective in the neutral zone
- puck carrier passes to teammate, and then quickly gets into position to get a return pass

3.1.6 Headman
- very effective tactic, increases speed of the rush
- forces defender to adjust to changing point of attack (opens up space offensively)
- need to support QUICKLY in order to support new puck carrier

3.1.7 Stretch Skate & Pass
- increasingly effective offensive tactic
- non puck carrier skates to opposition blue line, receives pass from defenseman in own end
- Breakaway threat

3.1.8 Chip Pass
- when defending player is closing in on puck carrier, he can use boards to chip puck to teammate
- this tactic needs to be practiced often, so players get familiar with boards
3.1.9 Pass Redirection (Touch Passing)
- requires soft hands and you need available support, occurs when you are under heavy pressure you pass the puck to a team mate without stopping it

3.1.10 Area Pass
- used to deliver the puck into a space, where team mate will skate into it (Dump Pass or Flip Pass)
- like LONG BOMB in football

3.1.11 Ladder
- used to move the puck up ice with series of short, crisp, high percentage passes
- GREAT FOR CATCHING FORECHECKERS OFF GUARD

3.1.12 Jackhammer
- effective way to give puck to a team mate in the neutral zone that has gained a lot of speed
- player that receives initial pass, reads which team mate is best option to pass to
- while facing your own goaltender you one touch pass to team mate

3.2 Regroups & Counter Attacks
3.2.1 Regroups
- when puck carrier is steered to the outside with no passing options, passes puck back to Defenseman (or supporting forward)
- use tight turn or turnback
- this tactic allows your team to keep possession of the puck and re-attack

3.2.2 Counter Attacks
- occurs as soon as defending team regains control of the puck
- the key with counter attacks is to use quick passing to take advantage of opponents weak defensive positioning

Offensive Tactics - Offensive Zone
Once you have successfully entered the offensive zone, you are in excellent position to generate a scoring opportunity

4.1 Attack options off the rush
4.1.1 Net Drive
- ideally attacking team should always be a threat to take puck to the net
- perform a fake, cut in laterally, and quick acceleration to the net
- if coming in from the outside lane, keep feet moving, and cut to middle lane once you have gained a stride on opponent

4.1.2 Middle Drive
- skating in the middle lane, skate HARD to the net and STOP in front for a pass, tip in, etc..

4.1.3 High Delay
- when enter the offensive zone, turn away from the defender to gain time and space, use a tight turn
- once the turn is performed you will have a few options (read the play), 1) you can take the puck to the net, 2) dump the puck in the corner and cycle, 3) pass to open team mate

4.1.4 Low Delay
- when no lane is available to the net, use a low delay in order to keep possession
- you have a few options 1) walk to the net, 2) pass to open team mate, 3) keep possession low in the corner for a cycle

4.1.5 Attack Triangle - drive, drive, high support
- 1-2-3 Attack Triangle (PUCK CONTROL, PRESSURE, BALANCE)
- puck carrier is a threat to attack the net, offside winger drives to the net (back side post), third man offers high support and should shift to puck carrier's lane

4.1.6 Attack Triangle - drive, middle drive, high support
- puck carrier drives from an outside lane towards the net, player in middle lane drives to the net, high support reads middle drive and cuts in to be support pass option

4.1.7 Attack Triangle - puck high, drive, drive
- puck carrier cuts to the middle of the ice near the blue line, both wingers drive to the net from the outside lanes
- this tactic creates a lot of pressure towards the net, be ready for tips, deflections, rebounds

4.1.8 Fourth Attacker
- during specific situations during a game, it is a smart tactic to send a defenseman down low to join the attack
- this tactic makes it difficult for defenders to know who they are covering, creates confusion

4.2 Secondary Options
4.2.1 High Walkout
- puck carrier has control of the puck in the corner, keep feet moving, move in semi circle and drive to the net

4.2.2 Low walkouts
- this occurs when puck carrier creates a seam to the net below or behind the net

4.2.3 Behind the net walkout
- use fake to create lane to front of the net

4.2.4 Wrap around - near post

4.2.5 Wrap around - far post

4.2.6 Fake wrap around - pivot and shoot (normally top corner)

4.2.7 Fake wrap around - pass short side
- pass the puck to a team mate in opposite direction that you are skating behind the net

4.2.8 Give & Go - out of corner
- pass to player in the corner and drive to the net for a return pass

4.2.9 Give & Go - behind net
- a la Wayne Gretzky

4.3 Cycling
4.3.1 Low Cycle
- purpose of cycling is to use the quiet zones of the ice in order to maintain puck possession, spot pass off boards to team mate
- normally the set up is 1 player in the corner, 1 player in the slot, 1 player in front of the net
- confuses defensive coverage, this tactic should open a passing lane to the net
- stress player movement, keep those feet moving at all times

4.3.2 High Cycle
- defenseman moves into cycle and becomes a threat near top of the face off circle

4.3.3 Behind the net Cycle
- puck carrier leaves the puck behind the net, and goes to the front of the net, support forward picks up the puck and moves for play towards the net

4.3.4 Double Side Cycle
- offensive team commits third forward down low
4.3.5 Change point of attack
- this is a great tactic to use if opponents have over committed to a section of the zone

4.4 Attack Options from the Point
4.4.1 Drag & Shoot
- defenseman receives a pass, moves to the center of the ice and shoots on net (better angle and shooting lane)

4.4.2 Sprint and Shoot
- initiated by defenseman from his off wing, push puck to the middle of the ice and shoot

4.4.3 One Timers
- defenseman needs to be set up
- this is a great tactic as it makes it hard for goaltenders since they have to move laterally

4.4.4 Defense Back Door
- weak side defenseman cuts to the net for a shot on net

Defensive Tactics

Defensive Tactics
In order for players to be successful in hockey, they need to have strategies in place to handle many different situations they will face during a hockey game. A tactic = strategy. Players need to utilize many tactics during the course of a hockey game in order to create advantages over their opponents.

There are 2 kinds of Defensive Tactics: Individual and Team. Here is a summary of the Hockey Canada DVD set dealing with Defensive Tactics. In order to play at higher levels, players need to be comfortable performing these tactics when on defense.

Individual Defensive Tactics is a combination of skating, balance, agility, and checking skills. When on defense, players need to read & react to the situation, and use their technical skills in order to prevent the opposition from getting a quality scoring chance.

