Looking to improve your gap control in hockey? For all you defensemen we are building off previous videos to break down how to control your gap better, and stop more forwards before they enter the zone.
In my previous video titled "How to Move or Defend Like an Elite NHLer," I discussed specific skating patterns that are essential for achieving effective Gap control. If you haven't watched it yet, I highly recommend checking it out. It provides a great foundation for the mechanics we'll be exploring in this video.
When it comes to actually controlling the Gap during a rush, there are specific techniques you can employ when skating backward. I personally recommend using the soft drag. The reason behind this recommendation is simple: when you're skating backward, stopping abruptly can slow you down and cause you to lose momentum. Techniques like a reverse snowplow or a two-foot stop can be detrimental if the opposing player changes direction. That's where the soft drag comes in.
By employing the soft drag, you can effectively close the Gap without sacrificing your momentum. It requires minimal effort and allows for quick changes in direction. Instead of exerting excessive force or making big movements, this technique enables you to swiftly adapt while maintaining your speed.
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It's such an awesome technique that complements the forward direction nicely. It does require a lot of strength of the supporting leg tho' and the direction change is much faster going backwards. I'll try and dedicate a lot of hours on this technique in the coming season. Great content as always.
Completely agree and that is great to hear. Thanks and best of luck!
Another fantastic video. Thank you! I try to use the crossover only when accelerating to match speed and then adjust directional changes with the soft drag. Crossing over while the attacker is coming at you is an easy way to get crossed up and they go right around you. The soft drag also works awesome as a transition into a backwards crossover. This maintains momentum and makes for a smooth transition into forward skating. I started skating out as an adult and don't notice doing things until something in your videos comes up and I'm pointing and yelling at the screen with excitement. Thank you!
Haha love that and you are welcome.
I play Defense in pretty much the lowest grade in the world I reckon, (D grade in Australia). The trouble I have is that when a forward is approaching, they will frequently just lose the puck or, not know what to do, try to shoot and miss the puck, heaps of random stuff. You can't guage what they're gonna do because they themselves don't know what they're gonna do! So if you try to play like a normal Defenseman with the assumption that "this player is going to try to skate around me or pass or shoot" It just doesn't work. So you end up just standing there 90% the time waiting for them to attempt to skate into your zone, thinking, "should i go get the puck off this person or am i taking a risk possibly ending up on the wrong side of the puck in doing that? " I like the idea of soft dragging toward them, I'm gonna try that in tonight's game.
Awesome, that is your best bet even when players are this unpredictable.
I find playing D, defending offensive players, is a lot about patience, especially in the lower levels. Wait til they make a mistake, then capitalize. If in doubt, be conservative, you should have supporting players coming back eventually to help
Thanks. Excellent stuff as usual.!!
Your welcome 👍
thank you so much
You're welcome 👍
Hello Jason! How much space should you have between you and the other player? Hope you are doing well!
Ideally gapped up and but enough that you're not going to get beat in any foot races.
@@Train2point0 ok thank you!
This really helps me playing my squirt games. I would crossover until I found the soft drag.
👍👍👍
Thank you mister White Flame
you are welcome Peter 👍
A great video. So helpful!
1 foot light snowplow
Bingo.
Sup Jason Yee ? How are you doing bro ? You're looking like Rasmus Dahlin.
Haha working on it!