Basic rules of how to play the D-Zone.

There are a few basic rules that apply at no matter what level you play at. These rules never change and if you break them, hopefully your teammates can bail you out.

D-zone coverage



The above picture illustrates the basic areas within the defensive zone. Each area has it's own set of basic principles and roles of the player in that zone. It is important that you understand the areas and the principles that apply to them in order to defend your defensive zone effectively.

The areas and principles are as follows:

• A. HIT ZONE Defensemen must body checks, seal off players, pin them to boards, and above all DO NOT GET BEAT 1-1.
• B. SUPPORT ZONE Stay between the puck and the net, quickly find and attack loose pucks. CONTAINMENT.
• C. WAR ZONE CREASE Feet pointed up ice (to see attackers), scan for loose players, lock them up if they become a threat.
• D. WAR ZONE Head on a swivel!! Watch back door, support Point Zone (left winger).
• E. POINT ZONE Head on a swivel, weak side winger should move more to the high slot area, this keeps his point covered and he is naturally in the passing lane.

Tip #2 At the youth levels, you see a lot of players spending too much time watching the play or admiring a pass, instead of moving to help support the play. It can be tough when you have teammates who maybe carries the puck a little too much, but you can help him by moving into an opening on the ice and being ready for a pass.

Tip #3 You should ALWAYS know where the puck is. NEVER turn your back to the play! If you turn your back even for split second, a pass or loose puck can come your way and you will not be ready for it.

Tip #4 KEEP YOUR STICK ON THE ICE AT ALL TIMES!!! You want to present a good target to your teammates and it you're skating around with your stick in the air you are NOT doing that. Passer need a target, we have enough problems passing, pucks ending up as icing or in the skates of the player receiving the pass, do not compound the problem.

Tip #5 The way you practice directly translates to how you play come game day. Plan and simple, if you practice bad habits, don't give 100%, don't skate as hard as you can, you will not become a better player and you will do these things come game day.

It come down to this.... You have to know where the puck is and have the ability to anticipate the play. That is a skill learned by playing and having coaches that instruct you during the game. It takes time, so don't get discourage if it does not come to you right away. Skate to the open ice and be in a pass ready position.