Sliding Pucks Through Defenders

Get Full Access

This video introduces strategies for sliding pucks through defenders and how to incorporate this skill into drills for better puck control and offensive play.

Coaching Points:

  1. Identify Passing Areas:

    • When attacking a defender, look for open areas, such as:
      • The space between the defender’s legs or “triangle.”
      • The gap between the defender’s stick and skates.
      • The space on the outside of the defender.
    • It’s easier to slide a puck through or around a player rather than stickhandling around them entirely.

  2. Progression Drills:

    • Stationary Drills:
      • Start by using cones or a stick on top of a cone to simulate a defender’s stick.
      • Practice sliding the puck through the open area or around the cone with different techniques, such as forehand to backhand and backhand to forehand.
    • Simulated Defender:
      • Place a stick out in front of a cone to simulate a defender’s reach. Work on sliding the puck through that space.
    • Moving to Active Defense:
      • Have players try to slide the puck past a soft defender (coach or teammate) in a controlled one-on-one scenario.

  3. Full Speed and Game-Like Situations:

    • After practicing with cones and soft defenders, progress to adding more speed and game-like scenarios.
    • Players should practice drawing defenders towards them before using a fake or quick movement to slide the puck through the defender’s space.
    • Emphasize the importance of moving the puck through areas close to the defender’s body, such as just past the feet or under the stick, where the defender will have a harder time adjusting.

  4. Key Execution Tips:

    • When sliding the puck, avoid making the move too far from the defender. Sliding it too wide will give the defender an easy opportunity to block the play.
    • Focus on timing and weight control to ensure the puck slides past cleanly without bouncing or veering off course.

By regularly incorporating these drills into practice, players will develop confidence and skill in sliding pucks through defenders, creating more scoring opportunities and offensive plays.

Membership gives you access to: