This week on The Breakdown, Dave Starman takes a look at three keys to preventing goals allowed: Backchecking, defending the rush, and defensive zone coverage. According to Dave, it’s all about finding ways to get possession of the puck back as fast as possible.
“When you talk to a lot of coaches, especially at the higher levels, one of the things they talk about is getting the puck back quickly, so that you can get on offence and playing the game more going downhill, going north, as opposed to having to defend.”
Watch as he uses gameplay footage from some of the top programs in college hockey to break down the responsibilities of each player, regardless of their position, when it comes to defending in each scenario.
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See also:
- The Breakdown:Strategies & Tips for Goalie Puck Handling (VIDEO)
- The Breakdown: Creating Strategies for Offensive Attack Options (VIDEO)
- The Breakdown: Working on the Basics of Passing & Shooting (VIDEO)
David Starman
Starman has spent 11 years as an NHL scout with Toronto, Montreal, Seattle. He is a member of USA Hockey Player Development staff in New York State and has spent 25 years as an instructor with USA Hockey Coaching Education Program.
Starman tended goal for the University of Hartford before turning to the other side of the game, becoming the youngest head coach in Central Hockey League history in 2000 when, at age 31, he took over the Memphis River Kings. Starman later guided the New York Junior Bobcats of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League and was associate coach of the New York Apple Core of the Eastern Junior Hockey League. Starman is now one of the nation’s most respected college hockey TV analysts.
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