Ice hockey drills
Ice hockey defending drills
6 free Ice hockey drills for defending, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier.
6 drills
Team systemsDefendingAggressive forecheck: 2-1-2Two forwards attack the puck deep, the third reads from the high slot and the defenders hold or pinch at the blue line: one common way to win the puck back high up the ice.25 min · 10–20 players · U16+
DefendingBody contact & checkingAngling and gap controlA defender skates backwards to hold a tight gap on a puck carrier, then angles them to the boards from the inside and wins the puck with stick and body position, without checking.15 min · 4–16 players · U11+
SkatingDefendingBackward skating and pivotsSkaters go up the ice in two lanes, switching between backward C-cuts and forward strides with open pivots at each line, the footwork a defender needs to face the play and turn with it.12 min · 4–20 players · U10+
DefendingTeam systemsDefensive zone coverage basicsFive defenders learn one common zone structure in their own end: pressure the puck, protect the net front and the slot, and slide together as the puck moves from corner to wall to point.20 min · 10–22 players · U13+
Team systemsDefendingForecheck: 1-2-2 basicsOne forward angles the puck carrier to the boards, two forwards seal the walls and two defenders hold the blue line, so the opponents' breakout is squeezed along the wall.20 min · 10–22 players · U13+
Power play & penalty killDefendingPenalty kill: box and pressureFour penalty killers hold a tight box against a 5-on-4 power play, then learn when to pressure the puck as a pair and clear it the length of the ice.25 min · 10–20 players · U16+