How to Run a Hockey Defense: Supporting the Puck

This is an excellent defense against the dump-in offense. However, it requires intelligence and speed by the defensive team. The defending center must be able to read the dump-in before it happens.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hockey Sticks
• Hockey Pucks
• Ice Skates

1. Assume for this example that the left wing crosses the blue line with the puck, going for the dump-in, and the defense reads the play.
2. Instruct the defending center to break immediately for the corner, even as the puck is dumped down the boards. The race is on.
3. Expect the offense to send its wing and center to retrieve and control the puck.
4. Race the center into the corner, attempting to beat the offense there.
5. Move the right defender back to the corner and onto the puck.
6. Move the right wing to the top of the faceoff circle for initial support in case the offense succeeds.
7. Note that with momentum in her favor, the offensive left wing will likely reach the puck first. The defending center and right defender should double-team this wing and attempt to gain control of the puck.
8. Move the left defender back along the boards on the left side. Whether the defense has succeeded in stripping the puck or the offensive wing has passed, the puck should be coming around the back side of the net toward the opposite corner.
9. Pick up the puck with your left defender.
10. Note that the offensive right wing will likely have moved to the high slot, waiting for a pass that is no longer there. This will leave the defending left wing open for a pass.
11. Break the right wing up-ice.
12. Pass the puck from the left defender to the left wing.
13. Let the left wing pass to the rushing right wing.
14. Skate into the neutral zone and set up the offense.

Tips & Warnings

• The dump-in offense is very common. Study how your opposing team runs its version and know how to read it.
• Tell your center to sharpen her skates.
• If your team fails to get the center into the corner in time, the offense will have two-on-one, will occupy your defender, and can set up an effective attack within your zone. Avoid this.
• 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.