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January 9, 2007
NG002
Playing the 1 on 1 in the corner
There is a common misperception with the new rule standard that competitive, tough, hard nosed hockey has
been taken out of the game. In fact, winning the individual or group battles down low is more important than
it has ever been. Losing a one on one battle gives the attacker room and the ability to generate speed on the
attack which is much more difficult to defend.
The basic rule of thumb for the defender still applies – If you can see the eyes or the crest of the puck
carrier the goal is to contain the puck carrier but if puck control is limited or you see the numbers you
want to pressure the puck carrier. To use a term from the recent poker craze the ultimate decision of the
defender comes down to – “Who has the cards?”
For successful play in the corners the defender must have superior skating skills including edge control,
pivoting forward to backward and backward to forward, lateral movement and quickness. Simple drills like the
following that works on quick feet and agility are great for improving defensive coverage down low.
A player’s ability to master these skills will assist them to play the one on one down low without the use
of illegal tactics such as the lasso, hooking or pinning a player who does not have the puck. The drills on
the left lack complexity but positive repetitions will create better defenders.
Utilizing these simple drills and ensuring as a coach that you consistently reinforce the new standard of
play will make your players better defenders and ultimately have a greater enjoyment of the game.
» It's a New Game!
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