¶ Tackling and Contest Mechanics
Progressive Badges Supported (Observed Where Applicable):
Puck Batting,
Pass Accuracy,
Pass Distance,
Pass Height,
Curl Mastery
- Attacker swims toward defender with the puck under control.
- Defender applies forward pressure and initiates contact.
- Defender absorbs the attacker’s force and redirects it to take the puck cleanly.
- Focus on timing, soft hands, and using momentum rather than stopping the player.
Progression:
- Start with light pressure and slower approach speed.
- Increase swim speed as players become more successful.
- Add firmer, controlled contact while maintaining clean technique.
Coaching Focus:
- Absorb, don’t collide
- Use their movement
- Redirect into possession
Badge Opportunities:
Puck Batting
Video:
Absorb and Stabilise
¶ Controlled Stick-Hand Tackle
- Attacker moves slowly with the puck.
- Defender approaches from the stick-hand side.
- Execute clean puck-first contact and secure possession before moving away.
Badge Opportunities: none
Video:
Stick-Hand Tackle Mechanics
¶ Controlled Free-Hand Tackle
- Attacker moves slowly with the puck.
- Defender approaches from the free-hand side.
- Use correct angle and timing to win the puck legally and settle possession.
Badge Opportunities:
none
Video:
Free-Hand Tackle Mechanics
- Defender completes a sequence of tackles from alternating sides.
- Coach or partner varies entry angle.
- Focus on choosing correct tackle side and securing possession each time.
Badge Opportunities:
none
Video:
Free-Hand Tackle Mechanics,
Stick-Hand Tackle Mechanics
- Attacker starts ahead with the puck.
- Defender tracks from behind and waits for attacker to curl.
- Attempt back-pick only when the puck is exposed and recover control immediately.
Badge Opportunities:
none
Video:
Back-Picks
- Coach or partner sends a puck into reachable space.
- Player moves onto the line of the puck early.
- Focus on batting the puck and controlling first contact.
Badge Opportunities:
Puck Batting
Video:
Knock-Downs
- Two players pass while a defender reads the lane.
- Defender steps into the passing line and intercepts cleanly.
- Secure the puck before the original attackers can pressure.
Badge Opportunities:
Puck Batting
Video:
Knock-Downs
- Attacker begins ahead with the puck.
- Defender(s) close using correct angle and positioning.
- Focus on containment first, not immediate tackle.
- Rotate roles and introduce support defenders progressively.
Method 1: Backwards Facing Containment
When to Use
- You are ahead of or level with the attacker
- You can turn to face your own goal
- The attacker is still building speed
Key Concepts
- Face back toward your own goal
- Look down and back at the attacker
- Swim slightly above or just off the bottom
- Angle the attacker toward a side wall
This position:
- Gives clear vision of the play
- Makes it easier to contain rather than collide
- Creates opportunities for steals from above
Method 2: Parallel Chase on the Bottom
When to Use
- You are slightly behind or level with the attacker
- You are flat and parallel with attacker
- The puck is reachable from the side
Key Concepts
- Stay flat on the bottom
- Chase on either side of the attacker
- Match speed without contacting the body
- Look for side tackles or knock-downs
This method is best for:
- Stick-hand or free-hand side tackles
- Forcing a curl
Method 3: Two-Player Chase
When to Use
- Two defenders are close enough to chase together
- The breakaway is central or high risk
Key Concepts
- One defender on each side of the attacker
- Force the attacker to curl
- As the attacker curls, one defender executes the back-pick
- The second defender protects space if the steal fails
- Alternative: first defender taps the puck across to the second defender to secure possession
This method is best for:
- High-pressure recovery situations
- Creating controlled turnovers instead of risky tackles
Badge Opportunities: None (team defensive behaviour)
Video:
Breakaway Containment
- Small-sided game with emphasis on legal contest, clean possession wins, and immediate recovery.
- Reward players who win the puck cleanly and reconnect quickly to team play.
- Stop repeated fouls and restart with clear coaching focus.
Badge Opportunities: Observed where applicable during play:
Puck Batting,
Pass Accuracy,
Pass Distance,
Pass Height,
Curl Mastery