Lock it down
STAY BETWEEN YOUR GOALIE AND THE PUCK.
Don't step up on a man 1-on-1, you will get burned
Keep skating back, but do so slowly, let the puck carrier come to you
Then either Tap R1 to poke the puck loose, or stick lift and steal it away
Clear the net
Obviously the goalie will be more than likely screened if you are standing in his way of the puck
but it's a small rink and you will see better results than if you allow a breakaway
Break outs
If a lane is clear, pass up to a wing, but don't force it! The center is rarely ever open
Having a pass rating over 80 helps us get out of our zone faster without creating turnovers
If its not clear, take the puck behind our own net, wait for wings to get in position then proceed, or pass to your defensive partner. Nothing wrong with taking your time and moving back before going forward
Defense is boring
If your team gives up 2 goals or less, consider it a successful game
It isn't your responsibility to go down deep and create scoring chances, just a blue line slapper here and there
Only worry about limiting goals scored against
It's more boring than left wing but it's a huge part of winning
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4 comments:
Amen brother! When I first started on D I would try and take our a forward as they came into the zone, it never worked and then I was out of place and behind the play, not good. One thing I would add is to stay in place in the Defensive zone. If you are the left D everything from the center of the net to the left is yours (see Defensive diagram) Don't go chasing the puck on the right side. If you are left D and the Right D goes out after the puck on his side slide over to the middle of the net but no farther, your job is to keep the slot clear.
Question:
Whats the best way to defend the one-handed deke as the forward comes across the blue line?
Against worse teams you can poke check as they come in and start the play the other way, but as we play teams that are better I see a lot of wingers carrying the puck in, one handed deke around me leaving my jock in their wake.
Any thoughts?
ck3 -
If they're protecting the puck, hitting X for stick lift rarely works so go for a hit since they won't be able to skate (just glide). Don't try to line it up from 10 feet, wait til he's just about right in front of you.
If you try poke check, stick lift, and body check and the guy still gets it past you and the goalie, well I don't know what to say, that happens but hopefully not too often
Good to know in case I ever have to play D again.
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