Defensemen Activation Jonathon Sheridan Lawrence University

4 Key Components to D Activating 1)Hard work/Movement 2)Heady 3)Fluidity 4) Communication!

Hard Work/Foot Movement Why do we want our D to work hard up ice? Do they keep their feet moving in zone? Can we expect and demand that all D jump up/in? How do they activate? With a purpose?

Heady Do they understand the situation? Can they jump or should they stay home? Do they know where their support guys are? Can they recognize the openings?

Fluidity Are they able to play both sides (F/D)(L/R)? Can they transition quickly? Do some guys need to stay home and others are more free to jump? Are the forwards able to cover the defensive position?

Communication Are the D ‘quarterbacking’ the play? Do D partners communicate between each other? Is there certain terminology we need to use? How effective is their communication?

O-Zone Activation Part 1 F1 starts with long cycle to F2. F2 gathers the puck and moves the puck to D1, who then moves it to D2. F2 attacks the net. D2 looks for the shot or shot/pass to D2. Part 1 flows into Part 2

O-Zone Activation Part 2 Option 1 F1 gathers puck from corner and passes to D2. D2 then passes to D1, D2 then jumps down the seam looking for the shot/pass or rebound. F1 then fills for D2 Option 2 F1 gathers puck from corner and moves up half wall. D2 jumps down the seam calling for the puck. F1 has option of giving the puck to D2 for the shot or D1 slides over for the shot. F1 can also lay the puck in the corner for relief allowing D2 to gather. F1 must then cover for D2

Neutral-Zone Activation F1 starts skating toward D1 and then passes to D1. D1 passes to D2 who touches it back to F1 who has followed the play along the blue line. F2 swings the opposite way of F1 and then cuts over to support F1. Once D2 touches it to F1, D1 is activated to make it a 3v0 with F1 and F2 Option of adding 1 or 2 defenders.

D-Zone Activation 3v2 Stars with a straight 2v2. On whistle 1 of the D swing around the net and pick up a puck (then becomes D1) looking to break out with F1 and F2 who came down the center lane to read and react to breakout spots. D3 and D4 also enter to gap up. After breakout D1 then joins F1 and F2 creating a 3v2 opportunity. Depending on where D1 is located… – High late man – Filling in for F3 position

D-Zone Activation 4v3 Starts with a straight 2v2. On whistle 1 of the D swing around the net and pick up a puck (then becomes D1) looking to break out with F1, F2, and F3 who came down the center lane to read and react to breakout spots. D3, D4, and F4 also enter to gap up. F1, F2, and F3 then attack D3, D4, and F4 while D1 follows up the play looking to be the high late man in the soft spot entering the zone. On whistle, D3 or D4 start new F group the other way. Variation is to have D1 play defense back with D5 to work on quick transition and reading the play.

Questions or Comments? Thank you!