1.1 Skating
1.1.1 Forward Skating
- Players should be very comfortable performing glide turns (example for angling), tight turns (example team mate loses control of the puck in the neutral zone, you need to get back into your zone as quickly as possible), stops & starts (should be practice by players at all levels), and control skating (example pressure or contain puck carrier, gap control).
- Players should be able to do these skating drills at top speed, always be in a position to take away your opponent’s offensive opportunities.

1.1.2 Backward Skating
- In order to play at an elite level, you need to be a great backwards skater.
- practice your backwards starts and stops, skate backwards at your top speed. When playing the rush, a player needs to have mastered his backwards skating, which will make it easier to steer opponents away from key scoring areas.

1.1.3 Changing Directions
- Players need to work on their pivoting (from both feet), transitional skating, and turning, which will enable you to keep a close gap on your opponent.

1.2 One vs. One Defense
1.2.1 Positioning
- When you are playing a one on one confrontation, it is important to properly align your body against your opponents. When puck carrier attacks from an outside lane, you need to assume an inside position, line up your outside shoulder with puck carrier’s inside shoulder. When opponent is attacking from the middle lane, defender assumes a head on position and force (steer) puck carrier to outside away from the middle of the ice.

1.2.2 Redirecting the Rush
- be able to read the rush and steer it in the direction that you want. Use your body and stick to steer play as much as possible (example on a forecheck).

1.2.3 Pinching
- When defender in opposing zone believes they can keep the puck in the zone or separate the opponent from the puck, they should perform a pinch by stepping up inside the opposition blue line.

1.2.4 Gap Control
- Gap control is the distance between the defender and the attacker. You should stay no more than 2 stick lengths away from the attacker, very important to work on your controlled skating.
- If defender plays too close a gap (tight gap), he runs the risk of getting beat by the outside lane.
- If defender plays too large a gap (loose gap), he runs the risk of giving away the middle of the ice.

1.2.5 Closing the Gap
- Defender needs to change speeds, read & react to opponent. Players need to practice closing the gap as quickly as possible while maintaining speed.

1.2.6 Stepping Up
- Stepping up is when defenders commit to checking the opposing puck carrier.
- Normally done when attacking player has poor control of the puck, or when the opposing puck carrier has no support around him.

1.2.7 Pressure or Contain
- Pressure or contain will depend on the attackers body positioning and also on how well he is controlling the puck.
- if puck carrier has good control and is facing the defender – CONTAIN
- if puck carrier has his back to the defender, and/or does not have good control of the puck – PRESSURE
- Players should remember the “NUMBER-CREST” rule. If you see the opponent’s number you should pressure, if you see their crest, you should contain.

1.2.8 Angling
- angling is one of the first lines of defense
- Players should learn to angle their opponents in the direction you want them to go, use controlled skating and skate in an arc to gradually reduce the puck carrier’s space and options.
- Keep your stick fully stretched, this will take away a passing lane.

1.2.9 Pinning
- pinning is a great way to maintain physical control of an offensive player.
- Angle puck carrier towards the boards and pin them, by placing your leg in between your opponent’s legs.

1.2.10 Body Checking
- great technic to separate opponent from the puck

1.2.11 Finishing Checks
- once committed to a check, skate through and finish the check - > make sure that opponent that just passed the puck is taken out of the play

1.3 Backchecking
1.3.1 Tracking
- used by backchecker when coming back to join the play in the neutral and defensive zone
- Track between dots looking to take away cross ice passes
- Always the read the situation (from the red line), and pick up the attacker that poses the biggest offensive threat

1.3.2 Backside Pressure
- occurs when backcheckers skate hard back into their own zone and put pressure on puck and/or support play
- try to force opposition outside (use dots as guide)

1.4 Back Side Support
1.4.1 Head on a Swivel
- Always be aware of puck carrier as well as players who do not have the puck (especially your man)
- move your head from side to side

1.4.2 Sagging
- when the puck is deep in the defensive zone, defenders that are responsible for opponents farthest away from the puck, should “sag” or drop down towards the puck (example forward covering weak side point man)
- Sagging offers defensive support in prime scoring areas

1.5 Shot Blocking
1.5.1 Stick in Passing Lane
- Key tactic to take away an opponents options
- put your stick in lane or on opponent’s blade

1.5.2 Active Stick
- Often distracts attacker
- move your stick from side to side (often when you are containing)
- take away options

1.5.3 Body in Shooting Lane
- useful tactic while you are shorthanded
- force opponent to pass the puck

1.5.4 Shot Block – Standing
- keep your feet together
- when performing this tactic, always keep your body square to the shooter

1.5.5 Shot Block – Sliding

1.6 2 on 1 Rush Defense

1.6.1 Play non puck carrier
- take away the pass
- Force puck carrier to shoot
- More often than not, goaltender needs to play the puck carrier

1.6.2 Play puck carrier
- With pressure
- force the puck carrier to either pass or make a play on net (often done when you see puck carrier does not have 100% complete control of the puck)

Offensive Zone
2.1 Offensive Zone Forechecking
2.1.1 Role of F1
- cut ice in half
- Angle puck carrier to one side
- If possible put opponent on his backhand

2.1.2 Role of F2
- must read the play
- Main job is to support F1

2.1.3 Role of F3
- stay high in the zone (between top of circles and blue line)
- Always maintain defensive positioning

2.1.4 Role of D1
- move up ice quickly
- maintain optimal gap with offensive forwards
- Play rush or pinch

2.1.5 Role of D2
- move up ice quickly
- Mid ice positioning
- Offensive support if puck is turned over

Neutral Zone
Players must take away opponents Time & Space in the neutral zone using individual and team tactics. Team work is very important in the neutral zone, you need to prevent opposition from entering the defensive zone.

