Stop The Slide
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
… And stop the slide in the defensive zone
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.
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.
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
The stick is basically out of their control. A desperation swipe might be available, but rarely effects the play.
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
On their backhand
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.
Here the defender even gives a little kick and cannot react to the ongoing threat
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…
Further Reading
My other pet peeve revolves around the idea that “Point Shots Suck”
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