Notes on playing defense in hockey

• Defensive coverage in the attacking zone: When your team playing offense in the attacking zone, you should work with your partner to balance offensive pinching and defensive coverage. The strong side defenseman should play deeper in the zone to participate in the attack and to keep the puck in. The weak side defenseman should play back to cover, in case the play goes the other way.
• When you're playing the point in the offensive zone, periodically count the number of opposing players in front of you. It should always be 5. If it's not 5, there's a cherrypicker behind you and the potential for a breakaway.