T4 – Defending a 2-1 and 3-1 – Terry Johnson
I asked Terry Johnson his views on defending a 2-1 and 3-1. Terry coaches the defense on our team and played in the NHL as a defensive defenseman. I also coached with TJ at the U of Calgary men's team.
Defending 2 v 1
– Defense delay the play as long as possible to create bad shooting angles and allow time for backcheckers to come back. Defense to take pass away and defend the strong side post at the same time (i.e. not allowing puck carrier to come into the shooting lane where they have a bonafide chance to score). Defence only slide when puck carrier is a threat to the net and the play is deep enough such that the attacking player cannot simply skate around the goal side of the sliding D . When sliding the Defense slides to both (1) take the pass away and (2) not allow the puck carrier to cut into the middle of the ice. Blocking a shot is a bonus, only to be attempted if the first two priorities are looked after. (Against players on their "correct side", shins should be aligned with the puck and body and stick aligned with the attacking forward's body to not allow the cut in.) Defender slides feet first back towards his end but outside the post, to avoid interfering with the goalie.
Defending 3 v1
– much like the 2 v 1, Defense take the lateral pass away and defend the strong side post at the same time. If on the 3 v 1 the puck is moved to the trailing player, the D can jam the trailer if the attack is deep. Defence can slide on a 3v1 in similar circumstances as the 2 v 1. When sliding on the 3v1 the D slides to not only (1) take the lateral pass away but to also (2) to take the pass to the trailer away. As with the 2 v 1 the D also slides to (3) not allow allow the puck carrier to cut in.
The reason I asked the question was the drill I posted showing a pro team working on sliding. This is the posting. So the question was about the read the D needs to make and the technique.
C3 – 2 on 1 Rush D Join – Defender Slide – Pro
https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/forums/topic/daily-drill-section-twelve/page/5/#post-7016
https://www.facebook.com/518555930/videos/pcb.726643574912109/10159483848460931/
Bieska – shot blocking D
https://www.facebook.com/groups/631135947796206
Bieska – Decision of D to join the rush
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