Defensive formations

Archie DunnillCoach, England

Hi Graham,

It's great that your players are putting in the effort, and there are strategies you can employ to optimize your defensive formation despite concerns about speed. Here are some suggestions:

Positioning: Focus on proper positioning to compensate for speed. Make sure your slower players are positioned strategically to block passing lanes, disrupt offensive plays, and force opponents to the outside.

Communication: Encourage effective communication among your defensive players. Clear communication can compensate for lack of speed by ensuring that players are covering the right areas and supporting each other.

Physical Play: Leverage the physical strengths of your heavier players. Teach them how to use their bodies effectively to separate opponents from the puck, block shots, and maintain control in the defensive zone.

Zone Defense: Consider implementing a zone defense strategy. This can allow your slower players to cover specific areas rather than trying to chase opponents all over the ice. Zone defense relies on effective communication and teamwork.

Quick Shifts: Encourage short shifts to keep your players fresh. If your slower players tire quickly, having shorter shifts can help maintain their effectiveness throughout the game.

Breakout Strategies: Develop efficient breakout strategies to transition from defense to offense quickly. This can help your team spend less time in the defensive zone, reducing the risk of opponents exploiting slower players.

Remember, every team has its unique challenges, and finding the right balance between players' strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Experiment with different strategies during practices and see what works best for your team's dynamic.

Hope that helps.

Archie