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.
Related content
ArticleWhat Does F3 Mean in Hockey?
Coaches say it constantly. Here is what the third forward is actually responsible for.
How to Teach a Player to Scan
Head up is not a cue. Here is the shoulder-check habit that actually builds vision before the puck arrives.
ArticleWhat Parents Can Actually Say After a Game
The car ride matters more than the game. Three questions that build Hockey IQ instead of pressure.
