Defense
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Defense
Shot Blocking Shot Blocking - I don't like to block shots, because I don't have chest pads. I still probably wouldn't do it if I did have the chest pads. But if you want to, slide on the ground. Don't do a Rob Blake-style block (although in the way of health, it's smart). He crouches on the ice, and tucks his chin under his neck, covers his face with his arm, and covers his neck with his hand. This is not good because he can't see where the shot goes, and he screens the goaltenders vision. Patrick Roy has been scored on many a time becuase Rob Blake screened him with his unorthodox shot blocking. The only way I block shots is stand up, and put your legs and skates together. It will hit your shinpad, but will still hurt. I usually just try to get out of the way of the puck, and let the goaltender have fun with it. Yah, yah, so I don't love hockey that much. ; )
Go for the puck - If there's a battle along the boards for the puck, keep guarding your man. If the puck squeezes out, and both of the battling players are entertained, go for it. Only go for it when you are 110% sure you're going to get the puck.
Blind/panic passes - I do this alot, but...When you're at the boards with the puck, don't panic pass it. Assess the situation, and then pass to whoever's open. If no one is open, take a shot at the goal. It's better to have a turnover then an intercepted pass, or a pass to the other team! Panic passing is usually blind passing, but blind passing is not necessarily panic passing. Don't blind pass. If you're skating, don't think that your player is going to be where he should. Look and see where he actually is. Then pass. Breakaways - If you're the d-man on a breakaway, get in the passing lane of the players. Let the goalie guard the shooter. You keep the puck from getting to the other player. Sweep your stick along the ice, so the puck can't get through. Better yet, try to poke check it away from the carrier. Just make sure the puck doesn't get passed. If you're outnumbered 3-1, then just stay near the puck carrier, guarding the pass to either of the other two players. On a breakaway, don't over-commit. I do this real often, and the players go right by me. When they're coming, try to poke-check it away. But don't lean so far forward you lose your balance, or something. Give them the stick, not your body. They'll skate right by you. Board battles - If you're going for the puck against the boards, chances are, someone's gonna come battle you. Try to keep the puck away from them. Put your skate against it, or your stick against it, against the boards. Try to keep it away from them, and squeeze it out so someone else can get it. If you see someone against the boards getting the puck, skate hard and get there. Battle them for the puck. Forcing the play - Try to force the play. This works real good. If someone is coming down the sides with the puck, try to make them skate into the boards, by skating towards them, kind of imposing on them. Then they won't have room to make a shot, or a very good pass. Same thing on the breakaway. Try to force them in the boards. Whatever you do, don't let them go down the center. In the center, they have the most net to shoot at. Try to get them to the sides, so they'll have a bad angle.
Defensive zone control - When you have control of the puck in the defensive szone, go back behind the goal line, and take a breather. Let your people regather. Your forwards should start breaking once you get the puck. Make a good, hard pass to them. Then follow them.
Offensive zone - In the offensive zone, there are two strategies. The taught strategy is to have both defensive men on what would be the blue line. If the puck comes near you, and everyone is covered, take a slapshot on net. Hopefully a forward can get the rebound. If there is an open forward, pass it. If the other team gets the puck, try to contain it. If you can't, skate back with him.
Stick Checks - There's a few stick checks to try. Here are a few of my favorite and most effective:
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