Defensemen retrieving dump-ins

Good Hockey Habits by Guy Gadowsky
December 22, 2005 -- Good habits make good hockey players. University of Alaska Fairbanks head hockey coach Guy Gadowsky says that the following are hockey habits he emphasizes at the Division I college level. Most of these habits apply to all the levels. The sooner a player develops these habits the deeper they will root and the more consistent they will be. When college and pro scouts and coaches evaluate players they evaluate the consistency of many of these habits.

General Habits

Defensive Habits Playing the Puck Carrier

Defensive Habits Away from the Puck Carrier

Offensive Habits with the Puck

Offensive Habits Playing without the Puck

Defensemen Retrieving Dump-ins

These hockey habits apply when defensemen are retrieving dump-ins:

1) Back Hard. Go back for the puck hard, top speed, stride do not glide. By going back hard you create precious time and space for yourself that you will need when you get to the puck.

2) Take A Look. Check over you shoulder and read the play behind you as you go back for the puck. You must know where your passing options are, where the forechecking pressure is coming from, and where the open ice is so you can make your decisions before you get to the puck.

3) Use Deception. Do not telegraph your decision. Use deception to control the opposition, keep the passing lanes open and create space and time to make your play. A simple body lean or head fake is often enough.

4) Move Puck Quickly. Move the puck up quickly, before the forecheck sets up. The first opportunity is often the best opportunity to get the puck out of the defensive zone.

Bench Management

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