Supporting his presentation on Puck Protection, Body Positioning and Using a Defender’s Energy, Adam Jonak shares this five progression drill that works on using the energy of your defender with body leans, push escapes, and cut offs.

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Half-Wall Defender's Energy Exploits

Description:

Progression 1: Puck protection defender in the back pocket.

• Player works to keep the opponent on thier hip “in the pocket” and protect the puck.

Progression 2: Puck protection body leans.

• Player uses their body to lean into the opponent to create separation.

Progression 3: Puck protection push escapes.

• Player uses their body lean and uses a punch turn to escape away.

Progression 4: Puck protection defender cut offs.

• Player uses their body to cut off the defender and get in front of them.

Progression 5: Defender half-wall energy exploits game.

• Combining all four progressions, player must work to get past opponent and in between two cones to score a point.

Key Teaching Points:

• Maintain the defender on your hip to control their movement.
• Continuously scan the ice to be aware of the defender's positioning.
• Interpret the defender's stick movements to anticipate their actions.
• Utilize the defender's momentum to your benefit by absorbing their pressure.
• Utilize good body positioning to guide the defender where you desire.
• Protect the puck using your body as a shield.