Defensive Zone Face-Offs

Defensive zone face-offs can present a dangerous situation for the defense. This youth hockey drill video looks at some of the hockey tactics involved when the face-off is deep in the defensive zone.

Transcription:

Defensive zone face-offs are very dangerous for hockey teams. You have to be sure that you know exactly where you're going, not only if you win the face-off, but if you lose the face-off. Again, there are three things to focus on.

Number one, the center's in charge. The center needs to check with all the players to make sure they're in the correct position and also check to make sure the players know what their responsibilities are should the face-off be lost.

The second most important thing is for the center to win the face-off into the corner. That will allow the puck to be in the safest place behind the goal line. After the puck gets into the corner, it's a defense job to start a breakout pass by switching sides with the puck to the winger who's moving off the face-off circle onto the other side.

So to review, it's important to know where you're going should you not win the face-off. It's important for the center to be in charge and win the face-off and for the defense to get the puck out of the zone as quickly as possible.

We're going to watch as these athletes walk through a defensive zone face-off. Okay, guys.

The second most important thing is for the center to win the face-off into the corner. That will allow the puck to be in the safest place behind the goal line. After the puck gets into the corner, it's a defense job to start a breakout pass by switching sides with the puck to the winger who's moving off the face-off circle onto the other side.

So to review, it's important to know where you're going should you not win the face-off. It's important for the center to be in charge and win the face-off and for the defense to get the puck out of the zone as quickly as possible.