If a forwards primary role is to score goals when their team have possession of the puck, their Secondary role is to prevent goals when the opposition have possession of the puck.

This is called “Defensive Hockey” or playing without the puck.

Young Forwards don’t understand this. Regaining possession of the puck and preventing goals when they don’t have the puck must be explained, then taught and finally practiced at an early age by their coaches.

If coaches or parents can explain what action to take when the opposition have the puck, and teach them how and when to forecheck and backcheck correctly, by forcing the puck carrier towards the boards to create a loose puck, or to cover an open winger so he cannot receive a pass for a breakaway, you are on your way to a very successful hockey season.

The faster players adjust mentally and physically from “Offensive” scoring goals to “Defensive” preventing goals and vice versa (their Transition Time) with every change of possession of the puck, the more successful your team will be at scoring and preventing goals and ultimately winning more close games.

Defensive Hockey consists of preventing goals by either Forechecking in the

Offensive Zone or Backchecking in the Neutral and Defensive Zones.

Defensive hockey begins the moment the opposition gain control of the puck.

Forwards must learn why, when, where and how to forecheck and backcheck at a young age to become a very valuable and successful two-way player.

Forechecking - in the offensive zone, the first or closest player to their puck carrier must skate after him and separate him from the puck by either stick checking or body checking if allowed, to create a loose puck for your team-mates.

The second closest forward picks up the loose puck and if possible takes it to the net for a shot, or if blocked looks to pass to the third open forward in the high slot, or to an open defensemen on the point with a clear shot to the net.

The better forwards win the foot races and the battles along the boards and in the corners to regain the loose puck. This must be explained to forwards as everyone is different.

Don’t wait for things to happen, make things happen.

You must be assertive/aggressive and want the puck, don’t sit back.

Backchecking - if the forechecking was unsuccessful and their puckcarrier beats the first forechecker and is leading a rush, the forwards must quickly peel off and backcheck through the neutral zone and into their defensive zone by covering the two wingers all the way back to their goal line by preventing them from receiving a pass or going to the net for a shot or rebound. Your Defencemen should try to force the puck carrier to the outside of the rink and a bad shooting angle.

The 3 forwards do not just chase the puck carrier; they have specific defensive jobs to do and players to cover.

The defencemen should play their puck carrier preferably outside your blue line.

If everyone is covered very few goals will end up in your net.

If your forechecking and backchecking systems are coordinated and executed properly very few scoring chances are generated by the opposition and your goals against will be very low.

John Shorey

Author – “Hockey Made Easy”

www.hockeymadeeasy.com