Defensive Hockey Plays

The role of defense in a hockey game is one of the most major parts of scoring goals. Without defensive hockey plays, you may find your team being bombarded with defensive blows and attacks that will cause your players to lose. The use of defense helps to ensure that the players can keep the puck on their turf and make their winning goals.

Second Backchecker in the Defensive Zone

If you have a second backchecker that finds himself in the defensive zone, here are some tips to pass along to him:

-Have him cover the weak side point while back checking to the mid slot area of the ice. Use the stick in the mid slot passing lane to cover the weak side point.
-If one of the team players loses their one on one and the puck is now on the rebound or below the goal line, collapse down and support the player.
-Be prepared to quick rim pass to the boards incase of a break out.
-During a break out, the player should protect the mid slot or go wide; stretch or get a dump out.
-Have the player pass or go on the wide boards during a defense to defense pass; this will get the puck out.

Third Backchecker in the Defensive Zone

When you are faced in a situation where your third backchecker is in the defensive zone, you will need to keep these defensive hockey plays in mind.

-Keep the strong side point covered at all times and don’t let the low forward to do a walk through the seam.
-And always be prepared to pass to the boards at any given notice and don’t lose possession of the puck -- even if it means freezing it or fighting to get the puck out.

When Your Defense Player is in the Offense Zone

For some reason, your defense player has been caught in the offense zone; what is he to do? Although it is necessary to keep your defensemen on guard with defense tactics, it is also necessary for him to know offense survival methods.

Have your defensemen shoot the puck low -- no higher than the height of the blade on the stick. Ensure that the first man doesn’t get a hold of the puck when doing so. You can also have him shoot the puck hard on the ice.

The defensemen should look for an uncovered forward, which should be off either post -- then the puck should be passed wide of the net for a tip. The defense player should also keep the puck in front of him at all times while in the offense zone.

Your First Forward Backchecker in the Defense Zone

Have your first forward backchecker play three on three with defensemen as a support man. He should also maintain a position on the defensive side when two opponents are fighting your defensemen for the puck in a corner. The first forward backchecker should always be in position to keep the defensive side maintained to offer immediate pressure relief if the puck is passed to your player that is deep in the zone.

Matt Fortin has been coaching hockey for over 22 years. You can access his tried and true hockey drills and practice plans on his website:

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