3.1 Neutral Zone Forecheck
3.1.1 Role of F1
- establish inside/out positioning
- take away D to D pass
- force opposition to play along the boards/wall

3.1.2 Role of F2
- mirror F1’s actions
- Either jump on the play or offer support and stay with your man

3.1.3 Role of F3
- stay between puck and your own net
- position yourself in the midlane or widelane to take away options

3.1.4 Role of D1
- STEP UP if you have support
- If you do not have enough support, back off and read the play

3.1.5 Role of D2
- Offside defenseman
- play the midlane as much as possible
- be aware of any wide threats (very important)
- Also be prepared to STEP UP and make play

3.2 Defending the Rush
3.2.1 - 2 on 1
- maintain middle positioning
- try to delay the attack as much as possible
- force opposition wide

3.2.2 – 3 on 1
- play loose gap in midlane
- leave the shooter to the goaltender
- Active stick

3.2.3 – 2 on 2
- communicate with defensive partner
- If opponents cross high in the zone, defenders should “SWITCH”, stay in lanes and switch opponent they are now covering
- If opponent’s criss cross below top of the circles, defenders should “SWITCH LANES”, switch lanes and keep covering the same man

3.2.4 – 3 on 2
- delay the play as much as possible so backchecker can arrive
- maintain optimal gap
- push attack to the outside as much as possible

3.2.5 – 1 on 2
- You have the advantage
- Defenseman should STEP UP and pressure the puck carrier

3.2.6 – 3 on 3 Tracking
- pick up the trailing forward and eliminate him from the play

3.2.7 – 3 on 3 Rush
- Defensive forward pressures puck carrier

Defensive Zone
- proper positioning
- always be aware of players without the puck
- must win 1 on 1 battles
- support
- team work

4.1 Defensive Zone Coverage
4.1.1 Role of D1
- Responsible for puck carrier
- pressure or contain (read & react)
- stay between puck carrier and net

4.1.2 Role of D2
- hold front of the net
- Feet facing up ice, head on a swivel
- Responsible for man in front of net

If puck switches corner, wait for D1 to take your position in front of the net, and go attack puck carrier

4.1.3 Role of F1
- support D1
- get to any loose pucks
- Responsible down low even if puck moves corner

4.1.4 Role of F2
- Backcheck hard to high slot
- Responsible for weak side defenseman

4.1.5 Role of F3
- cover strong side defenseman
- Head on a swivel
- face up ice, make sure your man does not sneak in behind you and become a passing option

4.2 Defensive Zone Situations
4.2.1 Puck Carrier behind the Net
- If puck carrier has good control, both defenseman should face puck carrier, take away any wrap around possibilities. F1 covers the front of the net. F2 & F3 sag to the slot area

4.2.2 Corner (into/out of)
- when playing puck carrier coming out of the corner, always take inside out route, skate in an arc
- Force play up boards and away from quiet zones
- Always maintain defensive side positioning

4.2.3 Net Front
- try to control players body and stick without tying yourself up
- face up ice, head on a swivel
- Always know where puck is

4.2.4 Point
- High forwards need to pressure the puck
- take inside/out route
- stay with your man

4.2.5 Side Boards
- When offensive team has control of the puck on side boards, F2 can sag and support the play
- keep your head on a swivel
- Always maintain defensive side positioning

4.2.6 Hinge Support – 2 on 2
- When opponents are controlling the puck in the corner, D1 & F1 can play man to man. Hinge – support your partner

4.2.7 - 3 on 3 shade
- Net front defensive player moves to where third offensive player is located
- Shading takes away Time & Space

4.2.8 Defending the cycle
- must communicate
- maintain defensive side positioning
- stay with your man and try to eliminate him

4.2.9 Activated Defenseman
- Forwards checking points must be aware that offensive defenseman can activate and join in on play
- watch for the back door pass
- F2 & F3 play “activated defenseman” all the way to the net

Passing & Receiving

Passing and Receiving are important parts of the game of hockey, especially their relation to the transitional aspects of play. Hockey is a game of transition, and teams that can successfully pass and receive the puck, in a quick, accurate manner, are able to apply more pressure on their opponents in the neutral or offensive zone, and can be more successful in their own end, on a breakout. Players need to master their abilities to give and receive a pass if they are to play at a higher level. Some of the best players in the world are known for their amazing passing skills – Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby, Forsberg, Thornton, and the former Russian superstar Valery Kharmalov.

A youth or Junior player might think he is a great passer when performing any number of drills in practice, but what makes you a great passer is your ability to be pin point accurate, under heavy pressure, with limited time and space, and the ability to read and react to how the play is unfolding around you.

Giving A Pass (Forward or Backhand)
· keep your head up with your eyes focused on the target
· proper knee bend
· make sure both hands are moving in the direction of the target
· players should push with bottom hand, and pull with the top hand
· as the puck is released (puck should be in the center of the blade or slightly to the heel on a forehand pass and on backhand should start on your heel and rim through to the tip of the blade), the weight shift moves from the back foot to the front foot
· fully extend your bottom arm, sweeping the puck, not slapping it (Keep your stick in contact with the puck; do not slap at the puck as you pass it. A pass should be done without making any sound.)
· top arm should come just under your chin
· your accuracy is controlled on the follow through. As you roll your wrists point the blade of your stick toward the target.

Receiving A Pass (Forward or Backhand)
· as the puck is coming towards you, move your stick towards the puck and tilt the top edge of your stick towards the puck
· as the puck contacts your stick, let your stick move a bit in the direction of the puck to cushion the impact of the reception.
· on the backhand it is particularly important to let the puck cross right in front of your body as you're receiving it. Do not meet the puck with a rigid stick, or the puck will bounce right off your blade.
· If you hold your stick too tight, you won’t be able to control the pass.

Types of Passing
Forehand Sweep – the stick blade is on the ice, and the puck remains in contact with the blade until it is released. Body weight transfers from the back to the front leg and the follow through is low.

Backhand Sweep – same as the forehand sweep, only you are passing in the backward direction. The puck begins well on the backhand side and the weight shifts from the back foot to the front foot.

Snap Pass – this is a quick, hard pass. Bring back the blade away from the puck slightly, the quickly sweep through and make contact with the puck.

Flip Pass (Saucer Pass) – this pass is used to pass over an opponents stick. The puck spins off the stick from the heel to the toe. The puck should be approximately 4 to 6 inches off the ice and land flat in a spinning motion.

Drop Pass – this is basically dropping the puck for a team mate that is in back of you trailing the play. The puck is dropped from the forehand or backhand position but is not passed back, as this allows the trailer to skate into the puck. (leaving the puck for a team mate)

Back Pass – this is the same as the drop pass, but here, the puck is actually passed back to a teammate. The trailing teammate is usually 10 to 15 feet behind.

