Article/Intermediate

Gap Control: How Close Is Too Close?

Defenders get beat two ways — too tight and too soft. Here is how to read speed and pick your gap.

Overload Hockey

Gap is a decision, not a distance

Good defenders adjust their gap based on the puck carrier's speed, the support behind them, and where the ice runs out.

Tighten when

- The carrier's head is down - You have inside body position - The boards or the red line can help you

Soften when

- The carrier has more speed than you - You are outnumbered and buying time for support - The play is wide with a driver in the middle

The read

Stay a stick length outside their reach until they commit. The second their eyes drop, close it.

Keep going

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