Hockey Positioning - Defense
In the first Positions edition of Coaches Corner we discussed the role of Forwards. This week we build on this when discussing the role of Defensemen in Ice Hockey.
People often think that Defensemen do not play as vital a role as the Forwards. They tend to consider that the Defensemen have an easier role to play and that it is somewhat inferior to the other positions.
This is not the case at all. There are different skills involved in playing the Defensive role. For example the defensemen need to have superior backwards skating skills and need to be able to position themselves so that they make the player that they are defending against go to where they want them to go. This is called angling. Ultimately the defenseman wants to angle their opposing player away from the centre of the ice, where it is easier to attack and shoot, and into the boards, where it is significantly more difficult to shoot and score.
Defensemen play a vital role in protecting the Defensive Zone. They provide support for Forward rushes and often set up plays in the defensive zone while also stopping rushes by the opposition. It is often the Defensemen who decide which breakout is to be used. The defensemen also play a vital role in the offensive zone, often using their powerful Slap Shots to beat the goalie.
There are 2 Defensive positions
Left Defence
Right Defence
There are 2 main lanes on the ice for defensemen (see diagram 1). The Left Defenseman has the left lane and the Right Defenseman has the right lane. During the course of a play the Defensemen often change over into the other lane. This is not an issue so long as the other defenseman realises that you have changed lanes and adjusts their position accordingly.
Diagram 1
Defense in the Defensive Zone
Defensemen play their most important role in the defensive zone. Diagram 2 illustrates the normal positioning for a team in their Defensive zone. As a general rule one of the defensemen position themselves in front of the net while the other one gets the puck out of the corner. If the puck is in the left corner then the Left Defenseman will make a play for the puck while the Right Defenseman will mark their player in front of the net. The Centre will also assist the Right Defenseman in defending the slot by marking the loose man.
The defensemen will dictate the type of breakout to be used when they are pinned down in the defensive zone. Typically the forwards will position themselves in open ice with a clear passing option with the defenseman with the puck. The other defenseman will be in a defensive position but with a clear passing lane so as to provide the defenseman with the puck another passing option.
Defense in the Offensive Zone
Defensemen play an important supporting role in the Attacking zone. Diagram 3 below shows the standard positioning of the team in the Offensive Zone.
The Defensemen traditionally position themselves on the point (on or inside the blue line on the left or right side) and ensure that they are in open ice on the points so as to be able to One Time or Slap Shot when required.
The defensemen also are needed to be positioned on the points so as to prevent the puck from leaving the offensive zone. This is an important element of the Defenceman's role as if the puck leaves the offensive zone then the offensive play will have completely broken down and time and effort is required to position the team so as they can launch another successful attack.
Diagram 3