How to Run a Hockey Defense: Odd Player Rush

Whether a penalty leaves your team undermanned or the offense overpowers and breaks out, you'll need to defend a two-on-one or three-on-two situation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hockey Pucks
• Hockey pucks
• Hockey Sticks
• Hockey sticks

1. Assume the offense is skating up ice toward your goal. A wing carries the puck and is flanked by the center. Your one defender is the only thing between the puck and the goalie. The wing and center will be some distance apart, with a clear passing lane.

2. Position your defender ' skating backward ' an equal distance between and in front of them, like the point of a triangle.

3. Keep attention and defensive pressure on the puck-carrying wing, while maintaining distance.

4. Adjust the defender's attention toward the puck if the wing passes to the center.

5. Expect that, as the offense closes distance to the goal, it will attempt a shot. If the defender has continued to position himself correctly, either shooter will have to launch from a distance ' a fairly easy shot for the goalie to stop.

Tips & Warnings

• When guarding the offense, do not obscure your goalie's view of the puck carrier. The goalie cannot block a shot he can't see coming.
• Maintain equal distance between the two attackers. If the defender approaches one, the other will receive a quick pass and rush uncontested for a close shot at the net. This is often extremely difficult for the goalie to block.
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.

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on 11/22/2005 Most goalies will tell you to defend the pass and keep between the attackers. Stay between them and the keeper will worry about the shot. He will appreciate the fact that he didn't have to dive to the other side of the net to get in front of the shot!