Backward Skating with Cones Drill

Purpose Defenders practice skating backward. Setup Players line up at the goal line in the corner of the rink. How it Works Coach blows his whistle or says “Go.” First player in line skates backward

Skate and Pass Drill

Purpose Defensemen work on passing the puck back and forth while skating backward and then forward. Setup Defensemen form two lines at center ice. How it Works Coach blows his whistle and passes the puck

Triangle Drill

Purpose Defensemen practice skating forward and backward and transitioning between the two. Setup Place three pucks around the faceoff circle. Players start at a puck on the side of the circle. How it Works Coach

Backward Skate To Shot

Purpose Defensemen work on skating backward, passing and shooting. Setup Defensemen line up along the boards on one side of the ice. How it Works Coach blows

Pivot Drill

Purpose Defensemen work on transitioning between forward and backward skating. Setup Players line up at the blue line. Five cones are placed on the ice. How it Works

Poke Check Drill

Purpose Defenders learn to take the puck away from an offensive player. Setup Pair up players of similar skill. The offensive player gets a puck. How it Works

Up The Center Drill

Purpose Defensemen work on making a good outlet pass to start the breakaway. Setup You need a defenseman, a center and a wing. How it Works Coach shoots

Defense Zig-Zag Drill

Purpose Defensemen practice skating forward and backward and switching between the two. Setup Players line up at the side of the faceoff circle. How it Works Coach blows