Defensive Hockey ( After Update )

Defensive Hockey Equals Successful Hockey!

The New Goal Line Exploits
Players are attempting to work the puck deep in order to attack the sides of the nets.

• Players attempt to skate along the goal line and shoot top shelf as soons as they reach the net. The goalie often falls to stack the pads leaving top shelf vulnerable.
  
• Players attempt to skate along the goal line and then curl up right before the net. The shot is short side because a comp goal tends to come off the post for a brief moment.
  
• Players attempt to do wrap-around shots or the even more effective.. "slap-arounds." A slap-around is when a player curls around to the front corner of the net and does a quick top shelf/ short side shot.
  
• Cross crease is fair play but often is exploited by legends. Playmakers with high passing rating is very successfully at passing to a sniper who camps low corner slot.
  
  

Defending These Exploits

Entering the Defensive Zone

Defencemen:
Most cases the D should be forcing the play to the boards. It is important that the D stay in between the carrier and the net, If player is coming down left wing, try to stay between 4-5 o'clock.

Wingers:
If you find yourself chasing, attempt to work towards the middle. Do not attack from behind. Work towards the slot side of the face-off circle. This allows for a quick power turn towards the boards for and outlet pass or to intercept a poke check.

Centers:
Attack the puck carrier. Try not to chase, attempt to take away angles and outlet pass.


Defending Deep in the Zone

Defencemen:
It is important that the puck side D stay in between the puck carrier and the net. The other Defenceman will need to be ready to properly time a body check on the open man in front of the net. Be careful!!! A early body check does not give you enough time to recover if the person you are attacking has good balance and offensive awareness. If you want to use block shot to stop a pass, make sure you are not in position to deflect the puck in. I advise against using the steal pass option because it often fails. Warning... Both defenceman should never be behind the net.

Wingers:
Puck side wingers should try stay in the circle area to take away passing lanes and also be open for outlet pass. If puck carrier manages to approach the net, you may need to attack. The opposing winger should to be ready to properly time a body check in front of the net. Be careful!!! A early body check does not give you enough time to recover if the person you are attacking has good balance and offensive awareness. The opposing wing should be aware of the puck carrier who attempts the wrap around by cutting him off behind the net.

Centers:
Centers should be attacking the puck. Go where the puck is going to be... Don't chase. Attempt to trap instead of attacking at the same angle.

Overall:
Stay in your positions. Take away passing lanes. Take out the campers before they get the pass in the slot. Don't be behind the play... think ahead. Stop the man cutting to the net along the goal line. Pass quick to get the puck out of the zone asap.