How to Play 1 on 1 Defense in Ice Hockey

Good defense keeps the other team from scoring. In hockey, defense can come down to one defense player to one offense player, which is called one on one defense. When it comes down to this type of defense, you need to be able to outplay the offense.

Instructions

    • 1

      Be able to skate backwards. Ice hockey requires that you know how to skate. You need to keep your offensive player in sight at all times. Focus on the offensive player rather than the puck. The top priority for the defensive player is to break up the play and get the puck out of the prime area as quickly as possible.

    • 2

      Separate the puck from the offensive player. Depending on your skill level, you can check the offensive player and gain possession of the puck. If you get possession, you want to get the puck away from your net. Look for your wingers and pass the puck. You can pass to the left side or take the puck behind the net and pass it up the right.

    • 3

      Master the skills required to play defense in hockey. In addition to being able to skate backwards, you need to be able to pass the puck, skate with the puck and be able to check. You need to know where to go after you gain possession and pass the puck. Typically you'll skate to the opposite line and become the winger for the next play.

    • 4

      Practice playing one on one defense. This prepares you for when it happens in a game. The more you practice, the better you are at implementing the defense.