HOCKEY DEFENSE POSITIONING: My Secret Tips for Playing Elite Defense

[@qzew_l]

Thank you ive been struggling with this i always back up to early cause i dont want to cause a breakaway which rarely happens ill use this in my game tonight and see what happens thank you

[@robertsinclair2135]

For me, the most insightful lecture from you, especially your answers below the video! Great many thanks!

[@diggzandallen2030]

Thx for the tip I have been struggling when someone is skating up on me I always get burnt

[@sewerendorser7493]

Yes but if you are in the other teams zone and they are going to break out, the defence on their team pass to the winger but wouldn’t you pinch the winger instead of automatically backing off to protect the centre of the ice? Even if they beat you you have your forwards to help.

[@CoachZac]

You can pinch the wing if that's part of your team's system and it's setup to support you. Otherwise, all the wing has to do is chip it past you or hit the center and it's a 2-1 against your D partner. The strong side winger is the least dangerous player on the ice. Hope that makes sense, I'll follow up with some video analysis soon.

[@sewerendorser7493]

247 Hockey Ok thanks that helped a lot. My team is set up to support the D when they (the defenceman on whichever side) pinch the winger.

[@bubbahorton1543]

Hockey is such a cerebral game. Love it.

[@iron-farmer]

If the forwards are quick enough to get back

[@bencopeland4514]

Doesn’t this assume the defensive partner isn’t there to take the center? If he is wouldn’t it be better to challenge the winger?

[@CoachZac]

Great question. First, think about in a game, the winger that catches the pass is usually stationary or barely moving. They aren't going to skate the puck as a threat, they will get caught by backcheckers. The SLOWEST way to move the puck down the ice is to skate it. If you challenge the winger what about the other two forwards? That's a 2-1 for your partner before you've even left the blueline. Rewatch the video and watch the NHL defenseman. By taking away the middle you are creating a 2-2 and also taking away the pass. Watch how many times the winger passes to the center EVEN THOUGH you are covering them and you break up the play before the read line. It's amazing, players a lot of times don't think, they are just robots and think "I'm suppose to pass to the center" so they try and force it even though you are covering them. Good luck! Test this out and Let me know how it goes. Hopefully this answer helps you.

[@bencopeland4514]

247 Hockey thanks! Question was from my 10 year old and he appreciates the answer.

[@wolfkid2255]

idk

[@kierandevine130]

Should be on the inside of the center or in between the center and the winger

[@ianmcm1167]

No, be just inside of the center, because it holds both of them to the outside of the ice.

[@CoachZac]

Head up on the center or maybe a tiny bit inside. No need to go to far inside because now you've created a liability if the puck gets through you. Remember, play the BODY first, not the puck. So don't try to get in the passing lane, player the player and then get your stick in the passing lane. Hope that helps.

[@dabarch100]

People and pucks to the outside, right? @@ianmcm1167

[@memelordz1069]

I feel like Andy reade! Only 2 hours to game plan!

[@Ovenman23]

I did not like this

[@qzew_l]

Roasted