Supporting his presentation on Puck Protection, Body Positioning and Using a Defender’s Energy, Adam Jonak shares this five progression drill that emphasizes protecting the puck while keeping the opponent “in the pocket.”

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Half-Wall Puck Protection Figure 8

Description:

Progression 1: Puck protection figure 8.

• Player protects the puck on both sides of the body while skating in figure 8 on the half wall. 

Progression 2: Puck protection figure 8 with scanning.

• Player protects the puck on the half wall while shoulder checking to find their coach
• Coach shows numbers with fingers, player calls out number while protecting puck.

Progression 3: Puck protection figure 8 defender in the pocket.

• Player works on keeping the opponent on their hip “in the pocket” and protect the puck.

Progression 4: Puck protection figure 8 reading defenders stick.

• Player works on keeping the opponent in the pocket and defending the puck from his stick.

Progression 5: Puck protection figure 8 passing game.

• Combining all four progressions, the player works to make a pass to the coach while having the opponent in the pocket.

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.