Simple Hockey Defensive Zone Coverage for Youth Players:
If your players get lost or confused in the defensive zone, tell them to come back to the fort and good things will happen!
Defensive zone coverage in hockey does not have to be complicated but players do need to master some terminology in order to be responsible defensive minded hockey players. In our How to Play Hockey online coaching course we spend a considerable time addressing key terms and expressions that will help increase your Hockey IQ. Understanding hockey terminology allows players to use their gut instincts and react quickly to situations. The following video taken from Module 1.1 addresses an area of the ice that is of great importance both offensively, and defensively. There are many names for this area of the ice, but they all describe the significance of the area in front of the net. Fort, House, Castle, Home, Prime Scoring Area, and PSA to name a few. This is key in defensive zone coverage in hockey.
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4 Reasons Simple Defensive Zone Coverage Starts with a Strong Fort:
- 80% of goals are scored from inside the fort. So defend it!
- Limiting time and space in this dangerous area makes it too chaotic for the offensive team to get uncontested scoring changes
- Shot angles and reaction time favour your goalie if taken from outside the prime scoring area.
- Drawing this fort on the ice in practice, and on the board in theory sessions gives players a great visual aid. Tell your hockey players that if they get lost and confused in the defensive zone, tell them to come back to the fort and good things will happen!
