Reply To: Defensive Zone Overload – Swarming and Other Team Play Ideas

[Tom Molloy]

It all depends on how the attackers are forechecking.

A – 3 F's overload the strong side and create a 3 man cycle. If the D stays in front of the net then the attackers have a constant 3 on 2 and will get many chances to shoot. If the opposition attacks with 3 F on the strong side then the defenders must play 3-3 man to man and the weak side F has net coverage and still responsibility for the middle point.

B – I watched the Edmonton/Columbus game for about 15 minutes last night and it looked like the Oilers had a two man cycle on the puck side and a F on the weak side. In this case the weak side D has net front and covers their F3.

C – Some forechecks mobilize the D on a 3 man cycle on the strong side – the other D fills behind on the strong side and the weak side F covers the middle point. In this case both D must play the 3-3 on the strong side with the low F.

So in the case of Edmonton the low F and strong side D play a 2-2 low and the strong side F slide down to create a defensive 3-2 if the attackers back is to the play.

Agree or disagree????
Tom

Is there a coach out there who currently uses the swarm.

'The Game is the Greatest Coach'
'Enjoy the Game'