Ice Hockey Defense Strategy - Part Three

Here is a video about how the defense can use behind the net for protection and to give a better break out pass.

Ice Hockey Defense Strategy - Part Two

Here is the second part of ice hockey defense strategy hope these tips help you play abetter game.

Get to know your defense partner and how he/she plays. This will help you become a strong defense team because you know their strong points, weak points, and they know yours. Defense is a very important part of winning or losing a game. When my son played defense his partner and him know exactly where the other one was at all times, this made them a very effective part of the team. When one was up, the other was back, then when the other one moved back, then he was up. They played like a well-oiled team and it was fun to watch.

As a defense player you must get to know your goalie and his/her weaknesses. This way you will be able to help them on their weak side and keep the puck out of the net .Remeber always talk to your goalie throughout the game, they see things that you can't see and are able to give you hints on who needs to be shut down quicker and who is the strongest players on the opposing team. Make sure not to screen the goalie, the goalie must keep his/her eyes on the puck at all times. When in a face off on your end make sure to ask the goalie if he/she can see the puck because most of the time they can't.

Defense players remember it is your job to keep the puck in the opposite side and to always defend your goalie. Defense is one of the keys to winning or losing the game and is a very important position. So please parent, spectators, coaches and team mates, remember to tell them thank you for doing such a great job.

Defense Zone Coverage

Proper positioning of the defenders covering the players without the puck is just as important as defending the ones that have the puck. Proper defense position is important.

Ice Hockey Defense Strategy - Part One

Playing defense is one of the hardest positions in ice hockey. To be a great defense player you have to play smart hockey by knowing were the puck is and where all the players are positioned. You will also have to anticipate where the puck will be going next and who will have it. The defenses job is to stop anything and everything that is headed towards their net.

Here are some tips and tricks for defense hockey players. Always keep your stick on the ice with one hand in front of you and pointed at the player. If the player is a weak puck handler you can swing at the puck and usually take it away. If the puck handler is a strong player watch for an opening and then poke check the puck. With stronger puck handlers if you swing at the puck they then have the opportunity to get around you, after you have your stick on the opposite side of them and this gives them a scoring opportunity.

You will also have to watch the size of gap you are giving the opposing player; it should be no more or no less than two hockey sticks away. If you give them too little, they can get around you if you give them too much, they can score on you, so always watch your gap. Never let an opposing player get behind you; this leads to a break away and could result in a goal. Most goals are scored from the slot so, try to angle the opposing player to the boards, never allow them to go down the middle.

 When watching a player bring down the puck watch his/hers hips, not the puck. If you watch the puck instead of the hips they are more than likely to get around you. By watching the hips and using your peripheral vision, you will be able to follow the player and keep him/her out of scoring range. You can also tell were a person is going by glancing at his eyes. The reasoning on this is because you always look the direction that you're going to be going.

I'll give you more defense tips in part 2 of ice hockey defense strategy.