How to Play Hockey 

Most Ice Hockey Coaches build their system on defense and the number one priority is to protect "The House" which is the scoring area around the goalie net. You must keep the offensive team out of the house which is the dangerous scoring areas. Force your opponents into the corners or outside of the face-off circles. It is more difficult for your opponents to score from the corners or the boards. 

The golden rule is very basic, keep your stick always on the ice. You will be surprised how many opposition plays you will break up. Watch any NHL player in their own defensive end. Learn to hold your stick with one hand and a strong grip while skating backwards or forwards. 

Every play is a battle. Loose pucks are a battle. Think of winning a loose puck battle as exciting as scoring a goal. Do the little things right and you will be surprised at your success. 

Defense is a mindset. Learn to become mentally strong and have the mindset that nobody is going to take the puck away from you. 

Make a poised play. Instead of panicking and giving the other team the puck, which you worked so hard to get, try to make a smart-but-safe play. This involves having your head on a swivel and keeping a constant look out knowing where your teammates are and what is going on all around you. If you don't have a safe play, don't force something that is not there. Flip it out, bang it off the boards or tie it up in the corner and get a whistle. When a player is tired, this is usually when a bad play is made. If you take an extra look to make the smart play and not give the puck up to the opponent. Poised smart plays come easy and effortlessly with practice. 

Watch your favorite NHL hockey player and see how he always knows where he's going with the puck before he picks it up because he is always looking over his shoulders and all around him and knows where everyone is on the ice and anticipates what is going to happen next. 

Communication is so important in the defensive end. Take charge and talk to your teammates tell them they have time, or where to go with the puck or to ice the puck. Make sure your goalie is talking - he has the best view of all.
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