how to play good defence in hockey?

Question

can you give some drills and a advice you give to young kids

Answer 1

Not like philadelphia.

Answer 2

I've played defence for about 10 years, and I would have to say its a very mental part of the game, they need to be taught to think a head and predict where the puck is going, when to pinch at the blue line and when not to. Also teach them backwards skating drills, crossovers, stop and go's, piviots, all the things used in games. Also the physical aspects, when to use their body on the boards and in front of the net. OH AND PLEASE tell them not to screen there goalie!! Remind them that they have to step up and protect the goalieDO NOT LET ANYONE IN THE CREASE!! I sat a lot of time in the box, you touch my goalie i knock you down!! You can get some good drills on line, just search for them, also the usa hockey mag has good drills in it!

Answer 3

Hate to say it, but with young kids teaching zones and drills using the boards to set up outlet passing lanes is real important. Put D behind net, C in the slot, L/R W at face off dot...have D shoot puck to either side(his/her choosing), the wings will either skate to p/u puck and outlet pass to C, or opposite side start J pattern into neutral zone. Sounds goofy, but looks and works very effectively to teach 4 - 7 year old how to clear their end and why it is important not to stop skating in their own end...i.e. turnover and possession

Answer 4

Learn to skate backwards! Defensemen are the best skaters on the ice. If you can't skate well, you won't be any good at hockey. Get books and video from your library, read and watch them, then practice this on the ice or rollerblades. After you learn to skate, get books on how to play defense and learn how to be in posistion in all situations. Don't worry about scoring goals, if you can get control of the puck and become a good passer, you'll get plenty of points.

Answer 5

I think some one already said it. Skate backwards well. You're also supposed to keep the opposing teams' offence out of the net which I see a lot of teams stuggling with. I'm a new hockey fan, but I've learned if you don't keep those guys out of your goalies net things aren't going to look so good for you.

Answer 6

Skate backwards and look at the guys shoulders when he comes in front of you .Try anticipate what the guy is gonna do and communicate with your defense partner .
Im an offensive player but i play on PK too .
Like others say try not to screen your goalie.

Answer 7

definitely work on skating backwards..watch nhl players and videos of hockey players, see how they skate, and immitate them. when skating backwards bend ur knee, dont lean forward, and dont make such short strides. there is something where u kinda hop backwards really fast but ur a lil more straightened out and ur weight is mostly on ur toes. practice power skating too. when they extend their leg out to take another step, make sure the leg crosses the center of gravity..it makes them go faster and it really works. here ill show u http://www.edgeofexcellence.com/ind_sa.htm

heres the home website for it tho. http://www.edgeofexcellence.com/ind_sa.htm

also keep them encouraged..that plays a big part of being defense. teach them good pinning against the boards and affective checking. When pinnning remind them to get them from behind, put their leg closest to the boards between the oponenets leg, put the shoulder ur pinning the opponent with infront of their body, lift their stick up with ur stick, and push them against the boards. also remind them to cover any opponent who can be open for a pass. last..PLAY HARD!!!!!

Answer 8

Have better ball-eye coordination...and possesing good traping skills will make u good defence

Answer 9

Kepp your eyes on the puck and hit lots.

Answer 10

Have them watch tapes of Nicklas Lidstrom. Watch and learn from the best!! :-)