Board Pass – this type of pass is often used by a defenseman behind the net or any player attempting to pass by a defensive man with a teammate slipping behind. The pass should be low and not too hard, so rebound off boards will not be too difficult to handle.

Bank Pass – this type of pass is often used by forwards in the offensive zone. The forward bounces the puck back off the boards to a trailing player or passes off the boards to another defenseman behind the net (defense reverse). The pass is executed by bouncing the puck off the boards backward to be picked up by a trailing player.

One Touch Pass – the player redirects a pass without stopping or cradling the puck

Type of Receiving
Off Skates – the weight is put on the non receiving skate. The blade of the receiving skate is turned with the toe pointing slightly in. The puck is deflected up to the blade of the stick.

In The Air – the player should attempt to knock down a low pass in the air with the blade of his stick in a downward slapping motion. He should attempt to bunt down a pass high in the air with his glove or body.

Too Far Ahead – The arms are extended completely and the stick is extended in one arm. A player may go down on one knee and extend the stick flat on the ice if the puck is coming from behind at an angle.

3 Zones to Master when Passing or Receiving
Passing Zone 1 – set up area – get good handle of the puck
Passing Zone 2 – release location, this is the critical zone to determine if the pass will be on target (must judge how long to keep puck on blade)
Passing Zone 3 – follow through area – shift weight toward front leg

Receiving Zone 1 – receiver must reach to accept the puck from direction it is coming from
Receiving Zone 2 – gain control as puck moves to midline of body
Receiving Zone 3 – buffer area

Treat a passed puck as if it were an egg, using soft, relaxed hands to gain control, ESPECIALLY on a hard pass.

Please Note that as a receiver your job is also to be in a position to receive the puck. Make sure you always give the puck carrier proper support, move to an open area, create passing lanes.

Skating

Skating is the most important technical skill in hockey. Players need to spend numerous hours trying to improve their skating abilities from Novice all the way up to the PRO level. Many professional hockey players use experts to improve their overall skating. Off ice training is key for any player that wishes to increase their speed, explosive power, and overall endurance.

Drive Leg = back leg
Glide Leg = leg in motion

Forward Skating
- keep your feet shoulder width apart (you should not be able to see your toes)
- start with your skates forming a ‘’V’’ (knees turned outwards)
- push one foot at a time and transfer all your body weight into each stride (the - initial strides are short and quick without gliding, and only lift your feet off the ice slightly)
- the drive leg is fully extended at the hip, knee, and ankle joint
- the knee of the drive leg is flexed beyond the toe of the skate
- fully extend on each stride with a quick recovery back to the “V” position
- when in full motion, keep your body square to the direction of travel
- keep your back straight and your head up
- do not lean your body too forward (you need to be comfortable when you skate and you will know the lean that gives you maximum balance and lets you take fully extended strides)
- keep your knees bent as much as possible (this will give you more power and balance)
- Skate with a proper arm swinging movement (arm and leg movements work in rhythm with their opposites)
- Always keep your stick on the ice, except when you are looking to gain top speed

Backward Skating
- knees are bent and shoulder width apart
- keep your back straight and eyes looking forward
- start each push from directly under your body (from the hips down)
- the pushing foot drives to the side to full extension (forming a half moon ‘’C’’) while the other foot glides back
- push one leg at a time and use all your body weight on each stride
- pivot the heel of the pushing foot up and outward so it is perpendicular to your glide foot (Form and upside down letter ‘’L’’)
- try to maintain a straight line as possible (do not swivel your hips)
- always keep your eyes looking forward and shoulders back
- always keep your hips low to the ice
- push your leg to a full extension and make sure your gliding leg goes back in a straight line on the flat of the blade
- always keep both feet on the ice (not like forward skating)
- use sprinter type arm movement while skating with one hand on stick

Crossovers
Crossovers are a very important part of a hockey player’s game. Players use a crossover to accelerate while changing direction.
- keep your knees bent
- always keep head up and eyes pointing forward
- the head, shoulders (remain as level as possible), and arms are rotated in the direction of movement
- the body leans towards the inside, keep your knees bent
- only the lower body parts are aligned and pointing in the direction of the turn (hips and skates)
- weight transfers from the inside to outside leg
- the outside leg drives with an extension of the hip, knee, and ankle
- following the extension of the outside leg (inside edge), the outside leg crosses over the inside leg (out-side edge)
- leaning into a turn, the outside leg crosses over (in front of) the inside leg keeping the skates as low to the ice as possible (within one inch to the ice)
- bring the outside leg back in front while remaining balanced and low to the ice- repeat crossover until you are going in desired direction
- in practice, work on making really tight circles
- keep stick in front and on the ice
- good strong knee bend and ankle bend are the key to good crossovers

Stopping
Being able to stop is a crucial element to being a great skater. The key is to be able to stop quickly on both sides, whether skating in a forward or backward motion.
1) Forward Stop (90 degrees)– 2 foot stop
- as you get ready to stop, turn your hips 90 degrees from the direction of travel, turning both skates simultaneously
- the stop is executed on the outside edge of the inside skate and the inside edge of the outside skate
- keep both feet wide apart from each other (about 6 to 8 inches apart)
- the inside skate is slightly beyond of the outside skate
- transfer most of your body weight on the outside skate (if too much weight is on the inside foot, you will fall and loose your balance)
- counterbalance the stop with your upper body, keeping shoulders parallel to the ice
one foot stop, the front leg is similar to the 2 foot stop except all the weight is on the front leg(inside edge). The back leg is off the ice, ready to initiate the next stride

2) Backward Stop (Hips straight / V Position)
- as you get ready to stop, keep your hips facing in the direction of travel and begin your slide
- turn your knees outwards and bring heels in under shoulders
- as you begin to feel conformable with the slide, dig inside edges deeper into the ice (pressure on front part of blades)
- your body weight should be centered evenly on both feet (do not lean to far forward or you might loose your balance)

3) Backward Stop (90 degree hip turn slide) – 2 foot stop
- as you get ready to stop, turn your hips 90 degrees from the direction of travel, with your back foot lifting slightly off the ice, then returning to the ice
- both the inside skate and outside skate slide on top of the ice, with the inside skate trailing the outside skate
- most of your body weight should be distributed to your back skate

