Quick Pointers On Hockey Defense Drills

By Kathleen Adams


Defense-men are very crucial in the game and are all driven by one thing. Their main task is to keep the other team from scoring. In spite of this, you cannot play effectively without being aware of hockey defense drills. Luckily, below are a number of top skills you ought to use so as to improve your playing ability.

There are different types of defense-men whose style of playing differs a little bit. The stay at home defense-man keeps the game simple and does not make mistakes easily. His main role is to block shots and to move players away from the net. The offensive player is a great skater, passer and normally starts the attack. The two-way player is comfortable playing in the defensive and offensive zone. The enforcer sets the tone and is tough to play against.

Always use your feet wisely when playing on the ice. A majority of players consider utilizing the stick as their own tool. It ought to be used together with your feet for better scoring opportunities. Your stick needs to be placed on the ice at all times. Also, watch where you team players are and where your challenges are.

Know well your defensive partners. You need to know the strength and weaknesses of your opponents so as to play well. Always keep an eye on your partner and move together with him to open chances for good passes and even to score. If the partner pinches, ensure you advance to the center and withdraw so as to be in a good position. Depending on what the situation is, you can withdraw towards the blue line to prevent a breakaway.

Always keep the puck in by using anything. This can be your stick, hand, knees or feet. A good way you can be able to stop the puck coming up the boards is by forming a complete seal using your legs, backside, and skate in stopping the puck and then play it using your stick. Your scoring chance is closer to the center and to the net. Take a few strides closer to the net for better scoring.

A better regroup can only take place if you have known where your other playmates are. It is possible when the players get a hold of the disc from an impartial zone, regroup, followed by attacking the challengers. This can be realized when a pass is disrupted and the disc taken from the challengers. An important skill you should have for a better regroup is to skate in a backward manner, moving with the puck.

A counter attack is important as it results in better scoring opportunities only when it happens fast. The difference between a counter attack and a regroup is the duration it takes to move the disc. A counter attack consumes a less amount of time. The faster the teammates move it up on the ice, the easier it is to amaze your opponents and score.

As a defense-man, your work is to watch the game unfold and to control its flow. This allows you to directly influence your opponents and help your teammates to initiate offenses. Battle hard, communicate well with your group and skate well to prevent the other team from scoring.




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