Introduction: Tips for Playing Defense in Front of Goal
Isaropen – Tips for Playing Defense in Front of Goal. On an ice rink, the area right in front of the goalie is one of the most contested because that’s where the attacking players pose the most threat. About half of all goals in the NHL are scored from less than 20 feet from the goal. This number probably goes up a lot in lower teams and youth hockey. Both teams want to control that area to get an edge, which means there are a lot of one-on-one battles. Job Number One for a defender is to “protect the house” by making sure that opposing forwards can’t shoot, set up screens, or tip pucks right in front of the goalie.
That way, your goalie won’t have to face as many good scoring chances. Here are ten tips for controlling the ice in front of the net.
1. Support Your Fellow Defenseman
At least two defenders are always on the ice, and each is in charge of a different side of the defensive zone. To protect the ice in front of the goal, you move toward the middle if you’re on the weak side. There is a defenseman who slides into the spot in front of the goal when the puck moves to your side of the ice. You move toward the puck to challenge it. It’s very important for the defenders to always know what’s in front of the net. If not, the opposing team might be able to get a close shot or a one-on-one with the goalie.
2. Don’t Get Sucked out of Position
As a defenseman stands in front of the goal and there’s a fight for the puck going on close along the boards or behind the net, it can be tempting to join the fight to help your teammates. This can be very bad, though, because if the puck gets out of the scrum, the attacker will have a clear shot on goal from the dangerous area in front of the goal. Because it’s your job to “protect the house,” you should be responsible and stay home.
3. Keep Your Head on a Swivel
To protect the front of the goal, you need to know where the puck is. At the back of the net, you need to be ready for a player to try to score a wrap-around. If the puck is at the point, you need to block the shot, clear the goalie’s view, or stop a tip-in. Pay attention to what’s going on and stay alert.
4. Don’t Get Fixated on One Opponent
If a player from the other team tries to set up in front of the net, you need to stop them from scoring. You are responsible for more than just that person, though. If someone else skates toward the goal with the puck, you need to protect like you’re up against two players. Even if you have “your” player covered, that doesn’t mean that someone else is responsible for an attacking player. From right in front of the goal, it’s your job to stop or break up any chances to score.
5. Keep Your Feet Moving
Do not let an attacking forward get into the area in the first place. This will keep them from setting up shop in front of your goal. Stop them from getting to the middle of the ice or turn them away from the goal with your body. Just remember the fourth thing above at all times: As you box out one person, you don’t want someone else to sneak up behind you.
6. Box Out the Opponent
Don’t get too comfortable in your spot; you need to be able to move quickly to avoid other threats or jump on a loose puck or a bounce. You won’t be able to make the quick changes in direction and speed you need to cover the zone if you’re too flat-footed or back on your heels.
7. Stay Net-Side
If you’re fighting an enemy forward in front of the goal, put your body between them and the net. This helps you keep your edge, pushing them away from the goal and out of the way of your goalie. It also makes it easier for you to grab any loose pucks and get them out of harm’s way. You may “front” the other player in some defense schemes, like to help block shots from the point, but most of the time, you should stay near the net.
8. Win the Stick Battle
It’s important to try to tie up the stick of a rival player in front of your goalie because about 10% of all NHL goals are tipped shots. This is very important when the puck is at the point and a defender from the other team might take a slap shot. The person in front of the goal is less likely to tip the puck over if you are on their stick.
9. Help Your Goalie See
There is a player in front of the goal who’s job it is to block the goalie. Since you are the defender in front of the goal, you need to use your body to block or guide the attacker away from the puck and the net. Of course, you should be careful not to block the goalie’s view in the process.
10. Be Ready to Clear a Rebound
When someone shoots, it’s your job to get to the puck before they do. Your mantra should be “safety first,” so move the puck to the side as quickly as possible or tell your goalie to cover it up.
Practice With One-on-One Drills
Practice is the only way to get good at all the different skills you need to win fights in front of goal. To keep the other team off-balance and out of position, one-on-one drills will teach you how to use body position, strength, and stick pressure.
Since the puck and all the players on the ice are always moving in hockey, a defenseman can’t just stand in front of the goal and think their job is done. They have to constantly read the play, figure out where the danger is coming from, and then react accordingly. As a defender, you have to decide what position to take, where to focus your attention, and how to keep an edge over the other player.
You can put your team in a better position to win if you defend the ice well in front of your net. This will force the other team into rare scoring chances.
Conclusion: Tips for Playing Defense in Front of Goal
In conclusion, playing defense in front of the goal requires focus, awareness, and quick decision-making. First, always support your fellow defenseman and stay in position. Next, avoid getting distracted by puck scrums and stay alert to potential threats. Keep your feet moving to prevent attackers from getting into dangerous areas. Additionally, box out opponents and stay net-side to protect the goalie. Winning stick battles and helping your goalie maintain visibility are also essential. Finally, practice with one-on-one drills to improve your positioning and reaction skills, ultimately minimizing scoring opportunities for the opposing team.