Overall Tips
- as you get better at stopping, increase skating speed prior to stopping (the key is being able to stop quickly at any speed)
- a good knee bend is vital to making good stops
- always keep your eyes forward and your head up
- your back should be as straight as possible
- remember to shift most of your weight on the outside foot for balance


EXPLOSIVE STARTS
Because hockey is a game of transition, players need to master their quick and explosive starts from any position. Many skaters take too much time to gain speed, and is often one of the reasons why they are not able to play at higher levels.
- bend knees deeply (you will need all your leg muscles to engage in a powerful start)
- form the letter ‘’V’’ with both skates with your knees pointing outwards
- spring forward and drive off from the ball of your foot
- fully extend your legs on each stride and fully extend the ankles
- visualize yourself as a sprinter (you should be jumping and landing on your fist 3 to 4 steps)
- thrust your body forward and transfer as much body weight as you can to the jumping foot
- focus on having ‘’quick’’ feet as the faster you execute your jumping strides, the faster you will gain speed
- engage in off ice training to develop powerful leg muscles (the more powerful your leg muscles, the more explosive you will be on the ice)
- do not lean your body too far forward, as you will loose your balance
• The ability to get up on your toes is what will get you to explode faster
- keep on practicing and don’t get discouraged (improving explosiveness takes time and practice)

Changing Directions
Transition moves in hockey are extremely important in one’s development into becoming a great skater. It is one thing to be comfortable skating in both forward and backward motions. But in order to become a great skater, you must be able to make a quick transition from the forward to backward motion, and from the backward to forward motion. Transition moves require a lot of patience and practice.

Forward to Backward (without stopping)
- bend your knees deeply
- keep your back straight, head up and eyes pointing forward
- as you get into the transition, turn your hips 90 degrees from your direction of travel (both hips turn simultaneously)
- keep upper body centered over the top of your skates to stay balanced throughout the transition
- the outside skate (planted on the inside edge) pushes a half moon (‘’C’’) deeply into the ice
- the inside skate is on an outside edge and gets you going in a straight line backwards as it pulls underneath the body extremely hard to full extension, forming a letter ‘’Y’’

Backward to Forward (Mohawk Turn)
- bend your knees deeply
- keep your back straight, head up and eyes pointing forward
- as you get ready to make the transition, center all your weight over the turning skate (Plant the skate on an inside edge and it will automatically turn)
- your other foot (the one you will land on) gets slightly lifted off the ice and forms and arrow tip position under your body
- push off with your pivoting foot and make sure to counterbalance against it to maintain the proper grip to get power and speed from your push
- once you have made the transition and have your momentum going forward, pop up on your toes and apply the technique of the quick forward start (‘’V’’ start) - practice until you can make transitions without loosing any momentum
- make sure to turn hips 90 degrees when executing the transition (improper hip turn movement results in a loss of speed and balance)
- always keep your head up and eyes facing forward while doing transitions
- make sure to have a firm knee bend to stay balanced and give you added power when making the transition

Backward to Forward Crossover
- the skates are brought close together with the arms brought close to the body
- the body weight shifts over the glide leg
- the other leg crosses over with the blade (inside edge) to the desired direction
- the crossover is short and close to the ice

TIGHT TURN (PIVOT)
While crossovers are the best way to gain top speed in turning corners, it is also very important to learn how to turn quickly while keeping both skates close together. Hockey is not a game played skating in a straightforward motion; you must be able to turn quickly and confidently.
- make sure your knees are bent deeply (ahead of your toes), your upper body is straight, your head is up in the center of your shoulders and that your eyes are pointing forward as you enter the turn
- as you begin to turn, shift your body weight into the inside leg (the inside hip guides the turn)
- keep the inside shoulder pressing up to remain parallel to the ice surface (try to maintain outside shoulder as parallel to the ice as possible)
- your outside leg glides next to your turning inside leg, and your skates turn simultaneously in the same direction
- once you have turned and are going in the desired direction, execute a sharp crossover and apply the quick start principles to gain top speed
- keep your eyes pointing forward as you turn
- the sharper you want to turn, the more downward body weight you should apply entering the turn
- use your hips as the steering wheel as you execute the turn and keep your legs close together to get a quicker turn
- focus on maintaining as much speed as you can while turning
- keep your stick in front of you (preferably both hands on the stick)

Stickhandling & Puck Control

Stickhandling is a technical skill that all players need to master if they are to play at an elite level. Players who have mastered stickhandling and puck control, are more confident when they have the puck , and this will ultimately give them more time and space on the ice. Scouts love to see players who are able to maintain puck control as they are skating at top speed.

If a player can incorporate their stickhandling skills with great skating skills, instinct, timing, and an ability to read & react to a given situation, they can go a long way in their hockey career.

A player faces many one on one battles during a game, and being comfortable with the puck in traffic, will make you more successful. All players should practice their stickhandling and puck control skills as much as possible.

Key Points:

- keep your feet shoulder width apart

- keep your knees bent

- keep your upper body leaning slightly forward

- keep your head up (read the play around you, you will have more options)

- top hand at the top of the stick

- bottom hand about 20 to 30 cm down the shaft (keeping your hands too close together creates a weak grip, and keeping your hands too far apart limits your range to move the puck)

- keep the blade flat on the ice

- cup the puck in the center of the blade, cushioning it while you stickhandle

- roll your wrists

- slide the blade of the stick along the ice (do not bang it on the ice, there should be little or no noise created by the stick’s hitting the ice)

- the top edge of the stick blade should be slightly over the puck and the toe of the blade should be turned in towards the puck

Players need to practice both their stationary and moving puck control skills. Here are some great practice ideas from Hockey Canada which will help you get to the next level.

1) Narrow: this is a fast, short movement. Move puck back and forth quickly in front of your body, keeping your hand movement as smooth and quick as possible.

2) Wide: this technic moves the puck across entire body. Extend to each side as far as your arms can go. Your bottom hand can come off the stick as you go to your backhand.

3) Practice stickhandling on your forehand on your side, then stickhandle right in front of you, then stickhandle on your backhand on your side (stationary and in motion)

4) Practice stickhandling on one leg at a time (this needs to be mastered)

5) Practice stickhandling with ONLY your top hand. This will give you more strength in your forearm, and help your coordination.

