Adult League: Better Defense

5 Lessons for playing better hockey defense

Welcome to Part 3 of a three-part mini-series focusing playing better in your local adult league. If you haven’t already, make sure you check out Part 1 (Score more goals) and Part 2 (Suck less) and subscribe to ensure you don’t miss out on other great content.

You’ve made it to the end. We start with scoring goals, next we wanted to play better all over the ice, and now we are prepared to stop goals from going in our team’s net.

5 Ways to Play Better Defense

(1) Boxing out and picking up sticks - When opposing players are crashing the net, it’s imperative to make sure they are unable to get there untouched. We’re not advocating for major body contact, but staying on the defensive side of the puck and preventing your opponent from having a free pass will go a long way. Your goalie may even buy you a pop.

A simple phrase to remember is, “Position before Possession.”

Greg Revak, CFP® @CoachRevak

Clip of the day - Defense, Boxing out + controlling sticks It’s vital to help your goalie see, prevent tips, and avoid rebound shots Watch the net front as players box out players before the get close to the net. 2nd time you watch notice how they tie up sticks to pre/post shot

(2) Backcheck (a little) - The closest most players will get to a puck is immediately after they get the puck taken away. Hit the breaks, stop, and make a few hard strides to get the puck right back. Look, we know it’s beer league, but back pressure matters. Help a goalie (and your defense) out.

Greg Revak, CFP® @CoachRevak

Clip of the day - Blind spot stick lift Want to create more offense? Score more goals? Be aggressive the backcheck + forecheck. Little effort goes a long way Here Gaudreau, Skinner, and Rust get in a player’s blind spot for a stick lift. Immediately creating offense and goals

(3) Go through sticks - When separating an opponent from the puck, make sure you get the inside body position. Often, the difference between turning the puck over and not is the extra stride. By stopping short and ‘fishing’, you may save a bit of energy, but you’re unlikely to come up with a steal. Take the extra step and go through the opposition’s body and stick.

Greg Revak, CFP® @CoachRevak

Clip of the day - Going through sticks When taking a puck from an opponent a player should go through the stick and gain inside body position. Common mistake is when players are reaching and only using their stick to try to gain possession - often called “fishing”

(4) Sticks in the passing lanes - Offenses that make passes across the royal road have much higher shooting percentages and thus score more goals. Therefore, deterring these passes is critical. Keep pucks away from harm’s way by getting your stick in passing lanes. If you’re unsure where to position your stick, think to yourself where the most dangerous passing lane is and react accordingly. Hey, it could even lead to offense for your team.

Greg Revak, CFP® @CoachRevak

Clip of the day - Sticks in passing lanes Being aware of your stick and putting an active stick into passing lanes leads to turnovers.... and goals. Your stick is a tool. Get the most out of it.

(5) Stick on puck - Your hockey stick is your greatest tool; use it. By leading with the blade of your stick, you can quickly take away your opponent’s time and space. By taking a good angle and going stick on puck, you can really take away your opponent’s advantage in a hurry.

Greg Revak, CFP® @CoachRevak

Clip of the day - Leading with your stick. Stick on puck. This takes away time and space for anyone on the puck. It’s a tool in your hands... use it! If you go just for body contact you’re giving up precious time and about 5-6 feet of space. Lots of quality turnovers here

There you have it, five helpful ways to play better defense immediately.

If you’re in adult league… why not share + subscribe? This newsletter isn’t just for coaches and high-level players. Heck, share with your kids. These are great lessons that apply to all ages.

Further Reading - How to reach the decision to pinch or fall back

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