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MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH

Defensive Zone Retrievals

Puck retrievals in the DZ are an important part of clean zone exits. There are a few things that your defense can focus on.

First on the Puck

It is important to get first touch on the puck and gain control. This allows for a quick move of the puck to support players.

If there is some space between the defense and the forechecking opposition, the D can perform a deception move such as a shave or body/stick/head fake. This forces the opposition forechecker to make a decision on how to attack the defense.

If the opposition is in a tight forecheck position, the defense can lean back into a reverse hit. This helps to create separation and allows for a bit more time to retrieve the puck.

Second to Puck

If the defense is second to the puck behind the forechecker, they can use their free hand to punch the forechecker's hip or high stick arm. This puts pressure on the forechecker and takes a small bit of their stick control away.

This type of movement helps the defender to get an advantage when they are not first to the puck. 

Its important to remind defenders that this type of movement should not be a cross-check or any type of force that will draw a penalty or put the opposing player in danger.

Shoulder Checks and Scanning

Whether the defense is first or second to the puck, they must be shoulder-checking and scanning the ice to determine where the options are to move the puck. 

Its important for the defense to know where they can move the puck before they retrieve it.

Lastly, the D must work to not be pinned if possible.

Drill #1

4 Puck Pass - D Retrieval

1. Coach to D1, skate backwards stop and pass back to Coach skating forward (Black)

2. D1 gets up to D2 and receives pass, he then skates in a semi circle and passes to D3 (Red)

3. D1 does the same thing with D3 as with D2

4. Coach dumps puck into corner and D1 has to retrieve it and go around the net and pass to D5 (or can do a quick stop behind the net and pass back to D4)

5. Coach dumps puck into other corner, D1 then does the same thing with D5 as he did with D4

Drill #2

3 Puck D Retrieval

1. 3 Different Sets - Go 2 times in a row, switch sides each time, regap up each time then switch with next defenseman - Make pass then you become the winger/center - Always regap up

2. 1. Backskate, pivot get puck bump to the near post for WSD to pick up puck and pass to a player on the wall

3. 2. Backskate, pivot get puck bump to the near post for WSD to the center off the post

4. 3 Backskate, pivot get puck, quick up to the strong side player 

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