6) Practice stickhandling with your hands together. This will improve your forearm strength

7) Practice stickhandling with your hands wide apart; shift your weight from one skate to the other.

8) Practice stationary stickhandling Figure 8’s, both with two hands and with one hand (top). This will enable you to practice stickhandling on your forehand and backhand in a confined area.

9) Around the Body – Box. Stickhandle around your body by rotating only your upper body. This will develop better puck control and your agility.

10) Around the Body – Triangle. Move puck in triangular fashion around your body, No stickhandling but instead pull the puck.

11) Stick through Legs – practice stickhandling and putting your stick through your legs and the puck around your skate. This develops your hand-eye coordination.

12) Puck through Legs – practice moving puck wide on your forehand and pulling puck through your legs (off your skates if necessary)

13) Practice stickhandling as a right hander and left hander. This will improve your feel for the puck, your hand-eye coordination.

14) Body/Stick Opposite. Practice stickhandling away from your body (great tactic)

15) Practice bouncing the puck on your blade in the air – develops hand-eye coordination

16) Practice the Puck Scoop – the Sidney Crosby Move

17) Practice flipping puck in the air and batting it down

18) Practice stickhandling with 2 pucks – Great drill to develop your hand-eye coordination.

19) Open Ice Carry – Forehand and Backhand (normally for defenseman). Practice stickhandling with only your top hand on the stick, carrying puck forward both on the front (heel) and back (heel) of your blade.

20) Practice weave skating with the puck – series of glide turns, very little stickhandling.

21) Practice Crossover Carries and Stickhandling– 3 consecutive crossovers moving side to side (forward and backward).

22) Crossover Circle Carries and Stickhandling

23) Practice skating up ice and stickhandle the puck behind your body, side to side. This is great for when you receive a pass behind you, and for when you lose control of the puck while you are in motion.

24) Practice skating up ice kicking puck from skate to skate, and puck from stick blade to skate.

25) Practice skating on your heels

26) Practice your stickhandling while performing 360 degree spin from both directions

27) Practice going around pylons on your forehand ONLY (harder than it sounds, basically you never go on your backhand by performing toe drags by always staying on your forehand)

28) Practice going around pylons with only one hand on the stick (top hand). This is a great drill to develop soft hands (try going forward and backward)

29) Practice skating Figure 8’s in Transition (going forward and then backward by performing open and reverse picot on each pylon).

By working on these drills, you will be on your way to becoming a much better stickhandler. On a final note, it is important to mention the fact that all the best stickhandlers in the world have one thing in common - - they can skate like the wind. So make sure you have great skating to go with your great stickhandling.

Checking

Hockey Canada has a Four Step Checking Model:

Step #1 – Positioning and Angling

The first step in teaching Checking is to learn how to control skating and establish position to approach the opponent from an angle minimizing time and space for the opponent.

Positioning of a player is accomplished by:

- controlled skating (have solid stance, keep knees bent)

- skates shoulder width apart- keep your head always up

- always keep your stick on the ice- always protect middle of the ice

- defensive side positioning (stay between your man and the net)

- keep active stick

- keep feet moving

- proper forechecking (know different roles)

- proper backchecking (know different roles,tracking, picking up trailer)

Angling:

- is a checking technic

- does not require contact

- use stick and body to steer opponents

In positioning/angling, players need to read the degree of puck control and control skating speed to force the puck carrier in the desired direction.

Step #2 – Stick Checks

The second step is to effectively use the stick in order to “check” your opponent.

Poke Check

- often used in 1 on 1 situations or with forechecking forwards

- elbow of the arm holding the stick is bent and close to your side (other arm used to maintain balance)

- one hand on the stick and your head up looking at opponents chest, NOT the puck

- do not lung at your opponent (throw yourself at him), rather you should extend your stick and try to knock the puck off your opponents blade

Hook Check

- the hook check is the most difficult stick check to perform because not only are you knocking the offensive player off the puck but also gaining control of the puck

- this checking maneuver is most successful when the offensive player is unaware of your presence around the puck

- using the curved part of the stick between the shaft and the blade, quickly slide the puck away from the stick handler

- place only your top hand on the stick

- with one knee bent, bring the shaft of the stick down so that it is almost flat on the ice

Sweep Check

- the sweep check is most effective when attacking the puck carrier from the front

- this check combines the skills of the poke and hook checks

- the sweep check should be used when you are defending against a good puck-handler

- your objective is to simply separate him/her from the puck just like with the poke check. But instead of poking at the puck, you are sweeping your stick along the ice using the curve between the shaft and the stick blade, forcing the offensive player to get rid of the puck

- keep only the top hand on the stick

- bend one knee, in order to get your stick blade along the ice.

Lift the Stick

- lifting the stick of your opponent is a very effective technique when you are coming from behind or slightly to the side of your opponent

- slide your lower hand down the shaft of the stick to gain leverage on your opponent

- skate slightly in front of your opponent

- slide your stick under that of your opponent's

- where the blade meets the shaft

- making a quick, hard thrust upward, lift the stick of your check· Once the stick of your opponent is off the ice, bring your stick down to take the puck away

- as soon as the puck is recovered, skate away from your opponent

- it is very important to continue to skate through the check. It will be very difficult to maintain your position in front of your opponent if you stop skating and your opponent continues striding.

Stick Press

- just like the lifting the stick technique, the stick press is a good maneuver for a defensive player to use when in a tight one on one battle with a forward, especially in front of your net

- your goal with this technique is to prevent your check from receiving or executing a pass, shooting or picking up a loose puck

- once again, slide your bottom hand down the shaft of the stick to gain leverage on your opponent

- using the lower half of your stick, press down hard on the shaft of your opponent's stick. This will prevent him/her from moving their stick

- your ability to execute this skill depends on the positioning of your stick on your opponent's and how much pressure you can apply on the stick of your check.

- you will see many NHL defensemen using this technique when offensive players are parked in front of the net. One of the only ways to legally score goals is by a player using their stick to shoot or deflect the puck into the net. If you have their stick tied up, you are limiting their chances of success

Hit the Stick

- hitting the stick is a good technique for offensive players to use when skating parallel with their check

- your objective is to hit the heel or the back half of your opponent's stick blade, forcing them to lose control of the puck

Step #3 – Body Contact & Contact Confidence

The third step is to use the body to block the opponent’s way or take away the skating lanes of another player. The correct stance and effective use of leg strength are important parts of these techniques.

