Defending the rush involves owning space, closing the gap, and taking away the attacker’s options.

The 12-3 pivot is an important skating tool for defensemen because it allows them to change their skating angle, gather ice and begin surfing the rush rather than simply retreating with the attacking forward.

The objective is to own the inside ice, match speed and establish a tight lateral gap while staying connected to the puck carrier.

From there, the defenseman can begin to dictate the rush:

• Protect the middle of the ice
• Surf from the inside out
• Match the forward's speed
• Take away time and space
• Force the puck carrier outside
• Close on the hands and stick
• Kill the play as early as possible

At higher levels, good rush defenders don't just absorb the attack and defend once the forward enters the zone.

They gather ice early, establish their gap and dictate where the forward is allowed to go using stick and body positioning.

The ability to use a 12-3 pivot and transition into forward or lateral skating gives defensemen another tool to close space while maintaining inside positioning and staying connected to the rush.