Tracking, also known as backchecking, is effort based, according to San Jose Sharks Assistant Coach Brian Wiseman.

Let that sink in. 

Wiseman, who previously worked as an assistant with the Edmonton Oilers and was also an assistant at the University of Michigan for eight seasons before making the jump to the NHL, is claiming that one of the most basic, yet integral, things a team can do to find success is based predominantly on effort.

By the end of this 27-minute TCS Live presentation, you’ll be a believer.

Tracking is so crucial, Wiseman explains, because it helps eliminate chances against and can also lead to transition offence. Tracking from forwards also allows defensemen to be more confident and play aggressive, knowing they have reinforcements on the way. The more aggressive defensemen are able to play, the more chances there are to get in transition and generate offence. 

Wiseman reviews key habits for tracking, such as having a good stick and playing the body, but reinforces that nothing is more important than the effort and passion players need to possess to support their teams on defence. The final six minutes of this video includes drills to help you improve your transition game through tracking.

Noteworthy timestamps: 

• 00:40 Backstory of tracking presentation
• 02:40 Highlights on tracking
• 04:40 Tracking is all about effort
• 07:30 F3 Hunt in OZ
• 09:40 F3 Pressure Shallow NZ
• 14:15 F3 Soft Lock/Wedge
• 16:30 Track/Stand/Squeeze
• 20:30 Track/Sort Outs
• 21:45 Tracking drills