Entries-Backcheck - The Hockey Think Tank

January 14, 2019

Tracking

The word “TRACK” is reallllllly buzzy right now. At the end of the day, it’s the same thing as what we learned…BACKCHECK. But now, tracking is taking more of a nuanced role in the game and is being talked about more strategically…rather than when I was growing up where backchecking was just something you did...

Entries-Backcheck, Videos

December 14, 2018

Backcheck

COACHES: A big teaching point for defense on playing a 2v1 is preaching patience. In these clips from last night the D shade too far or react too quickly to the puck carrier…allowing the offensive player an opportunity to make a play.

Entries-Backcheck, Videos

November 19, 2018

Backcheck

Communication is the most important habit in hockey. I don’t think there’s any question about it. Talking to your teammates out on the ice makes the game 100x easier for yourself and the players on the ice with you. I would say that talk can give you 5x the time and space to make plays....

Entries-Backcheck, Videos

October 22, 2018

BACKCHECK

COACHES: There is a lot of debate as to whether sliding to defend a 2v1 is a good decision. Most Dmen slide too early, allowing the offensive player to dictate the play. This clip shows the proper way to do it…sliding at the perfect time to take away the pass lane.

October 9, 2018

Entries

Coaches: Have you ever made this statement after a period? “Boys, we need to get to the net.” This video shows a few Net Drive options on Entry that allow players to identify the skills that give them a chance to score. Open your Hips to Protect, Stick Slips, & Inside Leg Protect are the...

Entries-Backcheck, Videos

October 9, 2018

Entries

Coaches: Find ways to get your D-men involved in the offense off the rush. This is a common theme with the top goal scoring D-men in the NHL in relation to scoring off entries. The weakside d-man joining from transition to receive pass through the royal road as the 2nd Wave attack option.

Entries-Backcheck, Videos

August 29, 2018

Backcheck

COACHES: What a great hockey sense play by Nosek here. He sees his 2 Fs tied up behind the net so he gets back thru middle as F3. This allows 2 VGK D to play with tight gaps. He then does a great job angling w/ his stick down & causes the turnover, stifling a...

August 22, 2018

Entries

COACHES: If there was ever a clip to show your players about shooting the puck with your feet moving in stride…this is it. This skill should be an emphasis for all shooting drills in practice as it makes it MUCH harder for the goalie to get ready/set for the shot. Great goal!!

April 17, 2018

Entries

COACHES: More & more teams are emphasizing getting puck to middle of the ice on entries. Watch both BOS defenders get sucked to middle (during freeze-frames). The two D cover one guy & allow outside attackers from PHI more time/space to make a play. Great goal!!