Step #4 – Body Checking

The fourth and final step is actual body checking. This step includes teaching techniques to check and receive a body check as well as safety and rules.

- never hit opponents from behind and keep your arms, elbows and sticks down

- keep your head up at ALL times and eyes on opponents chest area

- with proper stance, balance, and speed you will be able to knock any player down no matter how big they are

Shoulder Check

- be sure you can give shoulder checks with either shoulder

- explode the point of your shoulder into the opponents chest

- knees are bent and extend on contact - need powerfull legs

- keep low stance

- skates are turned outward and dig into a shoulders width apart

- keep only one hand on the stick with the other flexed to the side

- keep hand close to the body to prevent injury

- whenever you see a puck carrier skating with his head down, this is a great opportunity to use a shoulder check

Hip Checks

- used mainly by defenseman along the boards

- can also be used mid ice when mastered

- keep one hand on stick, knees bent, lower stance

- as you are skating backwards, you pivot, swing your hips 90-degrees and drive your hip into your opponent

- timing is very important

Open Ice Hitting

- proper gap control, good positioning

- lign your outside shoulder with opponents inside shoulder (protect midlane)

- always keep knees bent and your head up

Pinning

- when pinning an opponent along the boards, always place one of your legs between the opponents legs and pin him into the glass

- keep your arm and shoulder under the opponents outside arm

Shooting

to come

Team Play Booklet

Players face many different situations throughout a hockey game. Knowing how to read and react to these different situations will enable you to make better decisions on the ice.
Please note that I used the words defenseman when describing the last 2 players back (can be a defenseman and a forward) as well as used the word center to describe the forward that is occupying the middle of the ice (can be a left or right winger that has changed lanes or has entered the defensive zone first)

1 ON 1 SITUATIONS
1 on 1 offense
· If Defenseman stands you up at blue line (does not back in) or is a slower moving defenseman - GO WIDE - - you have the time and space to get to the net.
· If Defenseman gives you the blue line (backs in) - - MAKE YOUR MOVE INSIDE - you have less space to move around him, but at the same time you are closer to your destination - the slot and net area.
· Don’t forget that you are skating forward, and the defenseman is skating backwards, SO USE BIG MOVES AND CHANGE SPEEDS – this often confuses the defenseman.

Please Note
Defenseman don’t play the puck on a one on one (they are instructed to play the body, and they try to poke check the puck without looking down). Be aware of this, make sure you do abetter job at protecting the puck. You should practice stick handling with the puck on your side instead of always directly in front of you.

1 on 1 defense
· DO NOT PLAY (and look at) THE PUCK, you should however try to poke check the puck from the puck carrier (always keep the stick on the ice)- - keep one hand (top hand) on your stick, elbow close to your body, looking at opponents chest, and keep poke checking at puck without looking down. (I Like defenseman to make short quick pokes both vertically and laterally).
· If possible (not always the case) try to make contact with puck carrier at the blue line, if this does not materialize, you need to make contact at the top of the circle at the very latest - - DO NOT BACK IN PAST THAT POINT.
· Angle the puck carrier towards the boards, ALIGN YOUR OUTSIDE SHOULDER WITH PUCK CARRIER’S INSIDE SHOULDER.
· keep the gap as close as possible between yourself and the puck carrier, this will enable you to take away the puck carrier’s time and space
· When opponent is about to beat you (or you feel you are about to get beat) you need to turn around and start skating in the same direction as the puck carrier (so now you are both facing the goaltender), and you have to finish your play. NEVER come to a complete stop (feet stop moving) and trying to take a swing at the puck with your stick. Your feet should never stop moving.
· If the attacker delays you must stay with him and continue 1-1 battle with him.

Please Note
Defenseman playing at higher levels (Midget AAA, Junior, NHL) need to take it a step further. It is important to know if the attacker is left or right handed, and also if he is coming in on his off-wing or strong side side. If the forward is coming in on his off wing, you need to play a closer gap because he is in a better position to take a shot from the middle of the ice (without exposing the puck). If the forward is coming in on his strong side, you can play a little larger gap (but not too wide)as he will have to expose the puck to you as he cuts to the middle of the ice.

1 ON 2 SITUATIONS
1 on 2 offense
When attacking the opposing team and you are alone against two defenders, you have several offensive tactics you can use, depending on which one of the following options you will decide to pursue:
1. you will wait for support to arrive, or
2. decide to take on the 2 defenseman by yourself

If you decide to wait for support, I think it is important to see if the defenseman will give you the blue line without a confrontation. If you can easily obtain the blue line, then one tactic is to use is a delay (normally between the blue line and top of the circle, performing a tight turn or reverse pivot), this will buy you some time for some support to arrive.
On the other hand, if you see that the 2 defenseman are standing you up at the blue line, then I like for players to dump the puck into the corner (place and chase). Normally what will happen is one of the two defenseman will come and battle you in the corner, and the other defenseman will go and protect the net area. (defenseman are instructed to always have D1 pressure the puck, and D2 protect the net area). So basically what you have done is turned your 1 on 2, into a 1 on 1 in the corner, and you also are buying time for some support to arrive.

If you decide to take on the two defenseman without waiting for support, I suggest going wide on the slower/weaker of the 2 defenseman and driving to the net (use inside/outside fake), and once he is beat, use your body to shield against opposite defenseman as you are coming back into the middle of the ice (use a big burst of speed, no hesitation). If both defenseman are playing parallel to each other, what also works is to cut right through them (defenseman often get confused on who should be covering the attacker). This confusion will give you that extra time to be able to cut right through them and attack the net.

1 on 2 defense
The Strong Side defenseman plays 1on 1 battle with attacking forward.
· Stand up attacking player at the blue line, you have support, so be more aggressive
· Weak side defenseman check to see who the next player entering the zone is,
If it is a back checker, then you can slide over and play the body on the puck carrier, giving strong support to your defensive partner.
If an opponent is the next player entering the zone, then you must stay in your lane, and get ready to play a potential 2 on 2 that is developing.

