So, I have a question for you. I have taught my backside defender to largely align himself on the backside post. While this is certainly situational, my take on it especially at the peewee to midget ages, is that it opens up their view of the defensive zone. Moving that six feet to the backside enables them to more quickly identify the both the opposing weakside wing or D sliding into that backside seam. Also, if they have to move to the strong side for support, outlet or puck possession, it is easier to take the forward stride to the frontside post. I notice, either by lack of awareness or specific teaching to the otherwise, that most backside defenders at the upper levels of hockey always cheat the strong side. What are your thoughts on this?
Your teaching is certainly acceptable. Every coach and their staff have their own set of systems. My teams we run our D-structure from 5-on-a-die and we collapse into a "swarm" which is what I go over. The purpose of our set up is to outnumber our opponent in the corner quickly with a low double (usually center and a D). Once we get the puck we like to have the weakside D positioned at the strong side post so they can activate behind the quickly for pass. If we don't have possession the wingers and D are clogging all passing lanes to the slot with bodies and active sticks. So, to answer your question, I want my weakside at the strong post to prevent attackers from getting inside position at that post and his body and stick will seal any passing lanes. Attacking players can be identified by having the head on a swivel.
Great explanation of D-Zone coverage. I think your positioning of the strong side winger (I call it F2) is a little too far away from the battle in the corner. He's a little too far away from the boards if the puck squirts up the boards. I'd want him in reasonable reach of the boards roughly on the dot or a little lower and outside the dot - maybe 2-3 feet. This way he stops a pass to the opponent weak side D, he can possible get to the wall to stop or disrupt a pass to the opponent strong side D, and be in a better place to cover his man - the strong side D.
It's all relative - your logic makes perfect sense. Coaches will have differing strategies and philosophies. We expect our players to read and react accordingly to the situation. Their positioning isn't locked by any means. However, most teams do move the puck low to high very quickly. So, I'd rather give them that pass up to the point than have my forward too close to the wall which would open a seam for the strong side attacking do to slash through. If they do go low to high, I have my strong side wing already in the shooting lane and he can easily take a good inside-out to front the attacking D.
So, I have a question for you. I have taught my backside defender to largely align himself on the backside post. While this is certainly situational, my take on it especially at the peewee to midget ages, is that it opens up their view of the defensive zone. Moving that six feet to the backside enables them to more quickly identify the both the opposing weakside wing or D sliding into that backside seam. Also, if they have to move to the strong side for support, outlet or puck possession, it is easier to take the forward stride to the frontside post. I notice, either by lack of awareness or specific teaching to the otherwise, that most backside defenders at the upper levels of hockey always cheat the strong side. What are your thoughts on this?
Your teaching is certainly acceptable. Every coach and their staff have their own set of systems. My teams we run our D-structure from 5-on-a-die and we collapse into a "swarm" which is what I go over. The purpose of our set up is to outnumber our opponent in the corner quickly with a low double (usually center and a D). Once we get the puck we like to have the weakside D positioned at the strong side post so they can activate behind the quickly for pass. If we don't have possession the wingers and D are clogging all passing lanes to the slot with bodies and active sticks. So, to answer your question, I want my weakside at the strong post to prevent attackers from getting inside position at that post and his body and stick will seal any passing lanes. Attacking players can be identified by having the head on a swivel.
@@francishockeydevelopment Great insight. Thank you.
@@pjdaddio You're welcome!
Great explanation of D-Zone coverage. I think your positioning of the strong side winger (I call it F2) is a little too far away from the battle in the corner. He's a little too far away from the boards if the puck squirts up the boards. I'd want him in reasonable reach of the boards roughly on the dot or a little lower and outside the dot - maybe 2-3 feet. This way he stops a pass to the opponent weak side D, he can possible get to the wall to stop or disrupt a pass to the opponent strong side D, and be in a better place to cover his man - the strong side D.
It's all relative - your logic makes perfect sense. Coaches will have differing strategies and philosophies. We expect our players to read and react accordingly to the situation. Their positioning isn't locked by any means. However, most teams do move the puck low to high very quickly. So, I'd rather give them that pass up to the point than have my forward too close to the wall which would open a seam for the strong side attacking do to slash through. If they do go low to high, I have my strong side wing already in the shooting lane and he can easily take a good inside-out to front the attacking D.