DEVELOPING THE MODERN DEFENCEMAN
A defenceman’s ability to skate and move the puck from the d-zone to the o-zone is key. Mississauga Steelheads Assistant Coach Brendan Taylor breaks down the skills that relate to retrievals and o-zone play, specifically shooting.
D Puck Retrieval Basics A
TIME: 10 min.
DESCRIPTION:
C1: Coach chips puck behind D1 for a retrieval and quick pass up the wall.
C2: D partner chips puck behind D2 for a retrieval and quick pass to Coach in the middle. C3: D partner chips puck behind D3 for a retrieval and a bump pass to the Coach in front of the net.
Variation: After puck retrieval have D stickhandle through 3-4 obstacles before passing or shooting.
KEYPOINTS:
Retrieval Keys:
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Close to 180 degree pivot as possible.
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Deceptive move to shake the forechecker.
D Puck Retrieval Basics B
TIME: 10 min.
DESCRIPTION:
C1: D2 chips a puck behind D1 to go back and retrieve then wheel around the net quickly before passing back to D2. 3-4 repetitions then D change roles.
C2: Coach chips puck behind D3 who goes back to retrieve puck under token forecheck pressure from D4. 3-4 repetitions then D changes roles. Forecheckers vary pressure from both left side and right side of D retrieving the puck so D3 must read the pressure and work escaping to both left and right.
KEYPOINTS:
Retrieval Keys:
• Close to 180 degree pivot as possible.
• Lead with your stick out front on the ice.
D Hershey 4 Pass Puck Retrieval
TIME: 10 min.
DESCRIPTION:
Coach chips puck behind D1 who must hustle back to retrieve the puck before making a quick wall pass to D2. D2 passes to D3 who passes to D4 who passes quickly to D5. D5 makes quick evasive sliding action along the blueline and shoots quickly. All D rotate positions.
KEYPOINTS:
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Good puck retrieval technique. Smooth pivot and 3 shoulder checks.
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Puck retrieval D can escape left or right.
D One Timer Slap Pass Option
TIME: 10 min.
DESCRIPTION:
C1: D glides into the zone above the face off circle, pivots to open up for a pass from the coach for a one timer shot. Lots of repetition. C2: D glides into position above the circle, pivots into position for a one-timer, but fakes the shot and slap-passes through the box to D2, who has moved into position for a one-timer.
KEYPOINTS:
• Hit the net! No points for the loudest shot.
• Smooth feet and get your body angle correct to shoot the puck quickly.
• Work on making solid contact on the shot.