2 ON 1 SITUATIONS
2 on 1 offensively
· You do not want the defenseman to be in between you and your team mate, so make sure one player is high and one player is lower
· Try to remain on your forehand as much as possible, goaltender is not sure if you will pass or shoot
Do not be scared to shoot. Many 2 on 1’s end up as broken plays when players try and make fancy passes. If you do not shoot, you cannot score.
Non puck carrier should always attack and drive hard to the net and look for loose rebounds once puck carrier has taken a shot on net.
· Attack as quickly as possible to eliminate back checkers that are aggressively fighting to get back into the play
· Use different offensive tactics such as shoulder fakes, fake shot and pass, shooting while looking at your team mate etc…these normally work really well on 2 on 1’s (be creative but also make sure to get a shot on net, do not waste these opportunities)
· If you ever have a 2 on 1 while your shorthanded, ALWAYS SHOOT. You cannot afford for your pass to get intercepted and a 4 on 2 to break out the other way. I encourage the shooter to shoot close corner. If you wind up for a big shot and miss the opposite corner, there is a very good chance that the puck will swing along the boards and put your team in a tough spot as both forwards will be caught up on the play. (pay attention to these small details while playing)

2 on 1 defensively
· As much as possible, try to delay the play, as your team mates are back checking to come and support you.
· Stay in middle of attackers, skating in a line toward the near post
· You need to be able to read the play and attack puck carrier if the opportunity arises (use fakes, poke checks, forwards normally panic and make a poor choice with the puck when pressured).
· Goaltender takes shooter, defenseman deny the pass.
· If there is an original shot on net, make sure you prevent non puck carrier from getting a rebound (tie up his stick etc.., always have defensive side position between the net and the forward)
· Protect the middle of the ice as much as possible.
Don't allow puck carrier to break in post to post but go to him if he cuts in.
· On trailer in middle lane line up with trailer and rush him with the stick in the passing lane when a trailer pass is made

2 ON 2 SITUATIONS
2 on 2 offense
· The goal for any 2 on 2 situations is to isolate one defenseman and turn it into a virtual 2 on 1. This can be accomplished using several tactics:

1. The non puck carrier uses an inside/out or outside/in fake on his defender where he can now drive to the net in anticipation of a pass or a rebound.
2. Use a quick give and go play. The non puck carrier can use a fake to get himself to the inside of his defenseman, receive a pass from the puck carrier, and feed it back through both defenseman back to his forward partner (who went wide on his defenseman
3. Another option is for the puck carrier to attack both defenseman at the same time, once both defenseman come in to play him, the puck carrier uses a drop pass to his partner who skates wide around the defenseman on his side. This tactic normally causes confusion for the defenseman.

2 on 2 defense
· Playing a 2 on 2 from a defensive point of view, is really the same as playing two separate one on one battles.
· Stand up opposing rush at the blue line.
· Weak side defenseman must concentrate on his man and make sure he does not become a factor in the play (must be aware of any give and goes, fakes, etc… as discussed above for 2 on 2 offense)
· Angle puck carrier if opportunity arises.
· If forwards crisscross at the top of the blue line, defenseman should stay in their lanes, however if forwards crisscross at top of the circles or below, defenseman need to stay in check with their original forward (thus defenseman need to crisscross as well)
· Both defenseman should play a tight a gap as possible.

3 ON 1 SITUATIONS
3 on 1 offense
· Attack as quickly as possible, opposing back checkers are on their way.
· If one winger has the puck, I encourage the off side winger or center to skate hard to the net for pass or rebound, deflection, etc… (remember that good things happen when you drive to the net)
· If center has the puck, one winger should drive hard to the net, other winger open up a little bit and prepare for the one timer (goaltender often gets confused as now has larger area to take care of)

3 on 1 defense
· This is a very difficult situation to be in, so remember not too panic, there is a high chance that a shot will be taken on net, your job is to try and minimize the quality of the shot being taken.
· Defenseman are encouraged to protect the middle of the ice in this situation and delay the rush as much as possible – wait for support if possible.
· Use stick to take away any passing lanes, read and react to how the play is developing.
· If winger passes to center in the slot area (trailer pass), you need to attack the shooter, forget everybody else
· If winger takes a shot on net, make sure to tie up any player that is driving to the net.

3 ON 2 SITUATIONS
3 on 2 offense
· As is the case with any odd man rush, you need to attack as quickly as possible, since back checkers are on their way.
· Think of a 3 on 2 rush as a 2 on 1 rush and a 1 on 1 rush (break it down)
· Puck carrier has to be aggressive, read how the play is developing and adjust.
· Use tactics such as crisscross, drop pass, fakes, etc…
· Make sure one player always drives hard to the net, on a crisscross the third forward skates to the net, on a regular entry use the 1-2-3 principle (second attacker drives to the net)

3 on 2 defensemen
· Even though you are outnumbered in this situation, it is important to note that the defenseman should still stand up the opposition at the blue line (this is very important). By doing this you are taking away the forwards time and space to make a decision, many off sides will result if both defenseman guard the blue line (this also buys you some time for back checkers to come back and support)
· Delay the attack as much as possible
· Weak side defenseman play forward and stay with him until the net area, make sure he does not become a factor (tie his stick, etc… do not make him get any rebounds or deflections)
· Strong side defenseman play the 2 on 1 on your side, and important to pressure the center, if drop pass is made in the slot area.

3 ON 3 SITUATIONS
3 - 3 offense
· When attacking the zone on a 3 on 3, you play it the exact same way as the 3 on 2, which means you have to break it down further. Off side forward plays a 1 on 1 on his side, and strong side forwards play a 2 on 2. Now forwards playing the 2 on 2 need play a virtual 2 on 1, by freezing one of the defenseman (as described above on 2 on 2 offense)
· Make sure one player always drives hard to the net, on a crisscross the third forward skates to the net, on a regular entry use the 1-2-3 principle (second attacker drives to the net)

3 - 3 defense
· Play very aggressive in the neutral zone, tight gap
· Make sure to stand up opposition at the blue line
· Communication on who is picking up who (should be done by the red line)
· If back checker picks up the puck carrier, then stay with him until the play is over, finish your check.
· If the back checker has picked up the weak side forward, then the weak side defenseman play a 2 on 2 on the strong side.
· Take the attackers all the way to the net, stay on the defensive side and control their sticks.
· Remember that the first 3 players into the defensive zone (usually 2 D and 1 F) should always be battling down low.