Reply To: One hand or two?

[hockeygod]

I was hoping someone would 'bite' and post a new topic about this! Thanks Eric!

I too found it interesting that Wilson taught the 'two hands on' approach to his D-men as the rule rather than the exception.

I have always been far more of a 'one hand guy' in open space; then felt was up to the player to decide to maintain one hand or switch to two hands as the gap decreases into a small space (more below).

You can really 'make yourself big' with one hand on the stick while playing a man defensively vs. the rush (1 vs. 1 or more) and while playing in contained spaces. One hand is far more effective covering passing lanes / taking up space. This puts mental pressure on the puck carrier and might discourage the puck carrier from attempting a pass. (George Kingston used to call using your body and stick position "influencing" the opponent.) The critical moment of indecision that generates may result in more help (for you) arriving!

Tom posted a couple of informative videos on here earlier this season with former NHL D-man Terry Johnson instructing Tom's midget AAA girls team. He passed along some of his wisdom on how to play a 1 vs 1 to 3 vs 2 and this would be a good chance for us to review it. I do remember nodding in agreement to what Terry said about stick / hand / body position while playing a 1 vs. 1. (This in itself is worth watching the video for!)

How to Play a Defensive 1-1 with a former NHL Defenseman

https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/downloads/file/t-how-to-play-a-defensive-1-1-with-a-former-nhl-defenseman/

How to defend a 2 v 1, 3 v 1, 3 v 2, etc.

https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/downloads/file/t-how-to-defend-a-2-1-3-1-3-2-with-nhl-defenseman/

One might consider using two hands when making contact (for more strength) as long as they keep the stick down and don't get it caught horizontal to the opponent; although you can certainly still make a check successfully with one hand (again, as mentioned in the article – 'stick on stick' or 'blade on blade' and use the free hand to push / steer / control the opponents hips without grabbing or holding or wrapping.) Personally, this is where it comes down to technique (IE: one's ability – is the checking player skillful enough to execute either?) and the particular situation (direction of travel, proximity of player and boards, dominant hand of the opponent and of the checker, etc.)

The game is all about time and space. You want to create it on offense and deny it on defense!

This leads me to the ageless question of what does a defender do on a 1 vs. 1 when he gets beat outside to: (a) his forehand (strong) side; (b) his backhand (weak) side? Does he turn towards the MAN beating him; or inside towards the NET? What if the puck carrier is: (1) a right hand shot or (2) a left hand shot in each of these instances (beating the defender on the strong or weak side? How do all these situations influence the defenders choice of what direction to turn and / or to use one or two hands on the stick?)

I have had hours of debates over this one with many pro players and coaches… and would love to hear other people's opinions… and justifications!

Thanks!

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."