This block teaches players to apply defensive pressure and support teammates during contested puck situations.
- Loose Puck Contest
- 1v1 Channel Defense
- 2v1 Recovery
- Defensive Triangle
- Contain and Delay
- Short Game Play
Full drill descriptions available in the
Contesting and Defense Drill Library
.
¶ Exit Standard
By the end of this block players should demonstrate the following during short game play:
- Applies pressure when closest to the puck
- Closes space quickly without diving past the puck
- Maintains square shoulders while contesting
- Controls the direction of play
- Supports the pressure player appropriately
- Adjusts between pressure and support roles as the play moves
The closest defender immediately challenges the puck carrier. The goal is to reduce the attacker’s time and space and control where the play can go.
- Close space quickly
- Square shoulders to attacker
- Do not over commit
- Do not dive past the puck
- Prevent the attacker from moving through your space
Pressure Rule: Close space, square up, control direction.
The support defender positions close enough to assist the pressure player and recover the puck if pressure disrupts the play.
- Stay within assisting distance
- Read the pressure player
- Be ready to steal or recover loose pucks
- Adjust position as the play changes
Support may be positioned behind the defender or behind the attacker depending on where the puck becomes exposed.
As the puck moves, players must quickly recognize whether they are the pressure defender or the support defender.
The closest defender pressures. Other defenders support.
- Closest player goes
- Close space
- Square up
- Control direction
- Do not over commit
- Support closer
- Pressure disrupts, support wins
- Closest defender pressures immediately
- Pressure defender slows the attacker
- Attacker is forced away from the defender’s space
- Support defender is close enough to recover the puck
- Defenders adjust roles as the puck moves
- Closest defender does not pressure
Cue: Closest player goes.
- Defender dives past the puck
Cue: Square up and control.
- Support too far away
Cue: Support closer.
- Both defenders chase the puck
Cue: One pressures, one supports.
- Keep contests controlled and structured
- Reset play when players over-commit or lose defensive shape
- Reinforce correct pressure and support decisions