How to Improve your Defensemen

with Mark Carlson,
Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL) Head Coach

Coach Carlson, the USHL's Coach of the Year in 2004-05, shares 15 important drills and details for defensive hockey. His rebuilding efforts produced the best record and first Clark Cup title in team history. His presentation begins with a drill for advancing the puck, which teaches quick advancement and checking shoulder. The one-man breakout drill focuses on small details of defensive play. The full ice one-on-one drill challenges players with gap and stick position of defensemen. one touch passing, shooting through the cones, forehand receive and blue line passing drills all help defenders develop offensive skills on the blue line. Carlson's "M" drill is his most effective competitive drill and is run at the end of practice. It works on wrist shots on the goal. Carlson also uses his players to illustrate tips on stick positioning. The stick-on-stick technique is taught for defensive purposes. All the drills shown deal with the small details that will help your defensemen become better players. Improving defensive play is one big part of developing a successful hockey program year after year.

40 minutes. 2006.

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