Tips for playing defense?

Question

Yep. Ive been playing left wing this whole time because my dad wanted me to, but really Ive wanted to play defense so Im finally switching. I havent played defense on an actual team, but when i scrimmage at hockey camps and stuff I do. Ive yet to have a season as a defenseman and im pretty excited. Im really good at backwards skating and poke-checking and i know that you should try to block passing lanes/shooting lanes. But i want to be the best defenseman i can be. Do any of you guys have any extra tips for me? Thanks.

thank you very much

Answer 1

Don't eat yellow snow.

Answer 2

Always play the pass and let your goalie play the shot. This will help him square up on the shot.

Try to keep the puck carrier to the outside.

Help clear out the front of the net. Use your stick to either lift or knock down the forward's stick if he's standing in front. Stay between him and the net and push him away - but keep your arms in so you don't get called for cross-checking.

Icing the puck is better than turning it over.

Clear the puck up the walls. Passing up the center of the ice, as tempting as it looks, usually results in a goal against you.

When blocking shots try and stay on your feet. If you drop, people will start faking shots and going around you. But, desperate times call for desperate measures - if that's the only way to get over there, go for it. :)

Taking a 2 minute penalty that prevents a goal or awesome scoring chance is a good penalty. Don't be afraid of spending some time in the box.

Your job is defense: If your partner likes to jump up into the offensive zone, consider hanging a little further back - it'll be harder to keep the puck in the zone, but it keeps you in good position in the event of a turn-over. Just see what your team needs and fill that role and you'll be a valuable addition.

And most importantly - have fun out there.

Answer 3

^^^^^
why the hell would you fake blocking a shot and move out of the way. its just stupid.

ive been playing d since i was 5 (thats 12 years). ive always played d (and goalie a couple of games). im an assistant coach in the 12-16 age group and am currently playing in the adult league.

1 never clear the ball in front of the net, which you probly already knew.
2 if its a 2 on 1, just stay between the 2 players and keep the guy with the ball outside. do not let any of the players take an inside shot. always force them outside. and on a 2 on 1 keep your stick to the ground to try to block the pass.
3 dont be afraid to dive or block shots.
4 dont be afraid to move up on the plays such as times when your on the odd man rush. if your team mates are smart enough, someone should stay back for you
5 have a good chemistry with you goalie and teammates. communication is a key part in the game.
6 never leave a man open in front of the net. one man on the ball, one man in front of the net (even if an opponent is not there at the time), 2 guys at the point (depends if you play 4v4 or 5v5), and the fifth guy, if there is one, can double team the guy with the ball or play all around.
7 this goes for all players. always stay in condition. dont stop skating. kinda obvious.
8 dont screen your goalie.
9 life their stick is one of the easiest ways if not the easiest way to steal the ball.

other than all that, its all mental. think quickly. youll learn the position eventually.

Answer 4

Been playing D for 9 years, just graduated college and been Captain of several teams. There is some great advice in these answers. I might repeat some but hope this helps...
-Pay attention to your offenses tendencies. It will help you on the breakout and in the offensive zone.
-Have good communication with your partner and know his tendencies. If you notice he pinches as lot in the offensive zone, then you should be ready to fall back at a moments notice to cover his/her a$$ (Trust me, it happens).
-Use your knowledge of playing offense to your advantage. You have an idea of what most players will be looking for, dont' give it to them.
-Never Breakout in front of the net when under pressure, when in doubt, dump it out.
-With 2 on 1s, you want to prevent the one timer or pass right in front of the net, but then again don't give they guy/girl with the puck a free shot. Keep your body between them *ideally between the imaginary lines of the goal posts* and keep your head and stick moving at all times. Make sure you know where both players are. Not every 2-1 is the same, which is why its best to practice all the time because it is so common in hockey. (Talking to your goalie about his comfort levels with facing a shooter also helps).
-Don't forget to practice sharp passing which will help on the breakout, powerplay, neutralzone regrouping, etc. Being a part of the play in the offensive zone is also an important aspect of playing defense. Be able to recognize when to pass to the winger or your partner, and when to shoot or skate it towards the net.
-Make sure you practice the PK with your team and have a system wether on the PK or PP.

Hope this helps and good luck in playing the position. (In my opinion the best.)

Answer 5

Always watch for cherry pickers. Never let anyone behind you.
If the rusher is past you skate forward. Always cover the front of the net if your not digging for the puck in a corner. For a breakout pass, pass it to the side where there is no opponent. Never pass in front of your net or across your zone. If you are one on one, don't fish with your stick, take the body, don't body check if it's non body check but take the body and stop the player. Only rush if you see an opening. Hope I helped.

Answer 6

Me and my bro have been playing hockey since I was four and he was three. (thats 13 years for me and 12 years for him). I play goalie, he plays defense. So I think I can help you out.

First off, always take your man. Don't follow the puck. Just take your man and don't let him get great shots off.

Second off, try not to let passes get through. Try and block as many passes as possible. Especially the cross-crease ones.

Third off, if you can try to block some shots. But NEVER and I mean NEVER act like your going to block a shot and then get out of the way because it fools your goalie and makes him quicker reactions.

Fourth, don't screen your goalie. If you hear your goalie yell "Screan" then get out of the way but still cover your player.

Good luck!

Answer 7

-Keep your head up
-Watch the logo when you're one on one (still helps with positioning, even if your not lining up for a check)
-Talk! When your on the point, in front of your net, open for a reverse pass behind the net. Someone else mentioned it, but keep the lines of communication open with your goalie and D partner. Make sure the goalie yells at you if your screening her/him.
-Keep an eye on the far post (backdoor).
-Don't let anyone touch your goalie.
-Keep low and your arms down in front of the net, when your clearing the crease.
-Work on your low hard shots from the point.
Good Luck, defense is the best position, you get the best of everything!

Answer 8

tips playing defense basketball

Answer 9

Help the goalie and stay in position on the ice to keep the O from getting that dreaded direct shot. Learn every nuance on the ice so you have a feel of where you have to be...like a defender in a hoops zone defense.

Answer 10

Watch and imitate Dion Phaneuf.