Defensive Skills

Angling is a defensive hockey technique using positioning and skating to steer opponents toward less dangerous areas, reducing scoring chances and creating turnovers without risky hits.

Body checking is a controlled defensive technique in hockey that uses positioning, timing, and balance to separate opponents from the puck safely and effectively.

Clearing the zone is a key defensive hockey play that moves the puck out of the defensive zone to relieve pressure and transition to offense. Mastery requires timing, awareness, and smart decisions.

Gap control is a defensive skill that maintains optimal distance from the puck carrier to challenge effectively. Mastering it involves skating, positioning, anticipation, and timing to frustrate attackers and control the play.

Pinning on the boards is a hockey defensive technique using body positioning to trap opponents and the puck along the boards, enabling control and support from teammates during puck battles.

The poke check is a defensive hockey technique using the stick to jab or sweep the puck away, requiring timing, positioning, and control to disrupt opponents and create turnovers.

Shot blocking in hockey involves positioning, timing, and courage to stop or deflect shots safely. Mastery requires technique, awareness, and quick recovery to protect the net effectively.

A stick lift is a precise defensive hockey technique used to lift an opponent's stick and gain puck control, requiring timing, positioning, and clean execution to create turnovers and scoring chances.