When a defenseman recovers the puck, the first job is to clear the danger zone (the red area in the diagram). That takes priority over everything else.
Once the puck is clear, do not pass or move it back into that zone, especially at a lower level of play. Off the boards and out is a safe play. Using the boards and glass at the half-boards helps avoid icing and makes it harder for attacking defensemen to hold the puck in.
Things to remember
Clear the danger zone (red area)
- Try to get possession.
- If you cannot, get the puck to the walls.
- Avoid up the middle unless you are sure.
- Use your hands and feet if you have to.
Gaining possession: move your feet first
- Find space; do not skate into traffic.
- If you are unsure, head to the quiet zone behind the net.
Once you are moving and clear of pressure, find a pass
- Do not try to pass while standing still. Move first.
- Keep the puck from re-entering the danger zone.
- Do not force it.
- Next read: Hockey 101: Basic Breakout Strategy
If no clean pass is available, clear the zone
- Put it high and off the boards or glass.
- Better to put it behind your own net or in the corner than up the middle blindly.
- Rim it as a last resort.
Look, skate, look, pass
Coaches often sum this up as "Look, skate, look, pass."
If you are the last man back, pass or dump the puck under any pressure. Do not be the player who turns it over with no support. Clear the zone.
Quick checklist
- Clear the danger zone first.
- Do not pass back into it.
- Prefer boards and glass outs.
- Use the quiet zone behind the net when unsure.
- Move before you pass: look, skate, look, pass.
- Last man back: dump it under pressure.
Forwards have the other half of possession: puck support so the next pass is already there when pressure arrives.
Bottom line
Clear danger first, then move your feet and find a safe outlet. Boards and glass beat a blind middle pass every time.
That is easier when the same D pairs show up every week. If sorting out who is in still happens in a group text, that is what RosterFX is for.
Keep reading: Hockey 101: Puck Support · Hockey 101: Basic Breakout Strategy · Hockey 101: Defensive Body Position · More Individual Tactics
