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Stop The Slide

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Stop The Slide

Hockey players leaving their feet is a bad idea

Greg Revak
Apr 10, 2022
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Stop The Slide

hockeysarsenal.substack.com

Alright, time to talk about a passionate pet peeve of mine … defenders sliding.

Simply put, they need to: STOP THE SLIDE

… Stop the slide on the rush

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… And stop the slide in the defensive zone

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Why do defenders slide?

Defenders slide when they are in difficult spots and they are desperate for a solution.

Defenders feel their solution is to lay on their stomachs and block a passing lane. In their defense, this does cover more space on the ice.

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The only time I’ve seen this be a solution is when defenders basically slide their shin pads through the player’s stick/puck. This closes the space off best like a goalie coming out to challenge the shooter. Be careful because if the defender misses the puck, it’s likely to result in a tripping penalty.

Most commonly the slide occurs on a 2v1. Half the time, the defender ends up in the corner at the end of the slide.

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Stop The Slide

The slide is a play that I despise for two reasons:

1. Defenders lose their control - both of their skates and their stick

When leaving their feet, defenders are no longer able to move/change direction

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The stick is basically out of their control. A desperation swipe might be available, but rarely effects the play.

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2. The offensive players are really good

This really holds true at the professional ranks where anyone can saucer pass over a sliding defender.

On their forehand

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On their backhand

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Plus, the attacker often keeps their head up and is patient. They can read the situation to either take a stride around them or stop up. In this example, the defender drops and tries a last-ditch swipe with his stick.

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Here the defender even gives a little kick and cannot react to the ongoing threat

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For the love of all things holy, stay on your feet!

Although, a perfectly timed slide tackle into your own goalie does provide all of us with great humor…

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Further Reading

  • My other pet peeve revolves around the idea that “Point Shots Suck”


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Stop The Slide

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