DEFENSIVE PLAY IN FRONT OF THE NET- by Ed Van Portfliet, Head Coach for Grand Rapids Northview High School, Michigan. Ed has developed numerous Div 1 hockey players through his years of coaching.
Positional play in front of one's own net is perhaps the single most important responsibility of the defenseman. Most teams have one or two high scoring forwards that must be controlled, and often the play of the defenseman in the defensive zone can be the deciding factor in who wins the game. Below are a list of tactics that can assist the defenseman to play a better game in front of his own net and encourage him to participate offensively. 1) THE GOLDEN RULE- Make sure a defenseman or center is in front of our net. If there is no opponent to cover position yourself off the far post so nobody can sneak in behind you. 2) COVER THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN- This is the player you think has the greatest scoring chance if given the puck. 3) COVERING THE OPPONENT IN FRONT- When covering the opponent who doesn't have the puck; position yourself between him and the puck. Stay tight with him always making contact with your eye on the play. Know where this man is at all times! If your partner gets beat, be ready to play the man with the puck if he is considered more dangerous, which he usually is. 4) TIE UP THE OPPONENTS STICK- Concern yourself more with tying up the opponent's stick rather than checking him to the ice. If you persist in checking your opponent to the ice you can take yourself out of the play. Only during scrambles in front of the net (in which the puck is jumping around and your goalie is down),should you try to check the man to the ice. 5) COMMUNICATE- This makes everybody's job easier. These are just a few tips for your defenseman. If applied, they should help them play a sound defensive game, while enabling him to contribute to the offensive play.
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Copyright © 1991 Daniel Otten
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