Defensive Stick Position Basics
Defense
Legend
- player
- defender
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Teach young players to use proper stick position on the ice to defend against a slow-moving puck carrier.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
Your focus
Good defensive stick position , blade flat on the ice, in the puck lane , prevents easy passes and forces puck carriers to higher-risk areas. Teaching this at a young age builds the foundational defensive body and stick habits that reduce scoring chances at all future levels. A low stick is the first defensive tool every player must master.
Players pair up: one attacker, one defender.
Attacker skates slowly with the puck; defender skates backward in front, stick blade flat on the ice in the puck's path.
Attacker must try to pass around the defender's stick; defender must keep the stick in the passing lane.
Switch roles every 3 minutes.
Goal
You've got it when your stick stays flat on the ice between you and the puck, and the carrier can't slip past without running through you.
Helpful cues
- Stick on the ice, always
- Your blade is a wall in front of the puck
- Skate your stick into position, do not reach
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Attacker stays stationary while defender practices positioning the stick correctly.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Attacker can now attempt a shot or deke, defender must maintain position through all options.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.