How to Play 1 on 2 Defense in Ice Hockey

In ice hockey creating the right defensive situation often means the difference between winning and loosing. In a 1 on 2 defensive situation two defenders square off with one offensive player. With this type of defensive play the defense has an advantage over the offense, especially when the puck is moved into the end zone.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Position the two defenders parallel to each other and close the gap between the defenders. This forces the offensive player to take the puck wide around the two defensemen and allows a window to check the puck carrier.
2. Have the strong side defensive player play the puck handler 1 on 1. This leaves the weak side player to check any offensive players joining the play. A check is when a player skates into another player and forces them to change positions. In most cases a check results in the checked player falling down.
3. Force the puck handler to tightly control the puck by closing the gap between the strong side man and the puck handler. At this point the strong side defensive player attacks the stick of the puck handler to make the puck handler lose control of the puck.
4. Instruct the weak side player to check the body of the puck handler so the puck is free to be intercepted by the defense.
5. Check any players who cross the blue line into the end zone with the weak side player while keeping in close proximity to the puck handler.
6. Force the puck handler to take a shot into the goal. Force the position so it lands on the goalie's strong side. This only needs to be done if a body check cannot be done.