Being a good defenseman in hockey requires a lot of skill and training. You’ll need to practice your moves and be ready to block shots and take out attacking forwards. But, beyond the skills required, you’ll also need to understand the mental and physical preparation that goes into being a good defenseman. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key things you need to think about before playing defense, as well as some helpful tips on how to improve your game!
Table of Contents
Understand The Importance Of Your Position
Your position in hockey defines how you’ll play on the ice. Every defenseman plays a different role, and it’s up to you to figure out which one you are. It might be the traditional checking role or the more modern killing role. In any case, you’ll need to decide what you’re good at and use that to your advantage.
Learn The Roles And Skill Sets Of All The Players
Every player on the ice has a special skill that they use to either score goals or prevent them from being scored. It’s your job to learn all these skills and then use your positioning to either put them to good use or prevent them from being used at all. You won’t be able to do this if you don’t know what each player is good at.
Play The Match Against The Devils
The Devils are one of the best teams in hockey, and it’s always a treat to play them. They’re intense on the puck and really creative with their attacks. If you’re going to play defense, it’s imperative that you play the match against the Devils. Learning how to play the match is a valuable tool for any defenseman, especially those who want to play in the NHL.
Practice With A Goalie
Hockey is a fast-paced game. There are always players in motion, and it can be hard to keep up with things. One of the best ways to improve your game is to practice with a goalie. Working with a goalie will force you to become more reactive instead of proactive, and that’s what will make you shine as a defenseman.
Get Big
It’s no secret that hockey comes with its share of injuries, and it’s important that you get big enough to take out attacking forwards. If you want to play defense in the NHL, you’ll need to learn how to play bigger than your 6′ frame would suggest. Bigger players typically play better than smaller players, and that’s something you want to develop at the very least.
Don’t Forget About Your Head
Your head is the most important part of your body when it comes to hockey. It’s a strategic position, and you’ll need to learn how to use your head correctly. When playing defense, you’ll need to learn to anticipate the actions of the players you’re facing and know when to jump in to prevent an attack or save a teammate. A lot of head injuries happen due to attacks from behind, so it’s important that you learn how to watch your backside.
Be Confident
Playing hockey is a lot of fun, but it’s also really challenging. It takes a lot of skills to play at a high level, and confidence is one of them. Confident players tend to succeed more than their counterparts, and that’s something you want to bring to the ice with you each time you step on it. The more you practice, the more you’ll become confident in yourself.
Take Care Of Your Body
The game of hockey is a rough one. There’s always a risk of injury, and it’s up to you to protect yourself as best as you can. If you want to be able to play at the highest level, you’ll need to learn to take care of your body. This means getting stronger, faster, and smarter. It also means avoiding overtraining and injury. Look at other players who are injured and don’t seem to be doing well; they’re usually the ones who overuse their bodies. Take care of your body, and you’ll be able to prevent many injuries.
Know When To Hinder
It’s your job as a defenseman to know when to hinder. This means hitting or kicking the opponent when they have the puck. It’s a simple concept, but it’s one that can make a big difference in your game. You’ll need to learn to use your body correctly to create space for your teammates. When you know when to hinder, you’ll be able to make the right decision about whether or not to hit the player, and you’ll be able to create more opportunities for your team. Some coaches believe that knowing when to hinder can be more important than knowing how to score goals. Hinder when necessary, simplify when possible.
Being a good defenseman in hockey is a lot of fun if you know what you’re doing. You’ll need to practice your moves and be ready to block shots and take out attacking forwards. But, beyond the skills required, you’ll also need to understand the mental and physical preparation that goes into being a good defenseman. By practicing with a goalie and taking care of your body and head, you’ll be able to play the match against any opponent with confidence, knowing that you’re doing the right thing for your team. If you want to play at the highest level, learn to take out the big guys first, and when you do, you’ll be able to enjoy the game.